Web Posted - Sunday February 27, 2022
When Steel Talks

PanoGrama secures international television deal

Global - PanoGrama 2022 – The World Cup of Steelpan will be broadcasted on One Caribbean Television, a channel that is dedicated to uniting the Caribbean by providing a platform to highlight the beautiful people and places of the region. Its signal airs in 19 countries across the world including the US, Canada, and across the Caribbean. Some countries in the Caribbean where the channel is shown are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad & Tobago.
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Web Posted - Sunday February 27, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Pan with Papa: 7-year-old Aaliyah Livingston on lessons with Joylanders co-founder

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit this country, seven-year-old Aaliyah Livingston was mesmerised as she watched her grandfather teach her “older” schoolmates to play the steelpan.

But being in the infant department of Couva Anglican Primary School meant that she was too young to be part of the school’s steelpan band.

One day in April 2020, and out of the blue, Aaliyah told her grandfather David “Pin” Sylvester, 76 [at right], a pan aficionado, she wanted to learn to play the national instrument. Her first lesson began that same day on a tenor pan at the family’s home at Basta Hall in Couva.

....Steelpan music appears to run through her veins. Her grandfather is a legend in the steelband fraternity. Sylvester co-founded NGC Couva Joylanders and has played with several bands over the years. Some of these were BP Renegades Steel Orchestra, Tokyo Steel Orchestra and Caribbean Airlines Skiffle Steel Orchestra (formerly known as Skiffle Bunch).

....“Aaliyah has a love for pan, so it was not a problem for her to learn quickly. She always hears pan music at home. She also watches my daughter Danica Livingston, who plays with Hadco Phase II Pan Groove,” Sylvester said.
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Web Posted - Sunday February 27, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Pan Trinbago’s Musical Showdown thrills, draws big crowd

This Power Stars Steel Orchestra bass pan player kept the band grounded during its performance of ‘Long Time’

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago’s president Beverley Ramsey-Moore was “ecstatic” at Saturday’s Musical Showdown in De Big Yard, the pan event held during the Taste of Carnival.

For Ramsey-Moore, the pan community truly showed up and showed out with its support for the scaled down Carnival event and for the chance to play after two years of no Panorama because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The showcase event at the Queen’s Park Savannah, along with its earlier Pan in De Sancoche, replaced the annual Panorama.

....At the start of the event, more people took to the Grand Stand as opposed to the North Park where the pods are. Ramsey-Moore said this was because of the rain. And with the yellow alert issued by the Met Office earlier, some people returned their pod tickets for Grand Stand tickets. However, players were allowed to occupy the pods after their performance.
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Web Posted - Saturday February 26, 2022
When Steel Talks

Order of Appearance - “Musical Showdown in De Big Yard” - Medium and Large conventional steel orchestras

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The order of appearance for the “Musical Showdown in De Big Yard” featuring Medium and Large conventional steel orchestras is available here. The show unfolds at Carnival City, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad, on Saturday February 26 from 5:00 p.m. AST (Atlantic Standard Time).

There are eleven medium and twelve large steelbands in this event, part of “A Taste of Carnival 2022”.
see Order of Appearance

Web Posted - Thursday February 24, 2022
The Garrett County Republican

Steel drum program expands at Crellin Elementary

Kevin Martin works with students at Crellin Elementary School on Tuesday morning.  His guitar is also part of his lessons.

Oakland, Maryland, USA - Steel drums have been a part of the curriculum at Crellin Elementary School for several years now, and the program has recently expanded.

“In 2018, with guidance from Kevin Martin of Rockcreek Steel Drums (based in Arnold), students learned the mathematics and science of designing and building steel drums,” Principal Dana McCauley explained. “The Crellin community came together with Martin as students, parents and community members set up a steel pan ‘factory’ and built 20 steel pan instruments that were then incorporated into the music program.”

Since that time, the Crellin-built instruments have been incorporated into music classes, as well as a steel pan band.

....“Since 2018, Martin has become a regular teaching artist at Crellin Elementary, and has worked hand-in-hand with music teacher Heather Roth to create a steel pan program called the Pantastix,” McCauley said.

....Martin said he’s been building steel pans for 30 years. He’s been teaching adults for 20 years and started teaching kids about 12 years ago. He came to Crellin for the first time almost five years ago for an assembly.

....“We do these assembly tours and I work in every county in Maryland over the course of the year,” he said.

....“I’ve worked in almost 400 schools now, and Crellin is the best school I’ve ever worked in,” Martin said.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 24, 2022
When Steel Talks

Steel Orchestras meet in ‘Musical Showdown in De Big Yard’ on Saturday

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The long-awaited “Musical Showdown in De Big Yard” featuring Medium and Large conventional steel orchestras takes centre stage at Carnival City, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad, on Saturday February 26 from 5:00 p.m.

Eleven medium and twelve large steelbands will be main item on the menu in “A Taste of Carnival 2022.”

Staged by Pan Trinbago in collaboration with the National Carnival Commission, ‘Musical Showdown in De Big Yard’ is a taste of Panorama and J’Ouvert.
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Web Posted - Wednesday February 23, 2022
When Steel Talks

Qualifying Medium Steel Orchestras in ‘Musical Showdown in De Big Yard’ at the QPS come Saturday

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Medium steel orchestras from the North, East and South/Central regions auditioned in their respective panyards over a three-day (February 20—22) period. They were vying for a spot in their category to perform in the ‘Musical Showdown in De Big Yard’ on Saturday February 26. They will appear with the large steel orchestras in the same event at the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS).
see lineup

Web Posted - Monday February 21, 2022
When Steel Talks

T&T Defence Force Steel Orchestra and World Wide Cop ‘Best Performing Band’ Titles in De Sancoche

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Number 13 proved lucky for the winners of the Single Pan and Small Steel Orchestra in “Pan in De Sancoche” at Carnival City, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad, last Saturday.

