Web Posted - Friday July 31, 2020
When Steel Talks

Streaming Services and the Artist

OPINION - by Leon Foster Thomas

Global - Recently educator, recording and performing artist Leon Foster Thomas posted a sobering examination with advice, about the financial realities of the streaming services. Take a read below. And remember - one pays dearly for not knowing.

“These streaming services are not really pushing for folks to buy an artist's music. Instead, their main push is for you to purchase a subscription to THEIR (spotify, apple etc...) streaming service. Per stream, an artist recoups $0.00676 (google) which really equals to nothing really. So artists, there's a new pimp (as if we didn't know). .... duh!.” –– Leon Foster Thomas
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Web Posted - Friday July 31, 2020
When Steel Talks

“Jean and Dinah” - Lord Relator and Robert Greenidge

Moods of Pan 2002

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Lord Relator and Robert Greenidge perform “Jean and Dinah” at Moods of Pan 2002. The Moods of Pan festival is an annual event held in the Caribbean country, and generally features performances from the best national musicians with a focus on the steelband artform, and occasionally, others from the wider Diaspora.
see performance


Web Posted - Wednesday July 29, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Wayne Bernard - Manager, Administrator, Panist

Wayne Bernard
When Steel Talks' Men In Steel series icon

New York, USA - “I do not believe there is a challenge that would be difficult for this generation because it is some of the same people who have grown up in steelpan during the same tough and challenging times. With that being said, this generation has a creative and open-minded way to make anything possible, and I believe we are in good hands moving forward.” –– Wayne Bernard

The accepted norm is that “Nice guys finish last.” But not always. There is a chance that might change in this specific instance. When Steel Talks has keenly watched the growth and development of Wayne Bernard from youngster to adult. He is humble, selfless, thoughtful, compassionate, highly intelligent and committed to the forward progress of the steelband artform and culture.

In a When Steel Talks exclusive - manager, performing artist, administrator, and panist Wayne Bernard - shares his steelband experiences and vision for Pan.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday July 29, 2020
Loop News

Two schools get steel pans in time for classes in September

Students of Madressa Al Muslimeen Primary School with their  steel pans.

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Two schools have received steel pans to aid in the holistic development of students once classes resume on September 1.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Dr Lovell Francis and advisor to the Minister of Education Cheryl Ann Wilkinson delivered two eight-piece steel ensembles to the Avocat Vedic Primary School and Madressa Al Muslimeen Primary School on July 22 and 23.

Each ensemble comprises of one six bass, one tenor bass, one cello, one guitar, one double second, one double tenor and two single tenor pans.

The principals of both schools reportedly requested the instruments to create a well-rounded school experience for students.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 28, 2020
When Steel Talks

The APA Pan Fellowship


Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The APA (Academy for the Performing Arts) Pan Fellowship is a groundbreaking new programme which offered participants a culturally immersive and practical learning environment, infused with the traditions of steelpan, in the wider context of indigenous percussion and pan-Caribbean music. The fellowship has strived to produce well-rounded pan practitioners, familiar with relevant music of the African diaspora and the pedagogical practices of its cultural heritage.

The programme was launched with the support of an Enabling Environment Grant awarded by the Caribbean Development Bank through its Cultural and Creative Industries Innovative Fund (CIIF).
read more


Web Posted - Monday July 27, 2020
When Steel Talks

Special visit to Sir Rupert “King Swallow” Philo - Honoured on Pan by Panist Khan Cordice

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Sir McLean “Short Shirt” Emmanuel, Khan Cordice (Director of Culture), and others paid a visit to Sir Rupert “King Swallow” Philo on Sunday.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Sir McLean “Short Shirt” Emmanuel, Khan Cordice (Director of Culture), and others paid a visit to Sir Rupert “King Swallow” Philo on Sunday. During PM Browne's visit to the calypsonian legend, there was a beautiful rendition of one of King Swallow’s greatest hits - “Man to Man.”

"Celebrating Sir Rupert, King Swallow’s contribution.

"He said to me that he doesn’t have millions in the bank.

"I reminded him of his contribution to the creative arts and nation building, which are etched in the hearts and minds of our people.

"Today, we celebrate Sir Rupert, not for his riches but for his contribution to nation building.

"We wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

-PM Gaston Browne
see video


Web Posted - Friday July 24, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Nevin Roach - Executive Producer of PanoGrama, Entrepreneur, Visionary and Panist

When Steel Talks' Men In Steel series icon

Global - Indeed, the old proverb that states "necessity is the mother of invention" rings true, as the global steelband music community - through innovation and technological advances - tries to lessen the negative impact of and navigate through, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recently concluded "PanoGrama" produced by Nevin Roach is one such very successful effort.

