Web Posted - Wednesday September 30, 2020
When Steel Talks

Saving the Sight of Music Ace Vanessa Headley

Keratoconus (Cone-Shaped Cornea) Procedures

Global - The lifelong music passion of Vanessa Headley has been the centered on (but not limited to), the sounds of steel via the national instrument of her native Trinidad & Tobago, the steelpan. But for now, her focus has had to shift from steel to saving her eyesight.

Vanessa is one of the Caribbean’s young musical gems, and she has been pursuing her path of professional and personal success. At the same time, the current challenge of maintaining a healthy quality of life so she may continue to be a source of joy and inspiration via musical endeavors, means immediately addressing her visual status.

Get the full synopsis by Vanessa herself, and check the LINK to help fulfill the financial goal to facilitate the necessary medical procedures. “Time is of the essence.”
more details


Web Posted - Tuesday September 29, 2020
When Steel Talks

PATRICE ROBERTS / NADIA BATSON / NAILAH BLACKMAN - In Concert

 on Amazon Music Twitch

Global - Amazon Music Twitch - Nailah Blackman, Nadia Batson and Patrice Roberts in concert via Amazon Music TWITCH.  The music of these three Soca artists have been performed by multiple steel orchestras around the world, especially at annual national Panorama competitions, and has also been among the championship selections of the bands.
see concert


Web Posted - Tuesday September 29, 2020
When Steel Talks

Carnival 2021 Postponement - National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago Speaks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) is in complete accord with the recent announcement by the Prime Minister, Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago with respect to the adjournment of Carnival 2021, in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As the Prime Minister rightfully indicated, the preservation of lives and livelihoods is of paramount importance, and, given the expected trajectory of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely at this time to consider as a given, the staging of the annual festival.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday September 29, 2020
When Steel Talks

Panist and internationally renowned artist Leon Foster Thomas joins University of Miami’s Faculty - one of several

Florida, USA - Known for its world-renowned, award-winning faculty, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami is pleased to announce eleven new esteemed faculty hires for 2020-2021.

LEON FOSTER THOMAS – STUDIO MUSIC & JAZZ - Leon Foster Thomas is a gifted international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso who blends the music of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own.

....“I am thrilled to welcome these immensely gifted and nurturing new colleagues to the Frost School,” stated Shelton G. Berg, Dean of the Frost School of Music.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday September 29, 2020
When Steel Talks

The Virtual Carnival 2021 Is On

by Rubadiri Victor

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I.

  • MOST STAKEHOLDERS ALREADY KNEW THAT THERE WOULD BE NO PHYSICAL CARNIVAL 2021.
  • SO WE ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH THE HONOURABLE PM. THE NATION'S HEALTH COMES FIRST
  • BUT
  • WHAT STAKEHOLDERS HAVE BEEN CONCENTRATING ON REALLY IS THE CREATION OF A VIRTUAL CARNIVAL FOR 2021. THAT IS 48 HOURS OF STREAMING CONTENT FOR AN INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL AUDIENCE 
  • We might lose 55,000 PHYSICAL visitors but we may gain 55 million pairs of eyes!
  • Normally Carnival brings in 55,000 visitors and around $650 million in Foreign Exchange (2006 Tourism Study). Government also spends over $150 million in the festival with private bodies spending possibly upwards of $600 million. This means the T&T economy could conservatively lose up to $1.4 billion of economic activity with no Carnival. There are many people for whom Carnival represents up to 75% of their annual income. Even large T&T corporations.

read more


Web Posted - Monday September 28, 2020
When Steel Talks

Kes The Band LIVE - BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Performance

Kes the Band

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - In collaboration with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn, Kes the Band delivered a high-energy set from Trinidad & Tobago!  In 2020 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn’s festival was transformed into a virtual multi-platform destination designed to bring the spirit of the outdoor concert series to homes globally.
see performance


Web Posted - Saturday September 26, 2020
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

‘The Amazing Race’ spent $2M, employed 300 locals while filming in T&T

Cast members of the AMAZING RACE 2020 - Season 32, pictured together

Trinidad &  Tobago, W.I. It all started with an adrenaline-pumping zip line over the turquoise waters of Macqueripe Bay back in 2018. Now two years later, the world is getting another chance to see T&T's cultural and environmental splendour on CBS's reality game show, The Amazing Race

Season 32 of the long-running show will premiere on October 14. Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon announced that episode 1 which was shot in T&T, will feature the cultural aspects such as steel pan, carnival costumes and goat racing in locations that include Exodus Pan Yard, Nylon Pool, Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Castara and the Buccoo Goat Racing Facility.

