Web Posted - Thursday November 29, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - He is a deep thinker, a perfectionist - two traits which work well for a committed musician. The audio 'images' evoked through the arrangements unveiled to date by Brandon Waldrop, are undeniable windows into the treasure trove in store for music lovers from this talented pan player's musical palette. Intrigued by, and happy especially when he is engaged in a musical workout on the famous Ying Yang (six pan), Brandon embraced the challenge in mastering one of the more complex voices in the family of steelpan instruments. It is this energy, this element which is his signature on his path as he becomes a consummate steelpan musician.
read more, see interview

Web Posted - Wednesday November 28, 2018
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Trinidad & Tobago. W.I. - Starlift Steel Orchestra will be the recipient of three more years of sponsorship from Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Ltd (MHTL).

This was announced during the Starlift on Fire event held at Starlift panyard last Tuesday night.

Dr Euric A Bobb, chairman of MHTL, said three years ago, when his board decided to expand the scope and visibility of the company’s social engagement with the national community, support for the steelband movement seemed an obvious choice. Not only is the steelband TT’s unique, iconic brand, but it is also an ideal vehicle for building social capital, knitting communities together, and uplifting young people in wholesome group activity while at the same time providing the pure joy of musical entertainment.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 27, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - The legendary and iconic composer Dr. Winsford Devine has partnered once again with veteran performer and ace songwriter himself Edwin Ayoung aka “Crazy.” The latter steps forward as vocalist once more for Trinidad & Tobago’s upcoming 2019 steelband Panorama and carnival season.

The talented duo comes together for “I’ll Be There” - a song penned in tribute to and in memory of, some of Trinidad and Tobago's most cherished cultural icons who have passed, a few very recently.
listen to tune

Web Posted - Monday November 26, 2018
Ouachita Baptist University

Arkansas, USA - Ouachita Baptist University has begun offering an after-school, community steel band program for fourth and fifth graders from Peake Elementary School in Arkadelphia. The steel band, called Pan Harmony, meets every Monday on Ouachita’s campus from 3 to 5 p.m.

The community steel band program began at the start of the 2018 fall semester with nine Peake Elementary students and student volunteers from Goza Middle School, Arkadelphia High School and Ouachita. The program is geared toward fourth and fifth graders specifically because they are not yet old enough to play school sports or join the school band. The students will have the opportunity to show the skills they have learned this semester during Ouachita’s fall and spring steel band concerts.

“To have young students excited about music, and excited about learning music from a different culture other than our own, is very exciting,” said Dr. Ryan Lewis, director of the steel band program and associate professor of music at Ouachita.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 25, 2018
When Steel Talks

New York, USA - When, with a moving and evocative rendition of Shadow’s “One Love”, Count Robin and a host of artistes including Ajala and Dr. Witty, brought down the curtains around midnight, the audience didn’t leave. Robin’s ability to invoke Shadow’s spirit while capturing the master’s persona, not just the broad-brimmed hat and all-black attire but his distinctive moves, left attendees speechless and motionless as if possessed by Shadow’s “Jumbies”… wanting more calypso. And, as if in a Shadowesque trance, Yvette Rennie, president of the J'Ouvert International; Dr. Lawrence Waldron, facilitator of the Shadowlingo blog; Donna Cox, T&T NY Consulate; Roger Toussaint, leader of the 2005 Transit Strike which brought the city to a standstill; and many of the 350-plus crowd lingered at the November 14, Brooklyn Tribute to Winston (Shadow) Bailey and Winston Scarborough, De Original De Fosto Himself. 
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Web Posted - Saturday November 24, 2018
When Steel Talks

by Dalton Narine

Global - When Clive Bradley passed away on 26 November, 2005, he carried with him more music than he devoted to his life. He also left us with an uproarious humor, as if his new world would be even more electric, and his raucous, clucking laughter, a robust cackle, runs a line of symmetry through the center of his eyes. I still hear it, so I see it too.

