Web Posted - Friday March 31, 2017
When Steel Talks

Meet Shareen Gray
London, UK

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

London, UK - “....It is my life and livelihood. Everyday I feel blessed that my whole world revolves around steelpan music. Both my business and charity give me so much enjoyment I sometimes feel very spoiled by my ‘fun pan lifestyle’.”

In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Shareen Gray, president of Steel Pan Agency, shares her commitment to the forward progress and passion for the steelpan art form & culture as a promoter, player, entrepreneur, and educator.
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Web Posted - Friday March 31, 2017
When Steel Talks

Meet Leigh Solomon Pugliano
Pennsylvania, USA

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Pennsylvania, USA - “The steelpan has always been an integral part of my life. As a teenager I performed with my father’s band. As a young adult, I taught in schools, gave lessons, conducted lectures and workshops and continued to perform with my father’s band. I am able to play every pan in the steel band family and excelled on the bass and double gitta [guitar]. As I got older and began working full-time, got married and had children, I continued to play professionally, I could not imagine not playing the steelpan.”

She is an entrepreneur, administrator, educator, and performing panist. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Leigh Solomon Pugliano outlines the means to shaping a forward direction for the steelpan art form in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and providing inspiration to future supporters of Pan.
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Web Posted - Friday March 31, 2017
When Steel Talks

Global - Tribute to a Steel Pan Fanatic and Cultural Ambassador “EARL KING”. Earl was the Founder and first President of J’Ouvert City International, Inc. the organization that is responsible for J’Ouvert held in Brooklyn on Labor Day. Brooklyn J’Ouvert is known for its uniqueness, “Steelpan music only, no amplification and no DJ music”.

“Earl also taught Steelpan music under the auspices of the Board of Education in many After School Programs. He also worked with various organizations teaching the art of playing the Steel Pan instrument. My brother and cultural comrade you will be missed.”
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Web Posted - Friday March 31, 2017
When Steel Talks

Meet Erica Renaud
Brooklyn, New York

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Brooklyn, New York, USA - “I actually saw the magic of steel pan on Labor Day in Brooklyn in the early 1970s. In those times the steel bands came down Eastern Parkway. There was always the presence of Jab Jab which made me afraid as a child, however I still would find my way to chip with the band.”

In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Erica Renaud a veteran Brooklyn panist shares her joy of performing in a champion steel orchestra with the additional pleasure of having her daughter performing by her side. An almost natural phenomenon and common benefit of a family growing up in the steelpan artform.
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Web Posted - Friday March 31, 2017
When Steel Talks

Meet Tameeka Garcia-Harris
Brooklyn, New York

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Brooklyn, New York, USA - “What keeps me going are my memories of growing up and being a part of pan sides in both St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and Brooklyn, NY during the summer months. Those were the best times of my life. There was a special kind of love and unity amongst the various pan sides.”

She is a performing artist, manager and co-owner of Steel-X-Plosion USA Orchestra. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Tameeka Garcia-Harris shares her joys, concerns and vision for the future of the Steel Pan instrument in New York and abroad.
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Web Posted - Thursday March 30, 2017
When Steel Talks

Meet Maurisha Potter
Antigua & Barbuda

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - “You gotta love what you do. It’s going to take a lot of practice, patience and dedication. You will make mistakes along the way but that’s the beauty about mistakes; you learn from them and if you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”

Involved in Pan since the age of 12, she is part of a growing and committed group of panists committed to meeting the challenges of continued growth for the steelpan instrument and art form in Antigua and Barbuda. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist Maurisha Potter shares her observations, insight and views on the Pan music art form and culture in Antigua and Barbuda.
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Web Posted - Tuesday March 28, 2017
When Steel Talks

Meet Malika Green
Chicago, USA

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Chicago, USA - For over 23 years the steelpan instrument has been an essential part of the life of this Fulbright scholar, educator, director, arranger and performer. She is currently a Community Engagement Coordinator, Director of Steel Orchestras, working with CYSO - Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras.

In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Malika Green shares her personal journey and perspective on the global reach and influence of the Steel Pan instrument, its music, and the art form in cultivating an environment for change.
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Web Posted - Monday March 27, 2017
When Steel Talks

Meet Kerry-Ann Wright
Toronto, Canada

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Toronto, Canada - “...never forget that being a woman, first and foremost, makes us special; and despite contrary belief, we do not have to act like men in order to be respected and gain success in the industry. Do everything with love and authenticity.”

