Web Posted -
Wednesday August 31, 2022
When Steel Talks REBOOT - Feel the Music - Live the Experience
Memories: Wyclef Jean bonds with Pantonic - A Band of Immigrants
When Steel Talks hooks Grammy Superstar up with Steel Orchestra
On set: Pantonic Steel Orchestra for photoshoot
with Wyclef Jean
New York, USA - Fifteen years
ago in August of 2007, superstar Wyclef Jean visited the panyard
of New York’s Pantonic Steel Orchestra as they were preparing
for that year’s Panorama competition. The occasion was a video
shoot with the group as he danced and sang in front of and with
the steelband at their Brooklyn site. He even took a musical
turn on a tenor as the thrilled panists surrounded him.
The musical collaboration with Pantonic was part of Wyclef’s
preparation for his then-upcoming Fall 2007 release entitled The
Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant - his sixth solo CD
release. Guest artists on that album included T.I.,
Chamillionaire, Paul Simon, Akon and Mary J. Blige.
see more
Web Posted -
Wednesday August 31, 2022
Big News Network
Following COVID, 1 million turn out for London’s Notting Hill Carnival
London, England, U.K. -
London’s annual
Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street
party, has been held for the first time since 2019, with more
than 1 million people participating in the music, parades,
dancing and food.
....Pepe Francis, head of the
Ebony Steelband Trust, which has
been performing at the carnival for decades, said, “Since the
band has started, I am on my fifth generation of people and
there’s been a lot of changes. But our members look forward to
carnival every year and practice takes place regularly from year
to year,” he said, according to the Associated Press.
see more
Web Posted -
Tuesday August 30, 2022
When Steel Talks
New York Steelband Panorama is a different animal
No New York Panorama
by Angela Howard
Brooklyn, New York, USA -
It’s easy to be angry. Sometimes it seems like our entire
culture is being destroyed right before our very eyes. This
year’s lack of a Panorama in New York is disappointing on so
many dimensions. Even if we allow for some grace in the
post-COVID (is it really post?) come-back era, if we look far
enough down the road we can see that pan as we know it is
irreparably damaged and changed when we don’t hold the
competition. We can’t blame this all on gentrification and neo-colonisation.
see more
Web Posted -
Tuesday August 30, 2022
Caribbean Life
CLACC-C Children’s Festival and Youth Pan Fest celebrates 10 years
Pan Evolution Junior Steel Orchestra, overall
prize winner, performing at the10th Annual
Carlos Lezama Archives & Caribbean Culture
Center (CLACC-C) Children’s Festival & Youth Pan
Fest.
Brooklyn, New York, USA - Pan
Evolution Junior Steel Orchestra revved up the audience with the
tune — “Out and Bad” — putting on a “pan-tastic” performance
last Saturday, to capture the overall 1st place win, beating out
five other ensembles in that category, at the 10th
Annual Carlos Lezama Archives & Caribbean Culture Center (CLACC-C)
Children’s Festival & Youth Pan Fest in front of the
headquarters on St. John’s Place in Brooklyn.
Judged on Arrangement, General Performance, Quality of Sound and
Rhythm, other winners were Metro Steel Orchestra, Black Love
Pantonic Steel Orchestra, Harmony Music Makers, Eruption Steel
Orchestra, and Genesis Pan Groove Youth Band.
see more
Web Posted -Tuesday August 30, 2022
Trinidad Express Newspapers
Taking pan to the world
Hadad brothers team up with conductor, tuner...
AT THE HELM: Directors of MITTCO John Hadad,
from left, Akua Leith, Mario Joseph, David
Hackett and Robert Hadad, at the launch of the
pan factory on the Diamond Vale Industrial
Estate in Diego Martin,
earlier this month
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - PAN
isn’t just for Panorama.
Akua Leith, the artistic director and conductor of the National
Steel Symphony Orchestra of T&T, is set to commercialise
production of the national instrument.
He has accomplished the first phase of his dream of building a
pan manufacturing facility in T&T, very distinct from the
cottage industry that has sprung up around the instrument.
It’s been Leith’s dream to push steelpan to the forefront of
local culture and consciousness.
If Leith has his way, there will be a pan in every home.
And pan will be taught in the classrooms of all schools.
see
more
Web Posted -
Monday August 29, 2022
When Steel Talks
Notting Hill Carnival 2022 - Monday Live Stream
London, England, U.K. -
Notting Hill Carnival live stream for Carnival Monday, August 29
in London.
see live stream
Web Posted -
Saturday August 27, 2022
When Steel Talks
UK 2022 Panorama Results - Ebony Steel Band Captures 23rd Championship with arranger Duvone Stewart
Ebony Steel Band delivers winning performance at UK Panorama 2022
London, England, U.K. - Ebony
Steelband’s performance of the Duvone Stewart-arrangement of
Mash Up sung by the late Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart has given the
orchestra its twenty-third UK Panorama championship. For Duvone
this marks his fourth winning collaboration with the UK
steelband powerhouse. No doubt, Ebony’s director Pepe Francis
MBE is proud that his orchestra continues to make history with
this accomplishment.
