Web Posted - Thursday December 31, 2020
When Steel Talks

Remembering Panman Andre Boldan

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Andre Boldan was born on July 12, 1960, in Central Trinidad but lived in Arima his whole life.

....Andre Boldan has a long list of bands for which he performed or captained.  He has played with XY Cellotones, Heavens Super Panfere, Trinidad Nostalgic, Nuclear Symphonettes, Invaders (from age 15), Panvibes, Exodus, Tokyo, Arima Angel Harps, Simple Song, Melodians, and Opera Symphonic Sounds.  

....As an arranger, he worked with Pan on the Move, Five Rivers Junior Secondary, and Edinburgh 500 Steel Ensemble.  Andre credits Nervin “Teach” Saunders for making him a pan player....As a competitor, he took 5th place as a soloist in the Pan Is Beautiful III Musical Festival in 1984 where he represented Arima Angel Harps.  
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 29, 2020
When Steel Talks

Cyril Darceuil of Casablanca Steelband Passes

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The sun has set on the physical presence of a Casablanca Icon. On Christmas day Cyril Darceuil at 92 years quietly ceased to be part of our physical space. He will be remembered by those who knew him as a contributor to the musical experience of the Casablanca Steelband.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 27, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Carols and Classics In Steel | Moods Pan Groove in Concert 1995 | Manhattan Center  - Revisited

New York, New York, USA -  A very special holiday music concert at the Manhattan Center in New York, New York featuring - Moods Pan Groove, The Brooklyn Philharmonic Chorus, with special guests - Anne Fridal, Earl Brooks, Juliet Davilar, Robert Greenidge, Arddin Herbert, CASYM, with Rennie Bishop the Master of Ceremony... Sunday December 3rd 1995.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Saturday December 26, 2020
When Steel Talks

UK’s Ebony Steelband presents 2020 Christmas concert

England, UK - It’s Showtime! Ebony Steelband performs an awesome set for their annual Christmas concert at THE TABERNACLE for 2020. The aim is to lift up everyone’s spirit during these trying times with the orchestra’s virtual performance.
Watch

Web Posted - Saturday December 26, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Carnival Messiah - created by Dr. Geraldine Connor - Revisited

Carnival Messiah features a 25-player steelband performing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah

England, UK - Carnival Messiah, featuring a 25-player steelband playing the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah, is a full-scale theatre production by Dr. Geraldine Connor.

Geraldine Connor was born in London, in 1952, to Trinidadian parents and Caribbean cultural ambassadors Edric Connor, singer, actor, folklorist and film-maker and Pearl Connor, cultural activist, theatrical agent and black theatre consultant.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Saturday December 26, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Meyer Levin 8th Grade Steel Orchestra  - “Hallelujah Chorus” | 2011 ‘A Classical Holiday’ - Revisited

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Music and dance from the performing arts students.  The former was by the Meyer Levin 8th Grade Steel Orchestra playing the Hallelujah Chorus.  Spanning 6th, 7th and 8th grades - the orchestras delivered credible performances to a capacity crowd (standing room only) at the school’s auditorium.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Friday December 25, 2020
When Steel Talks

Appreciation, Best Wishes from Ontario Steelpan Association President

Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA) Press Release: President Terrence Wilson

Ontario, Canada - In the midst of these challenging times! It has been the most exploring year for PAN, the creative minds were at work taking the steelpan to the world and beyond VIRTUALLY.

It was a heartwarming experience for the many supporters/pan lovers to see world pan-players coming together to show that PAN is ALIVE.
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Web Posted - Friday December 25, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Despers Steel Orchestra - “We Three Kings” | 2001 ‘Reflections in Steel Concert’ - Revisited

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Despers USA Steel Orchestra performed a Wilfred Kieal-arrangement of “We Three Kings” written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Thursday December 24, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Meyer Levin Advanced Steel Band - “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” & more

Brooklyn, New York, USA - The Meyer Levin Advanced Steel Band took the spotlight - and delivered some command performances on steel which included “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” one of the themes from the Nutcracker Suite - “Nutcracker: The March,” and more. The orchestra performed at the 2019 ‘We Three Kings concert’ under the guidance of musical director Damany James.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Wednesday December 23, 2020
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

San Fernando “steelband warlord” Austin cremated

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Considered a steelband warlord and a man with musical gifts, 79-year-old Milton “Wire” Austin received tributes from mourners on Wednesday.

The funeral for the founding member of the San Fernando-based NLCB Fonclaire Steel Orchestra took place at the St Paul’s Anglican Church at Harris Promenade in San Fernando.

