When Steel Talks

Global - Trinidad and Tobago Panorama and Carnival Schedule of Events.
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Web Posted - Monday December 31, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Early in his career, David Rudder acquired a reputation as a back-up singer in the calypso tent run by Lord Kitchener.  Rudder’s first big break came when Christopher “Tambu” Herbert, lead singer with Charlie’s Roots, fell ill after an exhausting tour of Guyana and suggested his friend Rudder as a temporary replacement.

Rudder stayed on as a co-lead singer, and built a reputation globally for his scintillating performances. He is also a prolific composer.

Featured on vocals here for the 2019 season, Rudder also wrote the lyrics for this track - ‘EL (Ellie)’ - with music by Jeff Narell. As the latter describes it - an elegy for Dr. Ellie Mannette. It is a tribute to the late steelband legend.
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Web Posted - Monday December 31, 2018
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago would not be paying remittances to panists who play in Panorama 2019 and 2020.

So said Beverly Ramsey-Moore, President of the Pan Trinbago in an interview with Newsday Tobago. Ramsey Moore said steel bands will be asked to help in raising funds to help with their players’ expenses.

“I cannot, at this time, make any promise on players’ remittances for 2019 and 2020.We know that the players are a bit disappointed, but we definitely cannot afford it because we’ve seen where we’ve moved from budgets of $30,000 to $20,000.

“So, we are asking bands to do whatever is necessary to raise revenues to assist in meeting the expenses for their players, but at this time, we would not be able to pay players’ remittance,” she said.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 30, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Destra Garcia was born in November of 1977 in Trinidad and Tobago, and hails from a musical family. “When I am up there performing I feel the music as I move and I know it’s great to be a woman....”

Mark Loquan wrote the music for this track ‘Professor Say!’, while Destra took care of the lyrics. Both were long-time music collaborators with the late Ken “Professor” Philmore, in whose honor the track was composed. Destra says “I penned this song on the plane coming home from a show. I had just found out. As tears rolled down my face, I started to write, I could feel Pro’s spirit comforting me and inspiring me at the same time. Such emotion came over me in that moment, and then again as I sang the lyrics in studio. Something special was created. I hope this song brings closure to all who loved him as it has done for us.”
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Web Posted - Sunday December 30, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Friends, supporters and fellow competitors. Indeed a special relationship and bond have emerged among New York steelband music arrangers Odie Franklin, Marc Brooks and Kendall Williams. Dubbed “The Three Amigos,” because of their friendship, it is their success on stage as steelband Panorama arrangers that has propelled them into global prominence and recognition within the steelband music artform.

Immensely talented, each is a firmly skilled and established musician and arranger in his own right.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 29, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Atiba is also known as Colvin Atiba Fields; he is the vocalist and co-wrote this track along with Debra Consuelo Fields. Called ‘Pan Justice,’ Fields indicated that it is a tribute to Uncle Eddie Boom (Edmond Fields).
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Web Posted - Saturday December 29, 2018
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters has declared the North Park, which is to replace the North Stand at the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS), Port of Spain, would not be a “free for all.”

Peters also was adamant that the organisation, under his watch, would be weaned away from its dependence on government subventions and put on a path of self-sufficiency.

“It is the focus instituted by my stewardship and that is the model we are using,” he said on Friday.

“I hope that long after I am gone that it is going to be used because it is one that is beneficial to the people of TT. At the end of the day, it is the people of TT’s money and it has to be spent prudently.”

Peters, who became NCC chairman in April, condemned what he called the “culture of freeness” in TT, saying that under his stewardship, it would no longer be business as usual as the organisation prepares for a long and potentially hectic 2019 Carnival season which climaxes on March 4 and 5.

....Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore said last week she was upset about the move but hoped the proposed North Park would ensure the organisation does not lose any revenue.

Peters said change was often hard to accept.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 27, 2018
When Steel Talks

New York, USA - “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go” or so the song goes. But everyone like knows it isn’t really Christmas until the annual CASYM Christmas dinner and show has taken place.