see more, get results
Web Posted -
Saturday August 27, 2022
When Steel Talks
UK National Steelband Panorama 2022 - Live Stream
London, England, U.K. - Five
steel orchestras are competing for the 2022 UK National
Steelband championship. Croydon, Ebony, Pan Nation, Mangrove and
Metronomes are all in play. The title defenders are Mangrove
Steelband.
view live stream
Web Posted -
Friday August 26, 2022
When Steel Talks
D’Radoes Steel Orchestra 20th Anniversary Celebration A Massive
Triumph
NY Pan Broken but not Dead by a Longshot - “People Like
Peas”
D’Radoes Steel Orchestra at its 20
th
Anniversary celebration
Brooklyn, New York, USA - On
Sunday August 21st D’Radoes Steel Orchestra held
their 20th anniversary celebration. Twenty years of
Pan in New York ain’t no joke. Many have tried but few have
survived.
Much more than a observance of longevity, survival, and
sustainability, it was a genuine reminder of just how much of a
cultural, historical and musical treasure-trove New York Pan is.
And in this case D’Radoes Steel Orchestra.
NY Pan is coming out of the global pandemic (with New York the
epicenter) bruised, battered and wobbly - with some on life
support.
see more
Web Posted -
Wednesday August 24, 2022
When Steel Talks
New York J’Ouvert 2022: “Rejuvenate! Breaking The Chain &
Embracing The Movement”
J’Ouvert 2022 Route
J’Ouvert in New York
New York, USA - “At this time
last year, we promised that J’Ouvert was going to come back
bigger and better in 2022. I am pleased to announce as officers
and members of J’Ouvert City International we are poised to
deliver on this promise come Labor Day morning September 5th....”
....“J’Ouvert
parade has been part of the City’s Cultural fabric during the Labor Day season,
and our financial contributions have helped to boost New York City’s economy in
excess of a billion dollars. As customary, the official parade route is Grand
Army Plaza & Flatbush Ave to Empire Blvd and ends at Nostrand Avenue and Midwood
Road from 6:00 – 11:00 a.m.
see more
Web Posted -
Monday August 22, 2022
When Steel Talks
Saying Goodbye to Panist Aliandre Maraj of Despers USA
Brooklyn, New York, USA - The
rays of sunshine warmed the sunny Sunday afternoon for the
celebration of the life of Despers USA Steel Orchestra panist
and vice captain Aliandre Maraj - just as he himself had warmed
the hearts of all those he touched in his thirty years of life.
At the Seven Days Adventist Church on East 21st Street in East
Flatbush, people of all ages, from the young to the not-so-young
gathered to bid him goodbye. In addition to his conventional
family and friends, there was a considerable turnout in his
steelband family among the New York pan fraternity in
attendance.
see
more
Web Posted -
Monday August 22, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
35 graduate from Hatters Youth Academy pan camp
Two of the young graduates of Hatters Youth Academy pan camp
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - In this
month of August, when the national instrument, the pan, is being celebrated,
a call has been made for financial support for it.
Executive member of Pan Trinbago Whitfield Weekes has called on people
not to pay mere lip service to the instrument, but physical support in terms
of dollars and cents.
Addressing the graduating class of the
Hatters
Youth Academy pan camp on August 10, Weekes pointed out that when it comes
to supporting the instrument, people always look to government and the
private sector.
....The 35 graduating youths, who were exposed to singing, dancing,
drumming, etiquette, art and craft training for the last month, are set to
evolve into a junior pan side as requests are already coming in for them to
perform at different events.
see more
Web Posted -
Monday August 22, 2022
When Steel Talks
Obituary for Despers USA Panist Aliandre Maraj
Brooklyn, New York, USA -
Musician and entrepreneur Aliandre Maraj also known as “Ali” was
a remarkable son, brother, cousin and friend.
....Aliandre truly loved all things steel pan and was a pillar
of support for various steel bands in Brooklyn such as
CrossFire, New York Pan Stars, Harmony Music Makers, and
Brooklyn Steel Orchestra. Most recently, he was a member of
Despers USA and served as their Vice Captain for the past five
years. In doing so, he taught young people to play Trinidad’s
national instrument, touching countless young lives.
see
more
Web Posted -
Thursday August 18, 2022
Dorchester Reporter
‘Pan Yard’ – where Branches Steel Orchestra hones its tradition of
Trinidad-style rhythms
Branches Director Carl Smith leads the band at
their “pan yard” rehearsal space off River
Street earlier this month.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA -
Coming down an obscure side road off Mattapan’s River Street,
you might think it would be hard to find the “pan yard” where
the storied Branches Steel Orchestra practices several times a
week to hone their steel band sound. But not if you are
following the sounds of a steel pan version of Abba’s “Dancing
Queen” being melodically pounded out by a dozen or more members
of the multi-generational group.