In a When Steel Talks exclusive - executive producer, entrepreneur and panist Nevin Roach shares his steelpan music vision and how his "I can do this" attitude has served him and the steelpan community very well.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday July 22, 2020
When Steel Talks

New Dimension Steel Orchestra - Love Theme From St. Elmo's Fire

New Dimension Steel Orchestra of Grenada

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - In the late Fall of 2004 When Steel Talks had the honor of covering the 2004 Moods of Pan festival in Antigua. New Dimension Steel Orchestra from Grenada was one of the featured powerhouse groups that year. Check out a short summary of their Saturday Night performances as arranged by the legendary David “Peck” Edwards and captured by Basement Recordings.
see video


Web Posted - Wednesday July 22, 2020
When Steel Talks

REVISITED:  In the Spotlight - David 'Peck' Edwards  on Grenada and Pan

An exclusive interview with David "Peck" Edwards educator, musician, arranger and performing steelpan artist from Grenada

New York, USA - The Grenada powerhouse, New Dimension, has been around for seventeen years, and with David 'Peck' Edwards as both leader and arranger, the strides the band has made have been impressive. Edwards spoke recently with When Steel Talks about New Dimension, their history, the pan movement in Grenada, the future of New Dimension, and shared a bit about himself.

....At its inception in 1988, the band had twenty-three players, but has grown to eighty. Edwards admitted that the interest is such in their musical organization that they can field more, but for their panorama contingent, he finds eighty a manageable number for a quality product. Their stage side usually numbers about thirty.
read more, hear interview


Web Posted - Tuesday July 21, 2020
When Steel Talks

A Moment in Pan - New Dimension Steel Orchestra - Pan in A Minor

New Dimension Steel Orchestra of Grenada

Brooklyn, New York, USA - In the Summer of 2005 When Steel Talks had the honor of watching New Dimension Steel Orchestra from Grenada as they prepared for the 2005 World Steelband Music Festival, held that year at Madison Square Garden in New York.
see recording


Web Posted - Tuesday July 21, 2020
When Steel Talks

Champion arranger David “Peck” Edwards has passed - Grenada

Global - When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of arranger David “Peck” Edwards. He was an outstanding musician.
read more, by Lincoln DePradine


Web Posted - Monday July 20, 2020
Now Grenada

Culture and the Arts Ministry extends condolences on passing of David “Peck” Edwards

Grenada, W.I. - The Ministry of Youth Development, Sports, Culture and the Arts, extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Cultural Ambassador and Cultural Icon, David “Peck” Edwards, who passed away on Sunday, 19 July 2020.

Edwards was a former journalist at Radio Free Grenada, a drummer, a prolific calypso singer and songwriter, a national athlete and a former Senior Cultural Officer at the Division of Culture. However, he was best known for his love of music. He was devoted to his craft and contributed immensely to the development and promotion of Grenadian culture, particularly steelpan music.

The veteran musician enjoyed a music career spanning approximately 50 years...He was renowned, nationally and internationally, as a long-time leader and champion arranger for one of Grenada’s most dynamic steel orchestras, the New Dimension Steel Orchestra.
read more


Web Posted - Monday July 20, 2020
When Steel Talks

Global Deaths Due to Various Causes and COVID-19

Graph of COVID-19 fatalities vs other diseases

Global - Data visualization and storytelling - COVID-19 Pandemic deaths versus those of other causes - globally.
click for animated graph


Web Posted - Sunday July 19, 2020
The New Today

Ace panist loses battle against cancer

Grenada, W.I. - Grenada has lost one of its most influential and pioneering figures in the steelband movement with the passing this morning of David “Peck” Edwards who was associated for a number of years with New Dimension Steel Orchestra on Melville Street in the heart of the city.

Edwards, a long-serving employee at the Ministry of Culture, passed away earlier in the day after a battle in the last few months against cancer.

In paying tribute to “Peck”, the former ace pan arranger for Commancheros Steel Orchestra in St Paul’s, Cecil Noel said that despite the great rivalry between them on Panorama night, there was always an “excellent friendship” between the two of them dating back to schoolboy days in the 1970s at the Grenada Boys Secondary School (GBSS).
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 14, 2020
When Steel Talks

St. Lucia Carnival 2020 Cancelled

Saint Lucia, W.I. - Taking full account of the economic and public health implications associated with the spread and containment of COVID-19, the Government of Saint Lucia held several consultations with representatives of the carnival community, regarding the best possible strategy for Carnival 2020.

In so doing, the Government sought a broad consensus which would serve the best interests of the festival’s presenters, promoters, participants, producers and partners. It was generally agreed that the global environment was still highly unpredictable and that nothing should be done which would compromise local efforts at containment.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday July 12, 2020
When Steel Talks

When The Force Is With You - CrossFire Steel Orchestra and National Geographic

Members of CrossFire Steel Orchestra work with photographer Wayne Lawrence (center) during the National Geographic photoshoot at the Harry Maze Playground in Brooklyn

New York, USA - “If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”  In Star Wars the Master Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi says that to his evil foe Darth Vader...