With colors of red, white and green everywhere, on December 23, 2018 the St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York was abuzz with the excitement of the youth of Class One and Class Two looking forward to their night’s performance. Past CASYM students/members, family and friends of years gone by, CASYM’s present students and young ones who will undoubtedly be in CASYM’s future - locked in a life cycle of CASYM’s past, present and future. The show displayed a reality version of “A CASYM Christmas Carol,” but minus the ghosts and Ebenezer Scrooge, of course. Instead, all present were gathered to witness, feel and live the experience of what is almost always one of the organization’s two annual signature concert events, shining the music spotlight on steel orchestra performances while also incorporating the element of dance.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 26, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Trinidad-born George Rampersad played with steel orchestras in his homeland before migrating to Denmark in 1984. There, he taught pan in music schools, youth clubs and adult evening classes in the cities of Odense and Aarhus.

Rampersad has also arranged with Sweet Pans, touring Manchester, England. As composer, he is sharing the second of two tracks, ‘Brotherhood Of Man,’ for the 2019 Panorama season.
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 25, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - He is one of the most prolific, well-known songwriters to have ever walked the planet. With over 600 (six hundred) songs under his belt and to his credit, his songs have shaped and influenced generations. And in no short order he is one of the greatest creators of songs that have defined and championed all aspects of Trinidad and Tobago life and culture. Music that has touched the soul, defined and crossed generations, are undeniably his.
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 25, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Make your Holidays sassy & merry with Neville Jules’ classic Medley that moved Trinidad All Stars to celebrate year of love for millennials in 2000
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 18, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - For the 2019 steelband Panorama season “Crazy” has already been heard on Get Pay, Ice Cream and I’ll Be There. This is yet another release, co-written this time around with the UK’s Mighty Jamma - ‘Tribute to Lynn Taitt.’ (AKA Nerlin Taitt).
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 18, 2018
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The absence of the North Stand may save the National Carnival Commission [NCC] significant money, but without a viable alternative, it may cost Pan Trinbago millions in ticket revenue.

President of Pan Trinbago Beverley Ramsey-Moore told the Guardian in a phone interview that the decision to scrap the North Stand most directly affected her organisation, as apart from regular patrons, several companies negotiate packages with Pan Trinbago concerning the North Stand for Panorama.

"We stand to lose if the North Park is constructed as proposed.

"I have raised it with NCC, I have raised it also with my staff and we expect that whatever design is put forward will ensure that Pan Trinbago's events are not affected," said Ramsey-Moore, who said that she understood and welcomed change but that it should not come at the expense of pan as the other interest groups would not be as greatly affected as Pan Trinbago. 
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Web Posted - Monday December 17, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Meyer Levin School for the Performing Arts held their fortieth Winter Concert this past weekend. It evoked a lot of phenomenal performance history here, in addition to documenting the continued existence of an abundance of gifted, committed and talented youth in a thriving community.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 9, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - It is now day three of the Moods of Pan 2007 Festival and it is also the final night. Thus far, it has been two days of great entertainment with the steelpan instrument as the leading act. Tonight is called "Another Side of Pan" where, in the tradition of great final nights at previous Moods of Pan festivals, some awesome musical performances have been delivered by some very great acts. This year would not break from that tradition. In fact, it would add to the mystique of the Sunday evening "Another Side of Pan" legacy.

The show opened with performances by local acts the Mason Brothers band who were followed by the Roots Steel Band featuring Aubrey “Lacu” Samuel who put on a lively crowd-catching performance. Antigua's Gemonites Steel Orchestra then continued the night's spirited performance with their own set of crowd pleasers as only Gemonites can deliver.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 8, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - New Dimension Steel Orchestra delivers for Moods of Pan - in video.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 8, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - For three days the steelpan instrument took front and center as some of the most renowned musical talent in the world showcased their gifts at the 2007 Moods of Pan Festival in Antigua. Now in it's ninth year, Moods of Pan has firmly established itself as one of the international musical concert treasures. In addition it has made it's way into the consciousness of the Antiguan & Barbudan people. Operating under the guidance of its creator, Gemonites Steel Orchestra, the show has steadily increased in popularity and recognition.
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Web Posted - Friday December 7, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - While Trinidad & Tobago rightfully boasts of hosting the world's most famous national steelpan music event - Panorama - Antigua may soon be credited with holding the first truly significant international pan music event. "Moods of Pan Festival" is one of the premiere steelpan musical events in the region. No winners or losers here. Just extremely high-level entertaining musical performances by some of the best in the business globally. Moreover, top steel band music acts from the global community continue to be attracted to the event. This year's event, held from November 25th-28th featured local, regional and international steel orchestras and panists.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 5, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - David Rudder was surrounded by an audience of steelpan music enthusiasts. After all - this was the Moods of Pan Festival, with emphasis on ‘pan'. While many other artists - particularly in the Caribbean or world music genre - have turned their collective backs on the steelpan instrument and only make cursory gestures toward the genius and people of this grand invention when forced - David Rudder from day one has embraced the steelpan instrument, its people and culture. Pan is Rudder - Rudder is pan.