Follow the music through the neighborhood, and you will run into the
two-car garage of Branches founder and long-time director Carl Smith, where
dozens of steel pans are set up alongside other percussion instruments – not
to mention the several pans tossed to the side for tuning or adjustments. It
is the very definition of what those in the craft call a “pan yard,” or the
place where a steel band stores instruments and rehearses.
see
more
Web Posted -
Thursday August 18, 2022
WBUR
From leadership disputes to the high cost of rhinestones,
Boston Carnival is at a crossroads - Branches Steel Orchestra is
missing its first ever Carnival since the event started 49 years ago
Socaholics 2017 - Boston mas
Boston, Massachusetts, USA -
Boston’s Caribbean Carnival parades are just around the corner,
and one would expect that the bandleaders of such beautifully
costumed mas — or masquerade — bands Soca & Associates and
Misfit, or the symphonic steel sound of
Branches Steel
Orchestra, would be at their mas camps busily making final
preparations for both the afternoon Carnival and early morning
J’Ouvert parades down Blue Hill Avenue on Aug. 27.
...Branches is missing its first ever Carnival since the event
started 49 years ago. At the heart of many of the absences is
the long-running strife between bandleaders and the Caribbean
American Carnival Association of Boston (CACAB), which presents
Boston Carnival, billed as the largest BIPOC celebration in
Massachusetts. The conflict comes down to the leadership of
CACAB’s president, Shirley Shillingford.
....Carl Smith, who leads Branches and has been part of the
steel band since 1978, says his organization supports the
boycott. Smith is a former CACAB vice president and was on the
board until last year, when he and Shillingford exchanged
harshly worded letters, each accusing the other of misconduct
during meetings.
“If she goes, we’ll be back at Carnival. If she stays, we won’t
be,” says Smith. Branches is a Boston institution that has
taught generations of youth the steel pan tradition. Smith says
the group is staying busy with appearances at venues like
Faneuil Hall and its annual picnic on Sept. 18. Of Shillingford,
Smith says “she thinks the Carnival belongs to her, but it
doesn’t. It belongs to the community.”
see
more
Web Posted - Wednesday August 17, 2022
Trinidad Express Newspapers
The Trinidad and Tobago Music Stars Steel Orchestra panyard is the latest project in the Panyard Upgrade programme
MOVED BY THE MUSIC: Housing and Urban Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis dances yesterday to the sweet pan music of Music Stars Steel Orchestra, following the upgrading and refurbishment works to their band room located in Chinapoo, Morvant
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Speaking yesterday at the Chinapoo Community Centre at the handover ceremony of the recently constructed Trinidad and Tobago Music Stars Steel Orchestra panyard, Dr Jeffrey Reyes, board member, East Port of Spain (EPoS) Development Company, said when the Government invests in steelpans, it invests in young people’s education and the social cohesion of the community.
‘Pan can be used to develop knowledge, address deviant behaviour, and improve memory. This facility in Chinapoo is an opportunity for you to pull the community together,’ Reyes said.
see more
Web Posted -
Tuesday August 16, 2022
Arts Council of Greater New Haven
Steel Band Keeps Summer Spirit Strong At St. Luke’s
Lisa Yarbor and members of St. Luke’s Steel Band
New Haven, Connecticut, USA -
Gloria Rogers stepped to the beat from the back of the audience
towards where her two friends, Mary Lopes and Mary Freeman, were
dancing in their seats. She leaned down to say something, and a
moment later, all three women were on their feet, heading in
different directions through the audience. Within minutes, the
audience would be on its feet.
On Friday night, a Whalley Avenue parking lot transformed into a
Caribbean oasis with the colorful melodies of the St. Luke’s Steel Band and
the sound of laughter from strangers coming together to dance.
....“The most important thing for me is the instrument,” said director
Kenneth Joseph, who hails from the instrument’s home of Trinidad and Tobago.
....The free concert, which featured 16 performers of the
sometimes-25-person band, began around 7 p.m.
see more,
video
Web Posted -
Tuesday August 16, 2022
When Steel Talks
The Anatomy of UK Panorama 2022 - Quick Chart - Steelband
Music Competition
London, England, U.K. - Five
steel orchestras will put their best competitive efforts forward
for the 2022 UK Panorama. Each wants to be champion, with the
title defenders, 11-time Panorama champs Mangrove Steelband
determined to cede no ground.
....The UK National Panorama will be held at the customary
venue at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, Kensal Road, W10 from 4:00
p.m. - 12:00 a.m. on Saturday 27th August.
see
quick chart
Web Posted -
Sunday August 14, 2022
Peace Arch News
Surrey’s first Afro Caribbean Summerfest a success in
representation, cultural appreciation
The Sweet Pan Steel Band
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada - After seeing a lack of representation of his Caribbean roots in
Surrey, Oliver Baley created the city’s first Afro Caribbean
Cultural Summerfest for everyone to appreciate and take part in
the cultural fun.
....“It’s a dream come true. I’m glad that a lot of people
appreciate it too,” Baley told Peace Arch News.
....Hopes for the first-time event are high, as Baley envisions
the festival to “go bigger than I can expect.”
see
more
Web Posted -
Sunday August 14, 2022
When Steel Talks
Exodus Steel Orchestra to honor star sprinter Jereem Richards
Tunapuna, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
In recognition of Jereem Richards’ public appeal that the
national anthem of Trinidad & Tobago be played on the Steelpan
at his recent Commonwealth Games medal ceremony, Republic Bank
Exodus Steel Orchestra plans to honor him.