In a virtual media conference on Tuesday, Gopee-Scoon said the production crew shot the scenes in November 2018, employing approximately 310 locals and spent $1,915,000 filming on location.
read more


Web Posted - Saturday September 26, 2020
When Steel Talks

Exodus Steel Orchestra - “Sexual Healing” - Pelham Goddard

Pan in the 21st Century – The Art of Pan - 2006

Exodus Steel Orchestra

Global -  Pan in the 21st Century 2006 - Exodus Steel Orchestra:  arranger - Pelham Goddard.

Pan in the 21st Century requires orchestras to perform tunes from the contemporary world beat repertoire and the arrangements should be innovative, creative and in a different manner than is normally done in the typical Panorama music format.
see video


Web Posted - Friday September 25, 2020
When Steel Talks

The Ganges and The Nile Steelpan Cover - by Johann Chuckaree & Joshua Regrello

Johann Chuckaree & Joshua Regrello

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  The Ganges and The Nile written, originally performed and produced - by David Rudder.  A film by Antonio Achee; Johann Chuckaree  recorded at Studio 8; Joshua Regrello recorded in his bedroom. Mixed by Geiron Mang - Mang Productions.
see video


Web Posted - Wednesday September 23, 2020
When Steel Talks

The Burial Of Bou-Cou-Meh

by Winston Andrews (a.k.a. “Boots”)

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  Somebody shout “They Kill Bou-Cou-Meh, Oh God He Dead! He Dead!”

The warfare between two rival gangs Tokyo from Marabunta territory and Desperadoes was not anticipated to culminate in murder, but it did, after months of rioting for turf and prestige with the occasional buss-head and cutlass slashes, in this instance, in this clash, a dagger made from the fabled Stingray poisonous bone, found a home in the heart of Bou-Cou-Meh. He lay there on the pavement bleeding out as gangsters on both sides scampered from the scene, the sight of impending death frightened even the “Dreadest” among them, but not Kid Coolie, he stood his ground as the nemesis retreated, he waited and witnessed his friend’s demise.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday September 22, 2020
When Steel Talks

Invaders Steel Orchestra - “For The Love Of You” - Arddin Herbert

Pan in the 21st Century – The Art of Pan - 2006

Invaders Steel Orchestra

Global -  Pan in the 21st Century 2006 - Invaders Steel Orchestra, with arranger Arddin Herbert.

Pan in the 21st Century requires orchestras to perform tunes from the contemporary world beat repertoire and the arrangements should be innovative, creative and in a different manner than is normally done in the typical Panorama music format.
see video


Web Posted - Tuesday September 22, 2020
When Steel Talks

Meet Rudolph Commissiong - a pioneer of steelband music - Arranger & Captain of Esso Dixie Stars - UpClose!

Rudolph Commissiong, a pioneer of steelband music recalls his life and times as a pan man, played out against a backdrop of revolution and segregation

by Rudolph Commissiong

WST Upclose logo

Global - One day during rehearsals I took a break and walked through the terrace, which was part of the building at the back and side of the nightclub to a bar, which I thought was part of the hotel, and called Casey’s Bar. There were about half a dozen white men drinking and talking. I ordered a beer. The bartender stood there rather frozen, then one of the men who I assumed knew who I was told the bartender something about the band. The bartender then said: “OK, but you will have to take it with you. You can’t drink it here....” That was very degrading and something that lived with me for a long time. ------- Rudolph Commissiong
read more


Web Posted - Monday September 21, 2020
BusinessCloud

Digital Notting Hill Carnival reaches more than 7m people

London, U.K. -  The first ever virtual edition of Notting Hill Carnival reached more than double the predicted annual visitorship to the Carnival over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

The campaign, which went live on YouTube, included 70 hours of footage produced and over 7 million people reached, confirmed said CEO of Second Screen Niall Green.

The stream included steelpan bands filmed performing at The Royal Albert Hall, musicians recorded at Abbey Road Studios and Mas bands at Haymarket Theatre. format.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday September 20, 2020
When Steel Talks

Desperadoes Steel Orchestra - “So Sick” - Keith Salcedo

Pan in the 21st Century – The Art of Pan - 2006

Desperadoes Steel Orchestra

Global -  Pan in the 21st Century 2006 - 1st place winner, Desperadoes Steel Orchestra: arranger - Keith Salcedo.

Pan in the 21st Century requires orchestras to perform tunes from the contemporary world beat repertoire and the arrangements should be innovative, creative and in a different manner than is normally done in the typical Panorama music format.
see video


Web Posted - Sunday September 20, 2020
When Steel Talks

Passing of Dr. Anthony Achong

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The UWI (University of the West Indies) Community mourns the passing of Dr. Anthony Achong who passed away on June 29, 2020. Dr. Achong was an academic who devoted much of his research to steelpan technology.