She is an entrepreneur, a craftsman and innovator. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - multi-talented dancer, instructor, designer and musician Kerry-Ann Wright shares her optimism, expectations and views on the Steel Pan music art form in Toronto and more.
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Web Posted - Monday March 27, 2017
St. Thomas Source

EBO Steel Owls Steel Pan Orchestra Takes Gold in D.C.

St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. - A group of 11 young musicians from St. Thomas, the The EBO Steel Owls steel pan orchestra, captured gold and received highest honors from judges at the WorldStrides OnStage Music Festival, held Friday through Sunday in Washington, D.C.

The group of students from E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary School and Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, were the youngest performers in this year’s competition, competing against high school music groups from around the country, according to a news release from the V.I. Department of Education.
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Web Posted - Sunday March 26, 2017
When Steel Talks

Meet Quill Barthelmy -
St. Lucia, W.I.

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

St. Lucia, W.I. - “...my main role is to be a mentor, a leader, an organiser and a role model for the entire band. I think it’s very important to have women in lead roles, because this encourages girls and young women to express themselves and take on an active role.”

She is one of the main driving forces behind the success of Panorama Champion, Laborie Steelpan. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - mentor, director, manager and musician Quill Barthelmy shares her experiences, expectations and views on Pan in St. Lucia, and the steelpan art form.
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Web Posted - Friday March 24, 2017
When Steel Talks

Global - A look at the impact of American movies on the naming of early steelbands of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Web Posted - Friday March 24, 2017
When Steel Talks

Global - A look at the impact of American movies on the naming of early steelbands of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Web Posted - Friday March 24, 2017
When Steel Talks

Global - A look at the impact of American movies on the naming of early steelbands of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Web Posted - Thursday March 23, 2017
The Daily Texan

Austin Community Steelband brings harmony to low-income youths

Texas, USA - A steel drum orchestra relies on each musician’s ability to hit their notes, stay on tempo and put in the effort to create a spectacular experience for audiences. A small school in Austin today is carrying out that same mission to teach young students the art of steel band music and how to work together.

....In 2003, Paula Beaird started the Austin Community Steelband school in East Austin as a way to expose youths from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds to a musical world. The program, however, didn’t really find its rhythm until 2007 when other instructors came aboard from Trinidad and Tobago. The teaching staff at the time included musical directors Yohan Popwell and Leon Edwards as well as Natasha Joseph and Carl Caton.

Beaird, who is the executive director, said her goal is to spark the imagination in young people the same way she was captivated by steel band over thirty years ago.

....Beaird was drawn to the sound of steel drums after listening to them for the first time on a blues album by Taj Mahal. Austin Steelband tries to engage students in a similar way by having them practice with songs they like to listen to.
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Web Posted - Wednesday March 22, 2017
When Steel Talks

Meet Hallie Blejewski -
Connecticut, USA

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Connecticut, USA - “When I started college, I knew I wanted to be an ethnomusicologist and study music and culture as a career. I didn’t know what type of music I would specialize in. I was very inspired by my ethnomusicology professor, and he was the one who first suggested that I go to Trinidad. I fell in love with steelband music the first time I heard it. The day I bought my first tenor pan from Gill’s Pan Shop was definitely a turning point.”

She is an intellectual - multi-talented, thoughtful and progressive... In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist, musician, educator, PhD candidate, and performing artist Hallie Blejewski shares her reflections, journey and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form.
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Web Posted - Tuesday March 21, 2017
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The 2017 Trinidad and Tobago Panorama season—and by extension the Carnival season—was a tumultuous one that was overflowing with enough drama, intrigue, passion and controversy to field a season of Scandal, Empire or Game of Thrones. But in the end there was the music. An abundance of great music created by the finest arrangers, and outstanding performances delivered by the best steel orchestras in the world.

Two songs captured the imagination of Trinidad and Tobago for this 2017 Panorama and Carnival season - “Full Extreme” by Ultimate Rejects and “Good Morning” by Peter Ram. In fact, “Good Morning” became sort of the de-facto “test piece” as no other tune of choice has endeared itself to the steel orchestras as much in recent times. However, on closer inspection Bunji Garlin & Machel Montano’s “Buss Head” or Crazy’s “Gee Gee Ree” would be apropos to telling the complete Panorama season’s story.
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Web Posted - Sunday March 19, 2017
When Steel Talks

Global - A look at the impact of American movies on the naming of early steelbands of Trinidad and Tobago
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Web Posted - Sunday March 19, 2017
When Steel Talks

Global - A look at the impact of American movies on the naming of early steelbands of Trinidad and Tobago
read more