The band reached out to Jereem and he has agreed to accept an
award at Exodus’ “Panyard Opening” on Saturday 27th
August, 2022.
see
more
Web Posted -
Saturday August 13, 2022
When Steel Talks
New York steelband panyard locations in 2022
New York, USA - This is a
listing of addresses of the Pan Yard locations, of
public-facing steel orchestras in New York, along with contact
information where available, for the summer of
2022; the list will be revised as necessary. For 2022,
there is no New York steelband Panorama competition.
A number of local steelband events have been
listed for the period leading up to Labor Day. Check the
Events calendar, and contact steelbands directly.
see
locations
Web Posted -
Saturday August 13, 2022
The New Today
Commancheros Steel Orchestra celebrates 7th Panorama title
Commancheros pan players perform at the 2022
Grenada Panorama competition
Grenada, W.I. - Co-op Bank
Commancheros Steel Band Orchestra has emerged victorious over
the defending champions New Dimension Steel Orchestra in the
2022 Panorama competition to earn their
7th Panorama championship title.
The St Paul’s-based band won the competition in 1994, 2006,
2007, 2014, 2016, 2018, and
now in 2022, on 272 points, with its performance of Andre
Greenidge’s arrangement of “10, 000 masqueraders” by Miney, a
song, that captured the road march title in 2008.
see more
Web Posted -
Saturday August 13, 2022
When Steel Talks
Sten Comin’ True - Inspiration with Steelpan in Oil and
Music
Sten Comin’ True
Global - For sixty years
Caribbean life, including Carnival and Steelpan, has been
impacting the life of Lilian Sten-Nicholson. A short video
highlights just a few of her many impressions in oil on canvas,
including steelpan, set to clips of classic Panorama
arrangements.
see
artwork in video
Web Posted -
Saturday August 13, 2022
Manchester Evening News
Booming music, elaborate costumes and fabulous dancers:
Caribbean Carnival makes a welcome return to Manchester
A steelband leads the parade as Manchester
Caribbean Carnival celebrates its 50th year
Manchester, England, U.K.
- As the
sun beat down upon the streets of Moss Side, the joyful sounds
of steel drums filled the air. Celebrating its 50th anniversary,
the Manchester Caribbean Carnival has returned with a bang.
Spanning over this weekend (August 13 and
14), Alexandra Park is playing host to the Carnival with plenty
of booming music, delicious food and extravagant costumes,
following a short hiatus over the last two years due to the
COVID pandemic.
Leading the parade on Saturday was a fabulous
steel band, whose infectious rhythm instantly brought the
streets to life. Hundreds of people lined the streets as the
procession made its way from outside Alexandra Park.
see more
Web Posted -
Friday August 12, 2022
Loop News T&T
New pan factory officially opens on World Steelpan Day
Akua Leith showing off one of the pans in the
new MITTCO facility
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
World Steelpan Day was celebrated in Trinidad
and Tobago with the official opening of a new pan manufacturing
facility.
The Musical Instruments of Trinidad and Tobago Company Limited
(MITTCO) opened its doors in the e-Teck Industrial Park in
Diamond Vale, Diego Martin on Thursday evening.
MITTCO is the brainchild of
Akua Leith, the Artistic Director
and Conductor of the National Steel Symphony Orchestra of T&T.
see more
Web Posted -
Friday August 12, 2022
When Steel Talks
New Dimension Steel Orchestra - Grenada - “Wrong Again”
Cordel Byam - Arranger
Grenada, W.I. - This is the
2022 Grenada National Panorama performance by New Dimension
Steel Orchestra, performing a Cordel Byam-arrangement of “Wrong
Again” by “Skinny Banton.”
see video
Web Posted -
Thursday August 11, 2022
Cumberland Times-News
Pan Jammin’ Steel Drum band performs free concert
The Pan Jammin’ Steel Drum band will perform
for the Highland Arts Unlimited kickoff concert
Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at West Virginia University
Potomac State College
West Virginia, USA - Highland
Arts Unlimited will kick off the 2022-2023 season with a free
concert by the Pan Jammin’ Steel Drum band Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
in the Church-McKee Arts Center at West Virginia University
Potomac State College.
Pan Jammin’ Steel Drum Studio of Keyser provides instruction and
performance opportunities for students from middle school to
senior adults who are interested in the steel pan music of the
Caribbean.
see more
Web Posted -
Thursday August 11, 2022
Trinidad Express Newspapers
Today is World Steelpan Day
Morean makes designation on behalf of PoS mayor...
‘A day of celebration and global recognition’:
World Steelpan Day co-founder Bertel Gittens
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
Today has officially been declared World Steelpan Day (WSD) in
the city of Port of Spain.
Deputy Mayor of Port of Spain Hillan Morean made the designation on
behalf of the capital city’s mayor, Joel Martinez, during the filming of the
celebration of WSD on August 3 at Mille Fleurs, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port
of Spain.