It’s as if Bradley’s never been gone. Still up the hill, now way beyond yonder where he’d devised and concocted his music. Indeed, to Bradley, a geometric soul, less is still more.

Parse that. 
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Web Posted - Saturday November 24, 2018
When Steel Talks

by Dalton Narine

Global - Rebecca Was Something Else, Yes

She left everybody in heat.

And something else defined Rebecca. Not only the drinking and carousing. Might have been the wicked weed, too. How she had used it throughout the 1983 Carnival. Everywhere she went. In the dancehall. In the tent. On radio. By the Dry River. On the Hill. At Panorama.

That's where the showdown for her passion took place.

Talk of the town was about which arranger would take Rebecca home Panorama night? Clive Bradley of Desperadoes, or Leon Edwards of Trinidad All Stars?

Every breath would be baited. Who to ketch whom?
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Web Posted - Friday November 23, 2018
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - On the occasion of the United Nation’s observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25^th 2018, Desperadoes Steel Orchestra joins with the various global voices in demanding a safer and more nurturing environment for all women and young girls; particularly within the steelpan fraternity. It is our belief that the eradication of discrimination, abuse and violence against our women can only auger well for the sustainability of our heritage as well as, our nation’s peace and productivity.
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Web Posted - Thursday November 22, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - His passion for Pan burns as fiercely as it does for Hip hop through rhyme; life experiences find unapologetic and cutting expression through verse and rhythm. Rico Hunte is on a musical mission that is unabashed and includes the steelpan where it belongs - naturally in sync with other “conventional” instruments. He’s proudly plotting and travelling his own path, not compromising his craft for a quick quest in popularity. At his core, CASYM [Steel Orchestra]; Hunte, in his own words, tells his-story to date.

On the mixture of Pan and Hip hop Rico says “I like where it is going. Pan has been hidden for so long - out there for so long. And Pan has been, like this kind of percussion instrument that people really don’t know. And now that it is kinda getting out there I’m happy about it.”
read more, see interview

Web Posted - Thursday November 22, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Greetings all! I flew in this afternoon to be here and am out tomorrow because it is truly an honor to be asked to help honor our beloved Dr. Winston Bailey, The Shadow. Many of you here today are probably more knowledgeable about his work and some of you may have even known him more intimately - a pleasure, which I did not have. Actually, my last carnival before first coming to the U.S was 1974, the year Bassman won. As we battled that wrenching period spanning several years of adjustment to life in this country, Shadow's works were among the things that helped keep me--as it did others--anchored in our Caribbean Culture while cheating depression, if not insanity.

It was 1971 when Errol Pilgrim and I walked into Port Services to catch the Mighty Shadow’s first songs at a public venue.

Indeed, Shadow kept the Trinbagonian Village alive. He was a constant reminder of our better values and kept our Conscience in check.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 18, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, members of Brooklyn Steel Orchestra management speak about the goals of the organization and their highly successful “Pan Is Sweet” concert.

They are extremely intelligent, unpretentious, focused, driven, abundantly talented, and are high-character individuals. Coming off the high of the extremely successful Pan is Sweet they made it known that this is only the beginning. They have a lot more in store for the global Pan world. Watch out for this young group of doers that has grasped the dragon by the horns. Travis Roberts, Kernel (Kern) Simon, Marc Brooks, Orisha John, Wayne Bernard, Jahlani Roberts, Kendall Williams and Shelly George comprise the core group of BSO decision-makers.
read more, see interview

Web Posted - Friday November 16, 2018
Grand Forks Herald

North Dakota, USA - If you close your eyes, you might think you're on a beach in the Caribbean, so mellow are the mesmerizing sounds of steel pan drums that fill the band room at UND's Hughes Fine Arts Center.

It's nearly impossible to not move with the rhythms that 13 students create with mallets on pans, sticks on the drum set, and hands on the shekere, a gourd-shaped instrument covered in a bead netting.

Under the direction of Mike Blake, members of the UND Steel Pan Band are preparing for a concert which begins at 8 p.m. Monday at the Chester Fritz Auditorium.