It is now the second night of the Moods of Pan 2008 festival. Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra has opened the show and has raised temperatures at the Denary Grounds with a fine musical set. Musical Youth and Golden Hands have now concluded their epic battle in the Five Alive competition. The rest of the night now belongs to David Rudder.
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 4, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - And the Lord said... Let there be Pan. Gospel Pan. Gospel was the primary genre for the opening night during Moods of Pan 2006 at the Deanery Grounds in the capital of Antigua. Intermittent sprinkles were looked upon as blessings from the Father and disregarded in general; instead full attention was focused on the 'food for the soul' being delivered in the form of heavenly music interpreted on pan. The crowd was comfortably seated under two large tents erected on the grounds.
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Web Posted - Monday December 3, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - The crowd gathered for the unveiling of the newest element of the annual Moods of Pan (MOP) festival in Antigua, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The ‘25-A-Side’ competition promised to be a treat for steelpan music connoisseurs - steelbands in concert. Here it is in - in Pictures.
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Web Posted - Monday December 3, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Always innovative, creative and pioneering - Antigua's Gemonites Steel Orchestra has again set a new pilot in motion for the global steelpan music community to analyze, experiment with, embrace, possibly follow, and implement. Gospel On Pan night was launched as a permanent and significant segment in the Moods of Pan Festival (MOP). The annual late fall three-day festival, now in its eighth year, is already a much-respected music staple in the Caribbean, and has now added an attractive new global appealing lead-off component to its already potent line-up.

Indeed, the Moods of Pan Festival has the potential to become a bona-fide triple threat - with each leg of the festival integrated into the overall MOP philosophy - while retaining independent, but alluring attributes and features that will appeal to a much wider cross-section of music lovers.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 2, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - A look back at the Moods of Pan music festival - showcasing ‘Gospel Night,’ ‘Five Alive,’ ‘Solo Competition,’ ‘Another Side Of Pan,’ ‘Jolly Beach Resort’ - all in Pictures.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 2, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Produced by Antigua’s Gemonites Steel Orchestra, Moods Of Pan in 2004 has been a monster musical showcase, bringing together steel orchestras from Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, New York and the England.  Highlights in pictures follow.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 1, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Multiple Grammy award-winning producer, song writer and performing artist Ralph MacDonald came to the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, sister isle of Barbuda - to have some fun. What was also very apparent from the onset was that the people of Antigua were in for a very special treat. Ralph MacDonald brought his A-team to town - and they were not about to take any prisoners.

This was MacDonald’s first visit to Antigua in his storied and wonderful career, and he made sure the people of Antigua and Barbuda were going to remember both him and his gang of musical Goliaths. The scene was surreal against the backdrop of the warm Caribbean night with the Antilles winds from the coast of Africa providing a natural cooling breeze - under what looked like a billion stars and planets twinkling like lights on a Christmas tree.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 1, 2018
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - There was much anticipation emanating from the crowd gathered for the unveiling of the newest element of the annual Moods of Pan (MOP) festival in Antigua, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The ‘25-A-Side’ competition promised to be a treat for steelpan music connoisseurs.

Outside of the annual Panorama festival for Antigua and Barbuda steelbands, there has not been another platform affording contingents of any considerable size to come together and perform in a competitive, or even showcase, arena.
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Web Posted
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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