....World Steelpan Day co-founder Bertel Gittens said the mayoral
declaration takes the Thrust’s vision for the annual August 11 celebration
one step closer towards creating a globally recognised day for the national
instrument in the middle of
Pan Trinbago’s Steelband month.
....Gittens said the placing of the celebration in the middle of
Steelpan Month, between Emancipation and Independence Day, is
“just the right time to honour an instrument that plays a
pivotal role in our annual celebrations.”
see more
Web Posted -
Thursday August 11, 2022
TTT News
World Steelpan Thrust (NOW Morning Show)
Bertel Gittens
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
The World Steelpan Thrust is a non-profit tasked with creating
and supporting opportunities for the sustainable development of
pan in the areas of manufacturing, education, entertainment,
therapy and other related services.
see interview
Web Posted -
Thursday August 11, 2022
TTT News
Celebrating World Steelpan Day
Worldwide Steel Orchestra
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
Describing today’s observance of World Steel Pan Day as an
auspicious occasion,
Pan Trinbago’s President,
Beverley Ramsey Moore says the event is an important moment for Trinidad
and Tobago.
She notes that the steelpan is Trinidad and Tobago’s gift to the world –
and points out that we should be proud of the achievement.
see more
Web Posted -
Wednesday August 10, 2022
News-Press NOW
Soca Jukebox to play anniversary show on Sunday
Soca Jukebox will celebrate its 20th anniversary
Sunday with a show at Coleman Hawkins Park at
Felix Street Square
Missouri, USA - Staying
together for 20 years is a feat for any band.
For the island-rock band Soca Jukebox, it’s been about as breezy
as the music the members play.
....The band will celebrate its 20th anniversary as it closes
out the Imagine Eleven concert series at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug.
14, at Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square.
....Starting as educators at Missouri Western State University
and musicians coming together and jamming, the group evolved
into a steel pan drum-led unit.
....Where people might read “steel pan drum band” and expect
bland island music, Soca Jukebox enjoyed kicking it into high
gear and blowing their minds.
see more
Web Posted -
Wednesday August 10, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Desperadoes’ managing director wants more love for steelpan in T&T
Members of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra’s new board of directors
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Over the
past few weeks, the steelpan has been in the global spotlight.
On Sunday, a steelpan version of the T&T National Anthem was heard twice
around Birmingham, England, as Jereem Richards, and then this country’s
4x400 men’s relay team, collected their Commonwealth Games gold medals.
And last month, the
steelpan was featured as a Google Doodle on the 71st
anniversary of the Trinidad All-Steel Pan Percussion Orchestra’s (TASPO)
performance at the Festival of Britain, which introduced the steelpan and a
new music genre to the world.
But while there is no denying that the steelpan has been accepted and
acclaimed globally, the managing director of the orchestra with the
most
Panorama titles believes more needs to be done for the instrument locally.
“The steelpan has reached global already but the problem I have is that not
much is being done in T&T for the steelpan, not the steelbands, the actual
instrument,”
Desperadoes’
Lyndon Spencer said.
“I think many people appreciate the steelpan much more outside of T&T than
actually in T&T. I know they are trying but I think more can be done for the
instrument.”
see more
Web Posted -
Wednesday August 10, 2022
Vermont Journal
13th Annual Blue Flames Concert
The popular steel drum band, Blue Flames
Vermont, USA - On Friday Aug. 19, from 4–6 p.m., everyone is invited to come to
Weston’s Town Green for the 13th Annual Blue Flames Steel Band
Concert. ...listen to a free concert by the enchanting Blue
Flames Steel Band who, for the 13th year, are
donating their talent and time to a festive community
celebration.
....The rain date will be Friday, Aug. 26.
see more
Web Posted -
Wednesday August 10, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Young musician studies pan at prestigious US academy
Dimitri Lal studied for two weeks at Birch Creek
Music Performance Center in Door County,
Wisconsin, USA
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
Dimitri Lal, a talented young musician from Trinidad and Tobago
studied for two weeks at Birch Creek Music Performance Center in
Door County, Wisconsin.
A media release said Lal, a student at Trinity College (East),
was among 11 other musicians from throughout the United States
to attend the percussion and steelband session at the academy.
....During their two-week residency, students attending the percussion and
steelband session performed seven concerts alongside their teachers in front
of paying concertgoers.
see more
Web Posted -
Tuesday August 9, 2022
Caribbean Life
WIADCA releases Carnival Week roster
Models in Branches and Associates’ band “Carnival is Color”
Brooklyn, New York, USA - The
Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA),
organizer of the annual massive Carnival Parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern
Parkway, on Sunday released the roster for Carnival Week, starting on
Thursday, Sept. 1.
....“New York Carnival Week continues with several events for all ages
like Island 2 Island, Youth Fest & Junior Carnival Parade, Pan in A Minor,
Paintopia and Amnesia that feature cultural ambassadors representing the
Caribbean.
....Except for the Labor Day Carnival Parade, all events take place on
the Brooklyn Museum grounds.
....Saturday, Sept. 3 – ...Pan in A Minor ‘With a Minor Change’ | 7:00 p.m.