It will be the last time Blake, percussionist and teacher, will lead the group on stage. He intends to retire at the end of the school year, closing the book on a 42-year teaching career with the UND music department.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 11, 2018
When Steel Talks

Illinois, USA - It was not too long ago that WST would request embed codes to live steelband music streams from universities, other performances - and we were met with resistance or the proverbial “What’s that?” Times have changed. We no longer have to ask for embed codes for live streaming broadcasts of steel orchestras - they are shared with or offered to us by the performers without asking, or YouTube or Facebook provides them. And folks realise these are not guarded ‘state secrets.’

NIU (Northern Illinois University) was one of the first programs that was progressive and forward-thinking enough to provide access to their stream embed codes to allowed a shared broadcast of their concerts on WST’s platforms. And as a result the WST global audience have become accustomed to seeing and experiencing great performances from NIU steelbands and featured guest artists over the years.
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Web Posted - Saturday November 10, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Colvin Fields is both the writer and vocalist of this track. It is called ‘Deadbeat Dad.’
listen to tune

Web Posted - Saturday November 10, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - The extremely talented, articulate, charismatic and forward-thinking Jahlani Roberts is highly intelligent. Full of exuberance for the steelpan art form and knows which way is up. Moreover, he is a do-er not a talker.

Jahlani has invested in his vision of what can be and should be with ‘both feet’ in. Never standing still, he has carved out a space within the performing arts sector where he can be most effective and impactful. A quick learner and study, he has turned his experiences and challenges into fuel, opportunities and a road map for success.
read more, see interview

Web Posted - Thursday November 8, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Prolific performer and songwriter Edwin Ayoung aka “Crazy” - is out front again as vocalist (and co-writer) on this track called ‘Ice Cream’ released in time for the 2019 steelband Panorama and Carnival season.

His sassy double-entendre skills are on display in this selection, which joins ‘Get Pay’ also sung by “Crazy” and released a few days ago. That ditty is already enjoying accolades from music lovers.
listen to tune

Web Posted - Thursday November 8, 2018
MENAFN - News 784

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, W.I. -On Friday 9^th November 2018, the Pan Against Crime Committee will be handing over a brand new set of steel pans, valued over $90,000, to Epic Sounds of Calliaqua, the latest pan side to be established here.

The event will be celebrated with the hosting of a Concert, at the Calliaqua Hard Court, commencing at 6:30 p.m.

Symphonix and Epic Sounds Steel Orchestras and the Police Band will provide music, while cultural performances will be rendered by students of the Calliaqua and Fair Hall Government Schools and Police Youth Clubs in the area.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 7, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - A San Juan, Trinidad-born native, Lennox Picou started his career at a young age on the local television station in Trinidad. He moved on to popular local bands as lead vocalist, gaining national recognition.

Lennox’s passion for music includes composing, and actively collaborating in the arrangement, and production of the songs he performs.

For the 2019 Panorama season Picou vocalizes ‘D-Azz,’ featured here. It is written by Winsford Devine and Edwin Ayoung.
listen to tune

Web Posted - Tuesday November 6, 2018
When Steel Talks

Global - Ramon “Jose Juan” Diaz, a soca artist residing in the United States, originally hails from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean.

He is a member of the U.S.-based Dynamite Calypso Tent and has competed for many years, both in St. Vincent and the U.S.A., in various calypso competition shows.

Jose Juan has recorded songs written by Miguel Reyes over the years, and the duo comes together again and collaborates on this track, ‘Light It Up.’
listen to tune

Web Posted - Tuesday November 6, 2018
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Trinidad & Tobago. W.I. - First Citizens is the proud sponsor of Pan Development Unlimited (PDU), a training school, which offers courses in advance pan tuning, and pan construction.

First Citizens chairman Anthony Smart recently met with Kerbasie Daniel, the most outstanding student for the 2018 programme as well as Barry Yeates, manager of Pan Development Unlimited.