City mayor Junia Regrello said Austin was an unrivalled leader among his peers Austin's determination and influence, he said, were able to usher in the transformational evolution of the instrument in San Fernando.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday December 23, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Panist André White performs with keyboardist Khuent Rose at 2019 ‘We Three Kings’ concert

Brooklyn, New York, USA -   The audience was treated to a special set by two exceptional musicians, Khuent and André, who had the audience singing to their songs in jubilant accompaniment, especially with an impromptu collaboration with another musical ace, Marc Brooks.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Wednesday December 23, 2020
When Steel Talks

Some of Those In Pan We've Lost in 2020

The steelpan music community mourns the passing of some of the stalwarts of the art form in 2020.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 23, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Violist Asiah Wharton and panist Khuent Rose - “Silent Night” & much more | 2019 ‘We Three Kings’ concert

Brooklyn, New York, USA -  A special performance by violist Asiah Wharton (who also plays pan) and panist Khuent Rose on the double second pan.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Tuesday December 22, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

CrossFire Steel Orchestra - “We Three Kings” & much more | 2019 ‘We Three Kings concert’

Brooklyn, New York, USA - At the 2019 “We Three Kings” concert CrossFire Steel Orchestra delivered a beautiful medley rendition of the holiday classics - ‘We Three Kings’ and more. Check out the one and only late Martin "Dougie" Douglas on vocals on the last song at 11:27.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Sunday December 20, 2020
When Steel Talks

Condolences to the Fonclaire Steel Orchestra Community

Global - When Steel Talks extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Milton “Wire” Austin - panist, manager and founding member of Fonclaire Steel Orchestra.

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Web Posted - Sunday December 20, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Steel Orchestra Performances | 2019 ‘We Three Kings’ Christmas concert

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Performances from CrossFire, Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra, The Meyer Levin Advanced Steel Band, Khuent Rose & André White, and others - all part of the ‘We Three Kings’ concert.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Sunday December 20, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Meyer Levin 8th Grade Steel Orchestra  - “Carol of the Bells” | 2011 ‘A Classical Holiday’

Brooklyn, New York, USA - The performing arts students - spanning 6th, 7th and 8th grades - delivered dynamic performances to a capacity crowd (standing room only) at the Meyer Levin auditorium. Proud and adoring parents glued their eyes to the stage and their respective offspring, applauding the program featuring everything from the Nutcracker Overture to the Hallelujah Chorus.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Saturday December 19, 2020
When Steel Talks

Saying Goodbye to Karen Codrington

Global - In this time of COVID-19, much has changed, including the attendance of funerals/celebrations of life due to restrictions in size of gatherings. And this was of course true for the in-person attendance of the December 19 service for the late Karen Codrington, matriarch of and drummer/percussionist for the Codrington Pan Family; they were supported by those joining remotely. Preceding the official service, there was a moving montage of images set to the steelband version of Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone,” showcasing Karen and her beautiful family - illustrating in part how much of their adult lives were spent.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 19, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra - “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” | 2019 ‘We Three Kings concert’

Brooklyn, New York, USA - They left the audience mesmerized and applauding.  At the 2019 “We Three Kings” concert Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra (PESO) delivered a rousing rendition of the holiday classic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Saturday December 19, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

CrossFire Steel Orchestra - “Jingle Bells” & more | 2019 ‘We Three Kings concert’

Brooklyn, New York, USA - At the 2019 “We Three Kings” concert CrossFire Steel Orchestra delivered a beautiful medley rendition of the holiday classics - from ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Silver Bells,’ ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ to ‘Jingle Bells’ and more.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Friday December 18, 2020
When Steel Talks

Etienne Charles Remembers Ralph MacDonald:
Re-visited

 

Global - ....I first met Ralph in Trinidad on Carnival Tuesday in the late 90’s while he was jumping with Phase II, the band in which I was playing (even though he was a die-hard Desperadoes fan). He hopped up on the float and started playing congas, grooving hard. We next met in November 2005 when I was playing in Stamford, Connecticut with Roberta Flack.

....July 4th at Ralph’s was something to look forward to every year. Seeing the family grow, the musicians who’d show up, swimming in the pool, the food, the music, basketball with Anthony and Teebs, they all added to the good times.

