Web Posted - Saturday October 30, 2021
When Steel Talks

Steelband Arranger Ray Holman Accepts Honorary Doctorate

Image:  UWI screengrab

Global - On the morning of Saturday 30 October 2021 at 10:00 a.m. AST, acclaimed steelband arranger, composer, educator and performing artist Ray Anthony Holman was awarded the honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) by The University of the West Indies (The UWI) at its 2021 virtual graduation ceremonies at the Faculty of Humanities and Education.  This the St. Augustine Campus of the educational institution, located in Trinidad & Tobago.
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Web Posted - Saturday October 30, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

UWI: Steelpan arranger Ray Holman ‘an alchemist’ of music

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - At the last day of The University of the West Indies (UWI) graduation ceremonies on Saturday, honorary graduate Ray Holman was bestowed his DLitt degree.

The Faculty of Humanities and Education described him as an alchemist, mixing potions as a composer, arranger, performer, musician, vocalist and educator.

Known for his winning Panorama arrangements such as I Feel Pretty and Penny Lane with Starlift Steel Orchestra, Queen of the Band and the Bulls, Holman’s many arrangements continued to be sought after.

He has been credited for exporting steelpan music to Japan with his musical directorship of The Caribbean Show in Miyazaki from 1993-1995.
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Web Posted - Friday October 29, 2021
Antigua Observer

Vibrant steelpan competition takes centre stage tonight

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - The soothing sounds of steelpan music will resonate throughout the Dean William Lake Cultural Centre tonight where a steelband competition is scheduled to take place.

Eight bands, comprised of five players each, will take center stage as they compete in the event which is part of the nation’s 40th Independence celebrations.

The competition, which will be held for the time this year, is a temporary filler for the annual schools Panorama competition.
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Web Posted - Thursday October 28, 2021
When Steel Talks

‘Billy Jean’ - Phase II Pan Groove - Len “Boogsie” Sharpe

LIVE at the Queen’s Park Savannah - 2005

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....The place is the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad - the home of the steelpan. The event is the annual Pan In The 21st Century competition... Present are the greatest steelbands and arrangers/composers on the planet. ....Len “Boogsie” Sharpe is one such, and on this night would add more lore to his already legendary status and career. 

Mr. Sharpe with Phase II Pan Groove, would capture second place.  The music and arrangement of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billy Jean’ delivered by the legendary arranger and his orchestra, are now classics in their own time.
Listen to performance

Web Posted - Wednesday October 27, 2021
When Steel Talks

Steelband Arranger and Composer Ray Holman named 2021 UWI Honorary Graduate

Four to receive honorary doctorates at The UWI’s 2021 Graduation ceremonies

Global - For the 2021 graduation ceremonies Mr. Ray Holman is one of the four honorary graduands to be recognised for their outstanding contributions to regional & international development by The UWI (University of the West Indies), St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad.

Musician, educator, and holder of a Hummingbird Medal (Silver) Award, Mr. Ray Holman grew up surrounded by the pan yard of the ‘40s and ‘50s in his hometown where he started with Invaders Steel Orchestra in 1957 at 13 years old and composing his first original piece ‘Ray’s Saga.’
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Web Posted - Wednesday October 27, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Pantonic Steel Orchestra - “Live Yuh Life (Like Yuh Playing Mas)” - Video

Panyard Recording

New York, USA - Basement Recordings captures Pantonic as they prepare for the 2013 New York Steelband Panorama competition one day before the event. Pantonic Steel Orchestra performed a Seion Gomez-arrangement of “Live Yuh Life (Like Yuh Playing Mas).”
See video

Web Posted - Wednesday October 27, 2021
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Steelpan scholars appeal for funds

From left:   Jalen Charles, Joshua Bedeau and Rashunda Dorset-Headley

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.”

That quote by Scottish writer and poet Robert Louis Stevenson is posted on the crowdfunding donor wall [JJR Steelpan Relief Fund] of three T&T scholars, at Northern Illinois University (NIU) Joshua Bedeau, Jalen Charles and Rashunda Dorset-Headley, who are desperately trying to raise funds to cover their tuition.

All three are pursuing degrees with specialisation in steelpan performance at NIU.

...the trio, who are in their first semester has already racked up late-payment fees and are struggling to raise US$10,000 to cover health insurance, living expenses and other costs for the two-year programme.