He began his academic career in UWI Mona in 1970 where he started as a Part-Time Tutor in 1970 and then worked his way up to become a Lecturer in Physics in 1975 where he remained in that post until 1977. He came to The UWI St. Augustine as a Physics Lecturer in 1977 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2005. In 2002, he was appointed as Head of the Department of Physics and served in that position until 2007. 
read more


Web Posted - Saturday September 19, 2020
When Steel Talks

Tropical Angel Harps Steel Orchestra - “Lovely Day” - Clarence Morris

Pan in the 21st Century – The Art of Pan - 2006

Tropical Angel Harps Steel Orchestra

Global - Pan in the 21st Century 2006 - Tropical Angel Harps Steel Orchestra:  arranger - Clarence Morris.

Pan in the 21st Century requires orchestras to perform tunes from the contemporary world beat repertoire and the arrangements should be innovative, creative and in a different manner than is normally done in the typical Panorama music format.
see video


Web Posted - Friday September 18, 2020
When Steel Talks

Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra - “Black Orpheus” - Neville Jules and Terry Demas

Pan in the 21st Century – The Art of Pan - 2006

Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra

Global - Pan in the 21st Century 2006 - 3rd place winner, Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra:  arrangers - Neville Jules and Terry Demas.

Pan in the 21st Century requires orchestras to perform tunes from the contemporary world beat repertoire and the arrangements should be innovative, creative and in a different manner than is normally done in the typical Panorama music format.
see video


Web Posted - Friday September 18, 2020
When Steel Talks

Silver Stars and the Pouchet dynasty

by Ian Lambie

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Enter the Pouchets of Western Main Road at Cocorite. Mrs. Pouchet had purchased a tenor pan for son Edgar “Junior” from Hugh Borde of Tripoli Steelband, and later one for younger son Edwin as a birthday gift. Together with some friends, other pans were obtained and the band “Gold Coast” was formed. In 1953 “Gold Coast” merged with “Silver Stars.”

....Young Edwin idolized his elder brother Junior and in 1973 Edwin joined Junior and the Adventureland Steelband at Disney World. 
read more


Web Posted - Thursday September 17, 2020
When Steel Talks

Renegades Steel Orchestra - “All Night Long” - Dr. Jit Samaroo

Pan in the 21st Century – The Art of Pan - 2006

Global - Pan in the 21st Century 2006 - 2nd place winner, Renegades Steel Orchestra: arranger - Dr. Jit Samaroo.

Pan in the 21st Century requires orchestras to perform tunes from the contemporary world beat repertoire and the arrangements should be innovative, creative and in a different manner than is normally done in the typical Panorama music format.
see video


Web Posted - Tuesday September 15, 2020
When Steel Talks

Some Panmen of the 1950s

by Ian Lambie

Global - “I was there,” says Ian Lambie, who is 87 years of age and since 1998 has lived in Tobago. His band was Casablanca [Steel Orchestra] and he lived close to the panyard and was friendly with many of the players, particularly Ormond “Patsy” Haynes who became a member of TASPO.

“I am fully aware of the excellent contributions made by Ellie Mannette and Andrew “Pan” de la Bastide to the advancement of “pan” in the USA and by Anthony “Tony” Williams at home. I decided to write about lesser known pioneers and to include some “College Boys” who were beating pan in the 1950s.”
read more


Web Posted - Friday September 11, 2020
Antigua News Room

Calypso Icon Sir Rupert “King Swallow” Philo Dies

Sir Rupert “King Swallow” Philo aka Mighty Swallow

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Calypso and Cultural Icon Sir Rupert “King Swallow” Philo has died.

Sir Rupert has been ill for some time now but his cause of death is not known.

Rupert Philo began competing in the calypso art form when still a youth in 1961. His very first hit, entitled Raphael Trujillo, recalled the story of a dictator of the Dominican Republic, whose maltreatment of migrant workers from Antigua and Barbuda was re-told upon their return home.

It was just last month in August that champion steelband arranger Khan Cordice, Antigua & Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, along with others,  paid a visit to Swallow at his home.

Steel orchestras have routinely performed the music of the late legendary Mighty Swallow for Panorama competitions.
more


Web Posted - Thursday September 10, 2020
When Steel Talks

Tango Negro, The African Roots of Tango

Tango Negro, The African Roots of Tango

Global - Required and/or recommended viewing. The similarities between the history of Pan and Rap and the development of the Tango are astounding.