....One thing is certain……Heaven just got a LOT funkier. I’m sure he’s up there now making heavenly sounds out of two spoons, chilling out in a white t-shirt, shorts, a baseball cap and of course his crocs (with socks) making the angels jam on the groove.
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Web Posted - Friday December 18, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Despers Steel Orchestra - “We Three Kings” | John Henry Hopkins, Jr. | 2001 ‘Reflections in Steel Concert’

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Despers USA Steel Orchestra performed a Wilfred Kieal-arrangement of “We Three Kings” written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Thursday December 17, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Pantonic Steel Orchestra - “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” | Judy Garland | 2001 ‘Reflections in Steel Concert’

Brooklyn, New York, USA - It’s Showtime! Pantonic Steel Orchestra performs a Keith Roberts-arrangement of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” popularized by Judy Garland - in concert at the then-Walt Whitman Theatre (now the Claire Tow Theater) in Brooklyn College. Tuner: Roland Harrigin.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Thursday December 17, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

ADLIB Steel Orchestra - “Sleigh Ride” | Johnny Mathis | 2001 Reflections in Steel Concert

Brooklyn, New York, USA - ADLIB Steel Orchestra performed a Stephen “Carlyle” Sampson-arrangement of “Sleigh Ride” popularized by Johnny Mathis.
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Wednesday December 16, 2020
When Steel Talks

REVISITED:  Karen Codrington of Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “It is very challenging juggling the different roles as a house-wife, mom, and musician. For example, sometimes I might be practicing at the pan yard while at the same time worrying about the pile of dirty clothes at home. Taking care of a family of 8 is no easy task but what makes it easier is the help of the rest of the family.” -- Karen Codrington

She lives it, talks it and walks it full time - 24-7-365. She is one of the world’s most successful steelpan parents. A panist and drummer in her own right, she oversees eight accomplished musicians. Share the real life of the matriarch of the Codrington’s Karen Codrington—in her own words—in a When Steel Talks exclusive.
see interview

Web Posted - Wednesday December 16, 2020
The Mercury

Spot of T: These panhandlers march to the beat of a different drummer

Brittany Pointe Panhandlers

Pennsylvania, USA - What images are conjured up when you hear the word panhandling? If you would have asked me that question two years ago, I would have immediately pictured a destitute individual, dressed in tattered clothes, holding a cup asking for money. A sad image indeed.

But now? That is not what I see at all. I see a group of fun-loving residents at Brittany Pointe Estates in Upper Gwynedd Township, Montgomery County, who came together with one goal in mind — to learn to play the steel drums.

Fast forward to now, and they have far exceeded expectations. They are a talented and hardworking group that meets twice a week to learn new skills and play some of the happiest and most lighthearted music on one of the happiest and most lighthearted instruments around, the steel pan, better known as steel drums.

But let me rewind. This journey started a year and a half ago....
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 15, 2020
When Steel Talks

Condolences to the Codrington Pan Family on the Passing of Karen Codrington

Global - When Steel Talks extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Codrington Pan Family on the passing of the matriarch of the family, Karen Codrington, on December 15, 2020.

Web Posted - Monday December 14, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Pan Rebels Steel Orchestra - “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” | Judy Garland | 2001 Reflections in Steel Concert

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Pan Rebels Steel Orchestra performs a Michelle (Williams) Thomas-arrangement of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Monday December 14, 2020
When Steel Talks

USSA presents “A New York Christmas” with New York steel orchestras & more

Brooklyn, New York, USA - New  York steel orchestras CASYM, Metro, CrossFire, Radoes, Harmony and TonicX, along with performing artists Earl Brooks, Jr., Khuent Rose and Jahlani Roberts can be seen on Sunday December 20 in concert.  The cast of performers are all part of a virtual steelpan showcase presented by USSA (United States Steelband Association). The event will be live streamed on Facebook at 8:00 p.m.
details

Web Posted - Sunday December 13, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Sonatas Steel Orchestra - “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” | Bing Crosby | 2001 Reflections in Steel Concert

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Sonatas Steel Orchestra performed a Garvin Blake-arrangement of Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”
Listen and watch

Web Posted - Friday December 11, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Xiaotong Zou of China

China - A chance meeting has developed into an intense love affair with the steelpan instrument, art form and culture. As a member of Planet Pan of Maine and Exodus Steel Orchestra of Trinidad, Xiaotong has experienced the magnificence of Pan and Panorama. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Xiaotong Zou of China shares how the steelpan instrument has impacted her life.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 10, 2020
When Steel Talks

Pamberi Steel Orchestra’s ‘Chow Chow!’ Christmas Concert

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....In many homes a variety of Christmas fare will be on the menu and a bottle of Chow Chow will be a popular condiment that will add the traditional Caribbean flavour to breakfast, lunch and dinner tables. Tune in to TTT (Trinidad and Tobago Television) on the evening of Wednesday December 16th, 2020 for the live broadcast of Pamberi Steel Orchestra’s Chow Chow! Christmas Concert.