– 3:00 a.m., musical feast of rhythmic melodies over the sweet sounds of
steel, concert style, with steel bands led by some of New York’s renowned
pan virtuosos.
see more,
get full schedule
Web Posted -
Tuesday August 9, 2022
Courier-Gazette
Riley School celebrates 50 years with a campout
Maine, USA - Riley School in
Rockport is 50 years old this year and to start the school is
inviting all alumni and past and present Riley Family members,
to pack up their family, all their camping gear and come join us
on our wide-open campus for the weekend.
....Pen Bay Pan will perform live by campfire, Saturday night
starting at 6 p.m. showcasing their sound and talent after
making the Riley campus their new “home base.”
....Pen Bay Pan is a steel drum band made of Midcoast Maine
community members and the ensemble has been around for 20 years.
see more
Web Posted -
Tuesday August 9, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Hatters look to youth to continue pan legacy
Youngsters at Hatters pan camp perform at the
camp at the Girl Guides’ south headquarters, Rushworth Street, San Fernando
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
One of the oldest playing steelbands in San Fernando,
Hatters
Steel Orchestra, is also the last of two South bands which would
have captured the somewhat elusive Panorama title, way back in
1975.
....In the doldrums for a number of years, the band, under new management, is trying to revive its glory days and is looking to the youth to continue the legacy.
It is for this reason, Pan Camp 2022 was revived after several years, with the main thrust being the creation of a Hatters Steel Orchestra Junior band.
see more
Web Posted -
Monday August 8, 2022
The Daily Herald
DMF closes summer camp with Grand Finale Concert
Focused junior steelpan players at the
Philipsburg Community Centre
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, W.I. - Dow’s Musical Foundation’s
(DMF’s) five-week Melodies and Adventures Summer Camp came to a close with a
two-hour Grand Finale Concert at Philipsburg Cultural Center on Sunday
afternoon.
Isidore “Mighty Dow” York, founder of the foundation with its main
objective to educate, preserve and promote the art form of steelpan music in
St. Maarten, said at the start of Sunday’s show that 120 students had
participated in the summer camp, ranging from age seven to persons in their
60s.
see more
Web Posted -
Monday August 8, 2022
Real News Antigua
“Babu” Samuel laid to rest after stirring tributes, as
former PM Spencer calls for establishment of a pan academy in
his honour
Victor “Babu” Samuel
Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. -
The establishment of a pan academy in the name of the late
Victor “Babu” Samuel was recommended to the Government by
Dr. Baldwin Spencer,
today, August 8, as he eulogized his late friend and the
renowned pan player during an official funeral service at the
Antigua Recreation Ground.
Samuel was considered one of Antigua and Barbuda’s top arrangers and
panists, having led the
Halcyon Steel
Orchestra to eight of their 14 Panorama championships and winning the
title for four consecutive years.
Additionally, as arranger, Babu laid claim to three of the band’s five
Moods of Pan titles.
see
more
Web Posted -
Monday August 8, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Pan boss knocks THA Carnival promo trip: ‘Grenada rollout but nothing ah
yard’
Assistant Secretary of Tourism Meghan Morrison, left, greets Grenada Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Youth, Sports, and Culture, Norman Gilbert, in Grenada on Friday
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
Pan Trinbago
president
Beverley Ramsey Moore has expressed concern with the marketing
strategy for the inaugural Tobago Carnival. With two months to go before the
October 28-30 festival begins, Ramsey-Moore said time is running out for the
Tobago House of Assembly and the Tobago carnival committee to get it right.
....In a Facebook post, Ramsey-Moore said, “When you think you know and you
really don’t know! That is the vibes I’m getting with Tobago backival,
Karnival or whatever they having in October. Big roll out in Grenada and
nothing ah yard. T&T have more people than G(renada). Dance ah yard
before you dance abroad.”
....Ramsey-Moore said the latest information she had was that there was
THA approval for pan events. She said Pan Trinbago’s Tobago region chairman
is expected to meet the Division of Tourism on Monday to discuss the next
step.
“I am awaiting the results of that meeting,” Ramsey-Moore said.
She added that the decision not to host steelband, calypso, soca and other
competitions is expected to remain.
see more
Web Posted - Sunday
August 7, 2022
When Steel Talks
Grenada 2022 Panorama Results - Commancheros Steel Orchestra Takes Top
Honors with champion arranger Andre Greenidge
St. George’s, Grenada, W.I. -
Commancheros Steel Orchestra which copped its last title in 2018, emerged on
top in Grenada’s 2022 Panorama competition with its performance of Andre
Greenidge’s arrangement of 10,000 Masqueraders by “Miney” - bringing the
orchestra its seventh championship. The soca piece was popularized in 2008.
The band was not the only competitor to go ‘back-in-time’ as
second-placed Angel Harps Steel Orchestra, led musically by veteran champion
arranger James Clarkson, reached even further back - to 1997 in fact -
opting for chutney soca Chala Baiti by “Tanglar” as its tune of choice.
get results
Web Posted - Sunday
August 7, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian
Richards requests anthem on steel after 200m repeat
Jereem Richards of T&T, centre, wins the men’s 200m finals in a time of
19.80 seconds ahead of England’s Zharnel Hughes in 20.12, right, and
Joseph Amoah of Ghana (20.19) in the Alexander Stadium at the
Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, yesterday.