Web Posted - Sunday March 19, 2017
When Steel Talks

Global - A look at the impact of American movies on the naming of early steelbands of Trinidad and Tobago
read more

Web Posted - Sunday March 19, 2017
When Steel Talks

Global - A look at the impact of American movies on the naming of early steelbands of Trinidad and Tobago.
read more

Web Posted - Sunday March 19, 2017
When Steel Talks

Global - Within the historical context, a look at the impact of American movies on the naming of early steelbands of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Web Posted - Saturday March 18, 2017
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - On Tuesday 7^th March 2017, Hells Gate Steel Orchestra member Reginald Henry, who made sterling contributions to the orchestra and the art form in Antigua for over 70 years, passed away.

Reginald Henry, referred to most as “Reggie” or “Uncle Reggie,” was one of the founding members of the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, the world’s oldest steel orchestra, established 1945, in “The Point,” Antigua, West Indies. Hence, “Reggie” was a pioneer of the Antiguan steelband movement.
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Web Posted - Saturday March 11, 2017
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Panorama/Carnival 2017 came and left, in spite of all the shenanigans of different individuals who believe, that this thing through which we find an avenue for our soul expression, is about them. It is not about anyone, and cannot now be defined. All these new intellectuals (new kids on the block) with all the bright ideas of what should or should not be done within the people’s culture, must come to the reality that this is not something that is now happening, and waiting on anyone to be defined. Carnival is an expression of the spirit of a people - We culture, as some would say. When we came, it was, and when we leave, it will be. Intellectuals would swear by it, but the spirit of a people cannot be intellectualized.
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Web Posted - Friday March 3, 2017
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - This year’s exciting steelband performances at the National Panorama Medium & Large Conventional Finals are captured “live” on DVD and Flash Drive.

The 2017 production is a collaborative venture between Pan Trinbago Inc. T.C. and WACK 90.1fm and KMP Music.

Aptly titled “Transformation in Steel,” the products are designed to cater to a wider cross-section of the public.

According to the producer, the Flash Drive is in HD 1080P.
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Web Posted - Wednesday March 1, 2017
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Desperadoes and PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars are joint winners of the NLCB-sponsored Pan Trinbago Northern Region J’Ouvert Bomb Competition.

The event which was staged at Victoria Square, Port of Spain attracted bands in the Conventional and Single Pan Band categories from 6:00 am on Carnival Monday morning.
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Web Posted - Wednesday March 1, 2017
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Champs of Steel Plus will not be staged this year.

The cancellation of the popular Pan Trinbago-produced aprés-carnival event is due to the lack of financial resources.

Pan Trinbago President Keith Diaz, explained that in the past years, funding was in the main sourced from gate receipts from the Panorama events and sponsors.

“This year, the National Carnival Commission (NCC)” he said “has all the money from Panorama.”
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Web Posted - Wednesday March 1, 2017
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Elders and Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra have emerged National Panorama Champions in the Medium and Large Conventional Bands categories respectively at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad, last Saturday.

After a highly intoxicating night (Saturday) into wee hours of the next morning (Sunday) of an exquisite musical fare, the two champions were named.
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Web Posted - Wednesday March 1, 2017
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - So a few of us on Facebook have been at it with our annual post-panorama discussion, and clearly what seems to be the common thread is judging. Is there a better way? Well I've always felt there are a number of things that can be added or restructured to aid in a more transparent or qualified judging process. Will love to hear what you guys think.

Honestly, maybe the judges are being asked to do too much.
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Web Posted
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - At a glance and on a single page, access the comprehensive summary of results for the Small, Medium and Large conventional steel orchestras participating in their respective categories in the 2017 Panorama.

Follow the musical journey of respective bands through all three phases - preliminaries, semi-finals and finals through data on band info, scores, tunes of choice and arrangers.
access full summary here

 Tunes of Choice - Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2017

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - A unique playlist featuring only the music selected as Tunes of Choice for the Trinidad and Tobago 2017 Steelband Panorama and Carnival.
listen to playlist

Web Posted
When Steel Talks

Upcoming

Global  - Upcoming Steelpan music events from all over the world
click to calendar

Web Posted
When Steel Talks - Special

Champion Panorama Tunes of Trinidad and Tobago

Global - A critical component to winning any panorama competition is the song the orchestras choose to use as the basis of their panorama arrangements. Over the years these songs have inspired classic panorama arrangements. When Steel Talks invites you to take a look at and listen to, these famed tunes which have played more than just a cursory part in the history of Pan, and the lives of the players and fans.
click to hear and/or view