On the musical menu will be selections from Pamberi’s very popular Caribbean Christmas album...
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Web Posted - Thursday December 10, 2020
When Steel Talks

Tiffany Haddish Gets The ‘Panman Treatment’

Actress-comedian asked to host Grammys pre-show with no pay

Global - ....There are thousands of pan people, musicians, who can attest to the multiple times when they have been asked to perform for “free.” Either as a solo performer, or even more astounding, an entire band.

....Ah well, renowned actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish also got a similar type ‘request’ for her services. And she called it out exactly for what it is.

“Disrespectful,” Haddish has declared, in response to the request from the ‘prestigous’ Grammys organization.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 10, 2020
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Steelpan tutor gets 9 years for relationship with student, 12

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - A steelpan tutor who began a sexual relationship with a then 12-year-old student in 2009, which eventually resulted in three children, has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

....In passing the sentence, St Clair-Douglas noted that Everton Joseph did not use violence towards the minor and that she did not resist his sexual advances after they met while she was learning to play the national instrument.
read more 

Web Posted - Wednesday December 9, 2020
When Steel Talks

Remembering Jomo Wahtuse - Inventor of world’s largest steelpan

by Simeon Sandiford

Global - ....Farewell Jomo as you begin your journey across the River Styx today playing ‘Fire Down Below’ composed by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe on one of your inventions, the elliptical pan called the ‘Jomoline’ using your latest creation - a pair of sticks fondly named ‘Thumps’....
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 9, 2020
When Steel Talks

Remembering Clifford “Rope” Alfred - Tuner and Panist

Global - “In 1973 he migrated to Venezuela where he further developed his skills as a tuner of great merit, by tuning pans of different styles of other tuners who had passed through Venezuela and left their pans there. After nine years in Venezuela he returned to Trinidad to join forces with tuners Tony Slater and Bertie Marshall.”
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Web Posted - Monday December 7, 2020
When Steel Talks

Condolences to Panist Lyndon Spencer

Global - When Steel Talks extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of panist and arranger Lyndon Spencer on the passing of his mother Vilma Spencer.

more

Web Posted - Monday December 7, 2020
When Steel Talks

Duvone Stewart - recipient of The Tobago Medal of Honour - Gold

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - When Steel Talks extends congratulations to champion Panorama arranger Duvone Stewart - recipient of The Tobago Medal of Honour - Gold

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Web Posted - Saturday December 5, 2020
When Steel Talks

SoMiSPO - Southern Miss Steel Pan Orchestra Fall 2020 Percussion Extravaganza - Livestream

Mississippi, USA - This December 5 livestream featured performances from various chamber percussion ensembles, Fresh Pans, and SoMiSPO (Southern Miss Steel Pan Orchestra).  Dr. John Wooton, founder of SoMiSPO took questions live from the chat, and more.  SoMiSPO is part of the School of Music of The University of Southern Mississippi.
see livestream

Web Posted - Saturday December 5, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot

Guinness World Record for Largest Steelpan - Jomoline - REVISITED

Global - The largest steelpan is the elliptical “Jomoline” which measures 104 cm (3 ft 4 in) wide and 84 cm (2 ft 9 in) tall. It was created by Jomo Wahtuse (Trinidad and Tobago) and presented and measured in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on 12 November 2010.

“The Jomoline,” which was launched at the Trinity Cathedral and presented for the Guinness Book of World Records, was tuned by Mr. Vernon “Birdie” Mannette (deceased). -- Jomo Wahtuse
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 1, 2020
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Pan inventor Jomo Wahtuse dies

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Jomo Wahtuse, the inventor of the world’s largest steelpan, known as the Jomoline, died on Sunday night.

...Wahtuse was awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest pan in the world.

....He was also the inventor of the JW Acoustic Electronic Venturi Pan.

A statement from the Pan in Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC) said, “It is with great sense of shock and sorrow that PSCC joins the steelpan fraternity in mourning the loss of another national treasure, Jomo Wahtuse who passed away last night (Sunday).”
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 1, 2020
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra - “Work” | Rihanna | BSO’s 2019 ‘Pan Is Sweet’

Brooklyn, New York, USA -  It’s Showtime! Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra performs a wicked Andre White -arrangement of “Work” by Rihanna - in concert at the Roulette Intermedium. Tuner: Augustus “Gusy” Peters.
Listen and watch

2020 Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Panorama Info - Complete

Global - PanOnTheNet/ WhenSteelTalks is Panorama Central! Complete information on the 2020 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 - February 2020
When Steel Talks

Complete Summary of Results of all Conventional Steel Orchestras - 2020 Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama

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 that participated in their respective categories in the 2020 Panorama.

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