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - At 5
o’clock this morning, the national anthem can be heard on the steelpan in
Birmingham, England, if sprinter Jereem ‘The Dream’ Richards has his way.
The honour of this request came after he shattered the 200 metres
Commonwealth Games record on his way to a successful defence of a title he
won back in 2018.
....“....I have one request if anybody can hear me, I would love to hear
the National Anthem in the steelpan rendition, I would love to hear that
one. If I can get it in the morning in the steelpan rendition, that will
make my day,” Richards concluded.
see more
Web Posted - Sunday
August 7, 2022
When Steel Talks
Spicemas Corporation Forgets the “Pan” along the Way to Grenada Panorama
2022 - Total Disrespect
St. George’s, Grenada, W.I. - On
Saturday August 7, 2022 the steelpan instrument was supposed to be featured
in Grenada’s Panorama 2022 - an event promoted as “Pantastic Saturday
Ultra.” However, A very curious and disrespectful thing happened along the
way to the event. The promoters “forgot” to put the names of the steelbands
and/or any pertinent information relating to Panorama - the marquis event -
on the flyer disseminated over the internet. That was an omen.
In fact to make matters worse, the
information - and images - on the flyer were about the after party, which
features prominent Soca artists. No pan.
see more
Web Posted - Sunday
August 7, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian
Pan Trinbago boss ahead of Steelpan month: We are still standing
Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore, centre, stands among the
various flags of steel orchestras of Trinidad and Tobago, during the
launch of Steelpan month, at the All Saints Anglican Church, Marli
Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - After
two years of being unable to gather together in large numbers in a public
space, the executive team of
Pan Trinbago led by president
Beverley Ramsey Moore yesterday hosted a prayer service to kick off the
start of month-long celebrations commemorating the invention of the steel
pan- Steelpan month.
Despite the ongoing internal challenges she continues to face as its
leader, Ramsey-Moore declared before God and the small group of members who
turned up at the All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street, Newtown that
following the
COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, “We are still standing.”
see more
Web Posted -
Saturday August 6, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Kamla promised pan factory in 2010
(Letter to the Editor)
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - With
national elections some three years away, Opposition Leader Kamla
Persad-Bissessar seems ready again to recycle
promises made 12 years ago as leader of the People’s Partnership
coalition. At the weekend, Persad-Bissessar promised to establish a pan
factory in the country if she returns as prime minister.
Persad-Bissessar should remember that she made the same promise in 2010
when she was seeking to become prime minister. She did become prime
minister, but forgot the promise even though the PP government had the
money.
I wish to remind her that the promise was contained in the PP 2010
manifesto at page 47.
see more
Web Posted -
Saturday August 6, 2022
Birmingham Live
Carnival fever takes over Birmingham on Commonwealth Games ‘Super
Saturday’
Ebony Steel Band in Birmingham
Birmingham, England, UK
- With carnival
dancers, steel pan drums, and the sun shining, Birmingham came alive over
the final weekend of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
....Chloe Iyaye and Josh Prescod were part of
Ebony Steel Band, drumming
outside the Bullring. Chloe spoke about how the public had found the
group’s performances on a sunny day in Brum.
“They have been loving it. The people have been so friendly,” she said.
“Ever since we started setting up, they were saying ‘when are you going
to play? They have been chomping at the bit.
“It’s all about having fun. You can’t hear steel pan music and not smile.
read more, see video
Web Posted -
Saturday August 6, 2022
New York Daily News
NYC’s Caribbean carnival making a comeback
The early morning Labor Day J’Ouvert festival of costumes and
performances will be returning in September
New York, USA - A full-fledged,
in-person version of the New York Caribbean Carnival will return to Brooklyn
next month, after a two-year cancellation...
And the borough’s early morning
J’Ouvert celebration is also making an in-person comeback, say
organizers, who have announced the 2022 procession’s NYPD-approved route.
....“Patrons can expect an exciting week-long lead-up of Caribbean food,
culture, music and heritage ahead of the iconic West Indian Carnival
parade,” said
WIADCA executives, noting that the youth-focused Junior
Carnival and the “Pan in A Minor” steel band competition are among the
attractions.
Last week,
Yvette Rennie, president of J’Ouvert City International,
announced the route for the 2022 in-person return of early morning festival
of steelpan music, and costumes, that is held before the New York Caribbean
Carnival.
Starting Labor Day morning, J’Ouvert will be held from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
see more
Web Posted -
Friday August 5, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Physical events return for Pan Month
Desperados Youth Steel Orchestra: Pan Trinbago is putting focus on youth
also in its ongoing Pan Month activities which continue to August 31.
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan month is
celebrated each August. During that time,
Pan Trinbago honours the instrument, its players and achievements.
Over the last two years,
COVID-19 restrictions drove the celebrations online but, with their removal,
physical events have returned.