....The steelpan studies programme at NIU, which attracts students from across the globe, was created by the late G Allan O’Connor, who in 1973 [was] the first person to establish an actively performing steelband in an American university.
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Web Posted - Sunday October 24, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

NYU Steel Ensemble - “Don’t Speak” - 2016 Spring Concert

New York, USA - When Steel Talks captures NYU Steel Ensemble as they perform “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt at the 2016 NYU Steel Ensemble Spring Concert held at the the Frederick Loewe Theatre on the campus. 
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Web Posted - Friday October 22, 2021
West Virginia Public Broadcasting

At This W. Va. Steelpan Drum Company, A Visionary’s Beat Goes On

Keith Moone works on a steel drum Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at the Mannette Musical Instruments workshop in Osage, W.Va.

Osage, West Virginia, USA - It takes about 40 hours of hammering to turn a steel drum into a steelpan drum.

Although originally meant to hold oil, shampoo or ketchup, the metal tube becomes an instrument uniquely capable of evoking island breezes and a slower pace of life.

And believe it or not, this transformation takes place in an old storefront in Osage, West Virginia, population 395.

This is the home of Mannette Musical Instruments, maker of world-renowned steelpan drums.

Each of the company’s five drum builders and tuners has his own small workshop. Each workshop is nearly identical, aside from a few personal effects.

....But there’s one workshop where hammers don’t ring anymore. This room has been mostly untouched for three years, since its owner left and never returned.

This workshop once belonged to Ellie Mannette, the founder of this company and the father of the modern steel drum.
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Web Posted - Wednesday October 20, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

ADLIB Steel Orchestra - “Big People Party” - (‘Cool Down’ version - Video)

Panyard Recording

Long Island, New York, USA - Basement Recordings captures ADLIB as they prepare for the 2014 New York Steelband Panorama competition shortly before the event. ADLIB Steel Orchestra performed an Amrit Samaroo-arrangement of “Big People Party.” This is the ‘Cool Down’ version.
See video

Web Posted - Wednesday October 20, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Ramsey-Moore tells Govt: Do more to develop panyards

Tobago West MP Shamfa Cudjoe, third from left, cuts the ribbon to open the refurbished Tobago Pan-Thers Steel Orchestra Pan Theatre at Seaview Trace, Golden Lane, on Sunday. Also present were (from left) Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore; National Commission for Self Help Ltd chairman Anthony Campbell; electoral representative Zorisha Hakett; National Commission for Self Help Ltd CEO Elroy Julien; and Tobago Pan-Thers Steel Orchestra manager Brian Thomas

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore is urging the Government to pay more attention to the development of pan yards in Trinidad and Tobago.

She made the appeal on Sunday while addressing the opening of the newly-refurbished Tobago Pan-Thers Steel Orchestra Pan Theatre at Seaview Trace, Golden Lane.

The National Commission for Self-Help Ltd (NCSHL), an agency of Ministry of Sport and Community Development, upgraded the facility at a cost of $396,000. The funds were allocated through the commission’s development programme.
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Web Posted - Monday October 18, 2021
NIU Today

Annual STEM Fest showcases NIU campus, faculty research and student talent

STEM Fest is back in person on Oct. 23, with interactive learning fun for all ages

DeKalb, Illinois, USA - The NIU (Northern Illinois University) STEM Fest team is thrilled to bring the event back in person – now at a new location in the center of NIU’s DeKalb campus. STEM Fest will take place Saturday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside and out in the NIU Holmes Student Center, Founders Memorial Library, MLK Commons and Swen Parson Hall. STEM Fest is free and open to the public and is a wonderful way for community members to meet NIU faculty, staff and students and experience the excitement of a lively university campus.

....Visitors can explore high efficiency vehicles designed by the NIU Supermileage Team and ask the student designers about their gas and battery-electric prototype vehicles. They can hear a concert by the NIU Steelband and then try out the steelpan instruments as they learn about vibration, pitch and the science of sound. Guests young and old can test their hand at chess with the NIU Chess Club, try out video gaming with the NIU Esports Club or witness a weather balloon launch with real-time data from the Department of Geographic and Atmospheric Sciences.
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Web Posted - Monday October 18, 2021
When Steel Talks

Congratulations to Wilfred “Junior” Kieal - 2021 Miami Panorama Champion Arranger

Wilfred “Junior” Kieal

Brooklyn, New York, USA - When Steel Talks (WST) extends congratulations to Wilfred “Junior” Kieal on his victory with Metro Steel Orchestra, as 2021 Miami Panorama champion arranger.
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Web Posted - Sunday October 17, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Metro Steel Orchestra - “Tell Me Why ” - (‘Panyard’ version - Audio)

Panyard Recording

New York, USA - The year is 1990; the place is Panorama night at the Brooklyn Museum, and master arranger Clive Bradley is about to win his third New York Panorama with this arrangement. Bradley captures the crowd before the intro is even completed.
click to hear

Web Posted - Thursday October 14, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Research, development and innovation: Giving Trinidad and Tobago businesses a competitive edge

Former US ambassador to TT John Estrada and G-pan and PHI inventor Dr Brian Copeland inspect the frame for a PHI (percussive harmonic instrument) at UWI

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....When compared to countries like the United States which used about 3.06 per cent of its GDP ($606 billion) in 2018 on research and development it could be argued that TT is far behind in the research and development race.