Speaking at the First Citizens Corporate Centre in Port of Spain, chairman Smart said, “As a Group committed to the development of local culture and young people, First Citizens understands that the concept of setting-up and running courses in making and tuning the steelpan instrument is critically important to the preservation of the art form.” Smart continued, “The reality is that without pan-makers and pan-tuners, there would be no steel band movement.”

The First Citizens sponsorship of the 2018 Basic Pan tuning course ran from July-August at the Belmont Secondary School under the guidance of instructors Musa Muhammad and Brian “Bean” Griffith.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 6, 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 this track, ‘Pan From Heaven,’ for the 2019 Panorama season.
listen to tune

Web Posted - Saturday November 3, 2018
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Trinidad & Tobago. W.I. -  Just three days after the calypso fraternity said farewell to the Mighty Shadow, De Original De Fosto Himself (Winston Scarborough) died of a suspected heart attack yesterday morning.

De Fosto, who suffered from heart problems, was discovered at his Morvant residence by his son Gabriel, who also resides with him.

Yesterday, in shock and too distraught to say much, Gabriel said: “I was daddy’s boy. I lived with him in Morvant and this thing is a real shock as daddy hasn’t been sick. Last night (Thursday), he complained of not feeling well and this morning I already had on my work clothes when he died. I still have on my clothes for work.

“Daddy and I were very close, like how a father and son are supposed to be. He used to ask me my opinion on the calypsoes he would compose. This Friday really isn’t going good for me.”

De Fosto, 64, also had an older son, Marvin, who resides in New York.

National Carnival Commission (NCC) Winston “Gypsy” Peters was one of the first cultural officials to express sadness at De Fosto’s passing.

“I am in shock; utter shock. I haven’t even gotten over Shadow as yet, and now Winston gone too,” Peters said.
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Web Posted - Friday November 2, 2018
Stabroek News

China opens largest Caribbean embassy in Trinidad & Tobago

China’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Song Yumin tries his hands at playing the steel pan, surrounded by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Steel Orchestra.

Trinidad & Tobago. W.I. -  (Trinidad Express) The People’s Republic of China has opened in Maraval its largest embassy in the English-speaking Caribbean­region.

The sprawling and stunning new diplomatic premises, set on two and half acres of land at 76 Long Circular Road, was officially opened on Wednesday evening by Chinese Ambassador Song Yumin.

....Song told the Express the search for new premises began ten years ago, with the help of the Trinidad and Tobago Government. Construction at the Maraval site, located opposite the Trinidad Country Club, started four years ago by a team of Chinese developers.
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Web Posted - Thursday November 1, 2018
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) has launched a customised steelpan manufacturing programme at its head office in Macoya. This customized programme is the result of a Memorandum of Agreement signed in July, between MIC-IT and the National Gas Company (NGC) to benefit sponsored steel band members.

It is intended to arm graduates with knowledge and practical skills for pan construction, pan tuning and fabrication of the necessary pan tools and accessories.

At the launch, NGC president Mark Loquan indicated that NGC sponsoring the programme was not just another corporate social responsibility activity.
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Web Posted - Thursday November 1, 2018
Daily Chronicle

DeKalb, Illinois, USA -  The Northern Illinois University Steelband will present its fall 2018 concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building.

The event will be dedicated to the memories of steelband legends Ellie Mannette and Ken “Professor” Philmore, both of whom recently passed away.

The program also will feature the All-University Steelband and Community School for the Arts Steelband, as well the NIU Steelpan Studio.

The NIU Steelband will host Faye Seeman, professor of harp, as its guest artist.

....The NIU Steelband is directed by Liam Teague and Yuko Asada.
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 2018 Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Panorama Info - Complete

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - PanOnTheNet/ WhenSteelTalks is Panorama Central!  Complete information on the 2018 season of the Trinidad and Tobago National Panorama, and competitions:  Schedules, Orders of Appearance for preliminary, semi-final and final phases for large, medium and small conventional steel orchestras, and single pan bands; arrangers’ bios, bios of steel orchestras; full results, panyard addresses, history of previous Panoramas, and much more!
see complete information index

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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