The month usually has a specific theme. This year each week has its own theme
and those are reintroduction, reflection, rejuvenation, reharmonisation and
rebranding.
see more
Web Posted - Thursday
August 4, 2022
When Steel Talks
The Anatomy of Panorama 2022 - Quick Chart & Order of Appearance
Grenada National Panorama Steelband Music Competition
St. George’s, Grenada, W.I. - Five steel
orchestras will be challenging the defending champion from 2019, New Dimension
Steel Orchestra - for a total of six bands taking the stage on Saturday, August
6.
....The overall event, “Pantastic Saturday Ultra” includes a fete dubbed
‘Bouyan, Pan, and Jab’ after the Panorama competition, and unfolds at the National
Stadium.
see more
Web Posted -Thursday
August 4, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian
Pan creates another historic feat mere weeks before Steelpan Month
Members of the T&T National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) pose with their
musical director,
Akua Leith,
front right.
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - It’s Steelpan
(pan) Month from August 1 to 31, and it’s no secret that pan had its share of
licks, but it has matured and purified to great extents.
History reveals that the developed, sophisticated instrument came from deep
struggles yet played its way into Carnegie and Royal Albert Halls; drew British
Royalty to local panyards; became a part of Presidents, Prime Ministers and
many other distinguished individuals’ lives.
....On July 5 of this year (2022), for the very-first time any anthem was
played on pan during an Olympic medal ceremony. It was T&T’s National Steel
Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) that did historic justice at the International Olympic
Committee’s (IOC) Medal Reallocation Ceremony, at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne,
Switzerland, with their recorded version of Forged for the Love of Liberty.
see more
Web Posted -Wednesday
August 3, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian
Steelpan month 2022
Image of Pan Trinbago’s flyer Celebrating Steelpan Month 2022
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan is being
celebrated in various ways this August in what has been termed Steelpan Month.
This year’s celebration flowed from a vein that re-imagined possibilities after
it was hosted it in its entirety for two years on the virtual online platform.
It has been re-engineered and retooled for a bigger and better experience
....Pan
Trinbago’s Events Committee chaired by Shivorne Mitchell, said it’s also
a rejuvenation in itself, a reharmonisation of love, education, efforts and
the true spirit of pan, ultimately, rebranding certain aspects of the month.
see more
Web Posted - Wednesday
August 3, 2022
When Steel Talks
Panist Aliandre C. Maraj of Despers USA has passed
Aliandre C. Maraj
New York, USA - When Steel Talks extends
our deepest condolences to the family and friends of ace panist, entrepreneur
and organizer Aliandre C. Maraj of Despers USA Steel Orchestra in New York.
Aliandre passed away August 3, 2022.
see images
Web Posted -
Wednesday August 3, 2022
Love FM
Scouts to start steel pan program
Steelpans for the Scout Association of Belize
Belize City, Belize, S.A. - The
Scout Association of Belize today received brand new steel pans for its music
program. The assistance came through a partnership between the Belize Scout
Foundation and the Taiwan Government. Love News attended today’s ceremony at
the Scouts’ HQ in Belize City.
see video
The Scout Association of Belize
Web Posted -
Tuesday August
2, 2022
Trinidad Express Newspapers
An evening of musical excellence
(Opinion)
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
On the penultimate day of July, the
Melodians Pan Yard was awakened by the
sounds of steel reverberating in the atmosphere.
The Eastern Region of Pan Trinbago hosted an explosion of steel at the
venue which had pan lovers dancing and wailing to the bands from the East.
....After listening to some of the bands performing, I was totally blown
away by the introduction of the
Sangre Grande Cordettes, which signalled the
musical opera that was to unfold.
The orchestra opened with the George Benson’s classic, “Breezing”, which
ironically comes from the same album that includes another classic, “This
Masquerade.”
see more
Web Posted - Monday August
1, 2022
When Steel Talks
Kadooment Day Crop Over 2022 - Live Stream
Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I. - Kadooment
Day is a public holiday in Barbados on the First Monday in August. August
1st 2022...
The Crop Over Festival is the traditional end of the Sugar cane season and
has been celebrated for over 200 years.
see live stream
Web Posted -
Monday August 1, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian
Kamla promises to create a steelpan factory in T&T
UNC Political Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar is greeted by Wake Ife Assembly
drummer Richard Lewis on her arrival at the Southern Marine Pan Theatre’s
Emancipation Day celebrations, Southern Main Road, Marabella.
Marabella, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Opposition
Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she will create a pan factory in T&T when
she returns as Prime Minister.
Speaking at Emancipation celebrations held at
Southern
Marines Pan Theatre at the Marabella Train line on Emancipation Day, Persad-Bissessar
said it was regrettable that T&T invented the steelpan but does not sell the
instrument.
“If you want to buy a steelpan right now you have to go to Japan to buy one.
You think that is right?” she questioned.
Saying she planned to work closely with
Pan Trinbago to expand steelpan education and training, Persad-Bissessar
said: “The pan in schools programme was one way that my government recognised
the Steelpan Movement....”
....The Opposition Leader also paid tribute to the Southern Marines Pan Theatre
for its role in teaching pupils to play the steelpan.
see more
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