Tango Negro, The African Roots of Tango by Angolan filmmaker Dom Pedro explores the expression of Tango’s Africanness and the contribution of African cultures in the creation of the tango. Tango was a reflection of the social life of the slaves that were taken to South America -- including Argentina and Uruguay -- mostly from central Africa, particularly from the former Kongo Kingdom. Director Dom Pedro reveals the depth of the footprints of the African music on the tango, through this rich movie combining musical performances and interviews from many tango fans and historians in Latin America and Europe, including the renowned Argentinean pianist Juan Carlos Caceres.
details


Web Posted - Sunday September 6, 2020
When Steel Talks

The Finest Moment in New York Pan History - 2001 New York Panorama: “By Pan People - For Pan People”

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Undoubtedly the finest moment in New York steel orchestra Panorama history. The New York steelband community took their destiny into their own hands and momentarily discarded the shackles of WIADCA (West Indian American Day Carnival Association). Practicing a serious case of “FUBU” - (For Us By Us) - as every aspect of this Panorama was executed by the NY Pan community. The New York Times gives the figure of 20,000 people present at this event. In spite of untold obstacles the New York Pan community came together in a manner that has never been seen since, and pulled off demonstrating just what could be.
see video


Web Posted - Sunday September 6, 2020
When Steel Talks

Silhouettes Steel Orchestra - “High Mas” - (‘TEMPO’ version - Audio)

Len “Boogsie” Sharpe - Arranger

Silhouettes Steel Orchestra 1998 - High Mas - Tempo version

Brooklyn, New York, USA -  The year is 1998 and pan in New York is slamming. Here is the often-sought after but not often heard or easily sourced “High Mas” - as arranged by the legendary Len “Boogsie” Sharpe for Silhouettes Steel Orchestra in 1998. This is a shortened analog version as captured by Basement Recordings on a Sony Walkman in the yard.
listen to audio


Web Posted - Saturday September 5, 2020
When Steel Talks

Silhouettes Steel Orchestra - “High Mas” - (‘COOL DOWN’ version - Audio)

Len “Boogsie” Sharpe - Arranger

Silhouettes Steel Orchestra 1998 - High Mas - Cool Down version

Brooklyn, New York, USA -  This is the ‘Cool Down’ version of David Rudder’s critically acclaimed “High Mas” as captured in 1998 on an analog Sony Walkman by Basement Recordings. The audio quality is not great but the genius of Mr. Sharpe shines through. The band performing is Brooklyn’s Silhouettes Steel Orchestra. They were massive that year.
listen to audio


Web Posted - Thursday September 3, 2020
When Steel Talks

Labor Day minus Labor Day

An Opinion - by Garvin Blake

Brooklyn, New York, USA - For most New Yorkers Labor Day signals the passing of Summer: back-to-school, early sunsets, dropping temperatures. However, for West Indians, the heat is on.

Frustrated masqueraders impatiently waiting to collect costumes. Steelbands scrambling to learn endings. Out-of-towners arriving in droves. Soca, kompa and reggae pumping everywhere. It’s fete after fete. The Brooklyn Museum grounds are transformed into an open-air theatre. Eastern Parkway becomes the scene of the largest street party in North America.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday September 2, 2020
When Steel Talks

Looking back:  Kathleen Reilly - The Original Steelband “Karen” - Hostile Colonizer Terrorized Despers USA Steel Orchestra in their Panyard

Kathleen Reilly - Steelband 
				“Karen” - outside Despers USA’s panyard on Dean Street, capturing video

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Before the current and unwelcome trend of white people calling the “authorities” on Black people was somewhat normalized, Despers USA Steel Orchestra in Brooklyn had their nightly run-ins in 2017 and 2018 with their own “Karen” in the person of Kathleen Reilly. At the time, she was dubbed a “hostile colonizer.” The steel orchestra had called, and still does, that area “home” for almost forty years - very long before the arrival of Kathleen Reilly, at the time just eight years prior.

But for more than two years, she would stalk Despers USA, for hours standing right outside the panyard during rehearsals for the annual Panorama competition, take pictures and video, and routinely called the NYPD (New York Police Department), the FDNY (Fire Department of New York), and any agency she could get to come out and attempt to shut Despers USA Steel Orchestra down, stop practice, etc.
read more, see video


Web Posted - Tuesday September 1, 2020
When Steel Talks

A Tribute to Two Legends - Martin Douglas & Ray Holman

A Khuent Rose initiative

Global - “In the Spring of 2020, Martin Douglas succumbed to COVID-related illness. In honor of him, I’ve re-interpreted one of his favorite Bomb Tunes: Penny Lane.

“Originally written by the Beatles, Ray Holman penned his arrangement in the mid 1970s.

“In this effort, join me, Khuent Rose, in honoring our past Hero (Dougie) and our living Legend (Ray).

“From now through Sept 8th, use the links below to learn, practice and record your Audio or Video submission for compilation.”

** Click below to find links of Scores of the arrangement, practice, record, upload:
learn more





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