This is why UWI principal and developer of the modern G-pan and the percussive harmonic instrument (PHI), Professor Brian Copeland expressed excitement at government’s plan to implement a research and development capital allowance for up to 40 per cent of expenditure incurred by companies engaged in research and development from January 2022. In his budget reading on October 4, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said the fiscal measure would cost about $25 million and benefit about 1,000 companies.

But Copeland said when it comes to investment in research development and innovation, TT is about 30 years behind.

....Copeland told Business Day the idea to develop the G-pan came from a question from then-prime minister Patrick Manning of the possibility of a steelpan that was an improvement the traditional steelpan invented in the 1930s.

....Copeland said one of the intentions of the development of the steelpan was not only to improve on the original design but to have a steelpan product which could officially and legally belong to TT.

“The PM was very adamant that we became the centre of all that is pan....”
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Web Posted - Wednesday October 13, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Baldwin Spencer - Former Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda speaks on the Moods of Pan Steelpan Music Festival - and on Barack Obama

A When Steel Talks Exclusive

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - He is deep intellectually, articulate, forward thinking, charismatic, pragmatic and nationalistic. He is a man of many skills and talents. He is equally at home in the panyard as he is in a room filled with the world’s Heads of state. He is a lover of the steelpan instrument, and ‘panman’ himself. He is the former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, on the morning immediately following the close of the Moods of Pan 2008 festival, the Honourable Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer shares his thoughts about the three-day Pan fest, and US President-elect Barack Obama.
See interview

Web Posted - Wednesday October 13, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

CASYM Steel Orchestra - “Big People Party” - (‘Cool Down’ version - Video)

Panyard Recording

New York, USA -  Basement Recordings captures CASYM as they prepare for the 2014 New York Steelband Panorama competition shortly before the event. CASYM Steel Orchestra performed a Duvone Stewart-arrangement of “Big People Party.” This is the ‘Cool Down’ version.
click to hear

Web Posted - Tuesday October 12, 2021
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pan Trinbago elections cancelled: Fuad gives Ramsey-Moore deadline to respond to legal letter

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore and the central executive committee has until tomorrow to respond to a pre-action protocol letter from Fuad Abu Bakr, who is challenging their decision to indefinitely postpone the triennial executive elections due to COVID-19.

Indicating his readiness for court, Bakr, of Western Stars Philharmonic Steel Orchestra, yesterday said the decision by the Ramsey-Moore executive was illegal and unconstitutional.
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Web Posted - Sunday October 10, 2021
Loop News

New six-part documentary tells story of panist/arranger Kareem Brown

Mark Loquan and Kareem Brown

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  Mark Loquan has premiered a new six-part steelpan web documentary series on his YouTube channel.

Called A Better Tomorrow, the documentary is based on a song Loquan wrote.

A couple of months into the onset of the COVID pandemic last year Loquan was inspired to write the new song.

Loquan says: “It was in the midst of COVID, there was George Floyd, things were happening in Sea Lots, there was a lot of chaos worldwide. The genesis of the song was about how to still continue to be positive by lifting up yourself and lifting up others to create a better tomorrow.”

The song then evolved into the idea of creating a documentary on panist/arranger/composer Kareem Brown who Loquan has worked closely with for many years.
see more

Web Posted - Sunday October 10, 2021
When Steel Talks

Pan Trinbago’s Central Executive says decision to postpone 2021 Convention, AGM, Elections received 70% Endorsement from members

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  “Pan Trinbago Inc have remained quiet for some time because our focus remains on the WORK of our organization.

“However, numerous calls have been made for us to step in and rectify the many lies that continue to surface.

“The decision of the Central Executive to postpone the 2021 Convention and AGM amid the present circumstances, has received 70% Endorsement from its members.