Indeed, while the ruthless COVID-19 abruptly struck down and removed Martin “Dougie” Douglas from our realm - now through his ‘ascension’ his mark, impact, and positive “Force” continues to be felt.

Pan was his passion and his beloved CrossFire Steel Orchestra was his baby. And there was simply nothing he would not do for the success of his baby. While I never thought of the late Martin Douglas as a master Jedi, his sprit continues to chart new paths for heights from the great beyond.
read more


Web Posted - Friday July 10, 2020
When Steel Talks

The Mindset Towards Steelpan Education in Trinidad & Tobago Needs a Systemic Overhaul at the Government Level

OPINION - by Salmon Cupid

Salmon Cupid leading Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra

Toronto, Canada - Over the years I have recognized that on social media, replying to people’s comments is sometimes not advised. Everyone is free to sit in the comfort of their home or workplace and type whatever they feel. They speak with authority on topics that they are not familiar with, whether it is factual or not.

I am very very very very passionate about Steelpan and Steelpan education. I have been a Steelpan educator with the Toronto Board of Education in Canada for the past 27 years. It hurts me at my core, not the fact that Canadian kids are being taught music through the use of Steelpan, but that this is not being done in the motherland of the Steelpan invention.
read more


Web Posted - Friday July 10, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Mikhail Salcedo of Trinidad & Tobago - Steelpan Performing Artist & Educator

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Mikhail Salcedo is a fusion/jazz musician. His compositions are a mixture of genres (particularly calypso and jazz) that keep his sound fresh and different. He recently completed a Diploma in Music Performance from The University of Trinidad and Tobago and is continuing his career as a musician and teacher. Growing up on the sounds of The Manhattan Transfers, Frank Sinatra and Sergio Mendez by way of his father and steelpan with his uncle, Mikhail was eventually exposed to a very wide variety of musical styles.
read more


Web Posted - Friday July 10, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Cherise Thorne of Barbados - Steelpan Performing Artist

Barbados, W.I. - Hailing from the beautiful island of Barbados, Cherise Thorne is an up-and-coming pan soloist and arranger. Her journey with music began around the age of 7, when her late grandfather, also a musician, recognized her rhythmic capabilities and enrolled her in private piano lessons. These lessons lit the spark that would eventually blossom into a flaming passion.

....Music has been the main creative outlet for the majority of her life and performing has provided countless opportunities to transform her otherwise calm and reserved demeanor. Some of her most memorable performances include those done at Pan Pun De Sand...
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday July 8, 2020
Caribbean Life

Staten Island politician Joe Borelli demands end to West Indian Day Parade, citing cuts to NYPD

New York, USA - A Staten Island councilman is calling for the end to Brooklyn’s popular West Indian Day Parade and all of its annual coinciding activities — arguing that it requires a “beefed up and visible police presence” the NYPD can no longer afford.

“Each year there’s several shootings and homicides surrounding the West Indian Day Parade & J’Ouvert. It’s a danger for cops, revelers & the public,” wrote Republican Councilman Joe Borelli in a tweet accompanying a letter addressed to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.

....Borelli argues in his letter that the celebration’s violence is not confined to the vicinity of the parade but can be felt throughout the neighborhoods and precincts surrounding the annual celebration which he says is reflected in a jump in shootings recorded over the holiday weekend annually.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 7, 2020
When Steel Talks

When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of Dennis “Tash” Ash & Desperadoes Steel Orchestra

The late Dennis “Tash” Ash on double seconds with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Desperadoes Steel Orchestra legend Mr. Dennis “Tash” Ash has passed. “Tash,” as he is fondly known, has been playing with Desperadoes since 1961.  Of the steelpan, “Tash” said “The instrument is an instrument of PEACE, on earth!”
more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 7, 2020
When Steel Talks

A Look Back - 2013:  OASIS Youth Steel Pan Ensemble - ‘Outstanding’

OASIS Youth Steel Pan Ensemble performs at CASYM'S 2013 band launch

Brooklyn, New York, USA - OASIS Youth Steel Pan Ensemble performs the classic party tune “Outstanding” by the Gap Band at the 2013 CASYM band launch.

“....The biggest story of the night was Oasis Youth Steel Pan Ensemble from New Jersey, who came out in full concert mode. They were no joke. Their ten-song repertoire stretched the expectations of a standard band launch performance both in terms of musical sensibilities and performance. Led under the musical directive of Sherwin Thwaites, he brought additional musical colors and a thought process to the arena.”
see video





When Steel Talks

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

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

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