“If 70% of the organization's members endorse this decision, then why are persons with agendas continuing their efforts to place a negative narrative to the public?”
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Web Posted - Sunday October 10, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

‘Columbus Lie’ by the Mighty Shadow

Global - The late great calypsonian “Shadow” shares the true history of Christopher Columbus via a live performance in Canada, 1994.
See video

Web Posted - Saturday October 9, 2021
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Solve Pan Trinbago’s pandemic delay

Editorial

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Beverley Ramsey-Moore came to the presidency of Pan Trinbago three years ago amid much fanfare as the steelband body’s first woman president.

She sailed into the position declaring that her mission was to restore trust and confidence within the pan fraternity following the debacle of a predecessor administration dogged by management confusion and allegations of financial impropriety.

As her term comes to its constitutional end this month, trust and confidence are two elements in short supply in Ramsey-Moore’s stewardship, now convulsed by resignations, public airings of complaints about her leadership, and anger over delaying the elections.

On Friday, a second member of Pan Trinbago’s executive resigned, citing a lack of confidence in Ramsey-Moore’s leadership.
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Web Posted - Wednesday October 6, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Pan Rebels Steel Orchestra - “On De Road” - (‘Panyard’ version - Audio)

Panyard Recording

New York, USA -  This is Pan Rebels Steel Orchestra performing a Garvin Blake-arrangement of “On De Road” by Ronnie McIntosh. Pan Rebels was captured by Basement Recordings in their panyard, a few days before they took the stage for the New York Panorama.
click to hear

Web Posted - Tuesday October 5, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Pan Trinbago faces lawsuit over postponing AGM

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago is facing legal action by a steelband over the central executive's decision to postpone the 2021 annual general meeting at the end of the month.

Attorneys representing Fuad Abu Bakr, a delegate of Western Stars Philharmonic Steel Orchestra, wrote to president Beverley Ramsey-Moore (pictured) on Tuesday demanding that Pan Trinbago hold the convention and AGM no later than October 31.

They are also asking for the AGM to be held by electronic means.

....Bakr and the steelband he represents are questioning the executive's decision to retain office until the convention and AGM, and its failure to find other means to hold the meeting, given the public health restrictions.
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Web Posted - Tuesday October 5, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Ramsey-Moore excited by government's plans for tourism/creative sector

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Government’s announcement that steelbands will be branded as tourism ambassadors has created excitement for Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert, during the reading of the 2022 budget on Monday, said Government would use any or all steel orchestras such as Desperadoes, All Stars, Invaders, BP Renegades, among others, and brand them as tourism ambassadors.

....Ramsey-Moore said paying attention to the contribution that steelbands can make to tourism and bringing in revenue for the country was “an excellent move by the Government.”
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Web Posted - Tuesday October 5, 2021
When Steel Talks

Meet Astor Johnson - Humming Bird Medal Gold Awardee - Founder of The Astor Johnson Repertory Dance Theatre of Trinidad & Tobago, and more  - UpClose!

a Von Martin Interview

Global - “I see the pan music as any other form. I have worked with a little with Earl Rodney and some of “Boogsie” Sharpe′s music as well - I find them very progressive - very lending towards dance movements, I think mostly because of the way they take a melody and then they would do a lot of counter structures and phrases within the melody - the same way one choreographs....”  Astor Johnson
hear interview

Web Posted - Monday October 4, 2021
The Daily Herald

Steel pan tribute to seniors in Belvedere

Belvedere, St. Maarten, W.I. - On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons 2021, last Friday, St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) paid a musical tribute to its senior tenants at the Red Cross Seniors Home in Belvedere.

The tribute was performed by two talented musicians of the Isidore York Steel Pan Orchestra. SMHDF staff read poetry and each senior received a surprise treat.
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Web Posted - Sunday October 3, 2021
When Steel Talks - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Moods Pan Groove - “Ben Lion” - (Video)

Panyard Recording

New York, USA - New York’s Moods Pan Groove performs “Ben Lion” as arranged by the great Robert Greenidge. Basement Recordings captures this performance a few days before they take the stage for Panorama 2002. 
See video

Web Posted - Friday October 1, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Woman in Pan Nakiya Athina de Freitas - Antigua & Barbuda

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - “I would tell any young female panist to go for it. If it’s something you love and enjoy, don’t let anything deter you from that passion. You will face many ups and downs and you will feel like giving up, but just keep going.”

She is focused, driven and extremely talented. And represents the future of Pan. She is a music major who has firm ideas on the way forward in Pan. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Nakiya Athina de Freitas shares her feelings, experiences, and insight into the Steelband music art form and more.
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2020 Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Panorama Info - Complete

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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