World Wide Steel Orchestra and Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra both captured the ‘Best Performing Band’ titles, the latter as the best small conventional steel orchestra, and best single pan band with regard to the former.
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Web Posted - Sunday February 20, 2022
When Steel Talks

 ‘Pan in De Sancoche’ welcomed and savored

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “Pan in De Sancoche” with twenty-eight bands on display was live at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad after 4:00 p.m. local (Atlantic Standard Time) time, with a pre-show medley on pan performed by Joshua Regrello, and opening remarks by Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore. A dance presentation accompanied by drumming followed, with the dancers then ushering on stage calypsonian Pharaoh singing the Mighty Terror’s classic “Pan Talent;” three panists also supported his rendition.

Traditional mas characters were next up, then guest artist Metro Stars Single Pan band. They treated the Grand Stand audience to two selections, before making way for the Single Pan band first up in competition, Stardust, a minute or two after five on the sunny and breezy afternoon.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 15, 2022
TTT Live

Tobago Pan Event Cancelled

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - While steelpan activities are underway in Trinidad, Tobago’s pan event has been cancelled.

President of Pan Trinbago, Beverley Ramsey-Moore, told TTT News that while Carnival 2022 was postponed for Tobago, the event is a national one and as bands are registered under Pan Trinbago, a Tobago event was being planned.

The Pan Trinbago President said through a telephone conversation that she suggested to the Secretary the use of Shaw Park Complex to host the Tobago event.

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Web Posted - Monday February 14, 2022
When Steel Talks

Twenty-Seven Bands to Perform at Pan in de Sancoche at the QPS on Saturday

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - After a hiatus of two years, the sounds of steel will resonate at the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS), Port of Spain, Trinidad, on Saturday 19 February 2022 as twenty-seven steelbands perform in concert from 4:00 p.m.

Titled “Pan in de Sancoche,” the event promises “a little bit of this and a little bit of that” with Single Pan and Small conventional steel orchestras as the headline acts.
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Web Posted - Friday February 11, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

 A medley of pan and calls for election play out in Arima

Arima Angel Harps Steel Orchestra player Jhovan Samuel plays the G Cello pan at the band's Olton Road panyard on February 2

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Some Carnival stakeholders have gone into full gear preparing for A Taste of Carnival following the Government’s announcement of some Carnival activities. But for some, the go-ahead came too late for them to “get in their section.”

However, some panyards are coming alive with activity as steelbands practise in hope of getting their taste of Carnival at the major pan events scheduled for February 19 and 26.

The auditions for small and single pan bands begin February 11 in the Southern Region while auditions for the Eastern Region begin February 12. On February13 it will be the Northern Region’s turn.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 10, 2022
When Steel Talks

More than eighty bands to audition for Pan Trinbago events in “A Taste of Carnival 2022”

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - A total of eighty-nine steelbands have registered for Pan Trinbago’s events in the “A Taste of Carnival 2022.”

The bands - 16 Large, 23 Medium, 23 Small and 27 Single Pan Bands will audition for places in the two events hosted by the pan body from this weekend.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 8, 2022
The Daily Herald

SXM Festival to debut intriguing fusion of techno and steel pan

Marigot, Saint Martin, W.I. - Organisers of this year’s much-anticipated return of SXM Festival March 9-13 have decided to bring the island’s culture and music more to the forefront of the event, something that has been missing in the past.

The sounds of the steel pan have always been synonymous with Caribbean culture and what better way to introduce the instrument to techno music lovers around the globe than at this year’s festival. Throw in exotic Carnival dancers and you have a spectacle guaranteed to delight festival-goers.

To venture in this new direction, Isadore “Mighty Dow” York and his Ebony Steel Orchestra, under the guidance of the festival’s organiser and founder Julian Arbia and selected DJs, have been rehearsing tracks that blend steel pan with techno....

.... “We don’t know where and when the steel band will play yet, and it also depends on how many songs we can come up with,” added Arbia. “We are still building the programme, but now we are able to enrich the festival in the right way with local culture.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 8, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

 Skiffle brings vibes to Coffee St for Panorama video

Skiffle Steel Orchestra plays at the filming of its Panorama video for Carib Brewery Ltd at the band's panyard on Coffee Street, San Fernando

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - It was pure energy and vibes, reminiscent of a panyard judging event, as CAL Skiffle engaged in the production of an official Panorama video for Carib Brewery Ltd, at its Coffee Street, San Fernando, pan theatre.

Crowds gathered both inside and outside of the panyard to enjoy the live pan and brass music which has been absent for the past two years, as well as the latest 2022 soca offerings.

It was not an advertised event, but San Fernandians, starved for culture, observing activities in the panyard as they walked and drove by, stopped to listen and dance and view some traditional characters – including blue devils, fire breathers, pierrot grenade, moko-jumbies, and “Carib Bears” portray their respective roles.
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Web Posted - Saturday February 5, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

7-time pan champs Arima Golden Symphony homeless

Arima Golden Symphony steel pans are rotting at the PTSC terminal in Arima

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Arima Golden Symphony steel orchestra has won the small conventional band category in the national Panorama competition seven times.

Five victories were consecutive, an accomplishment that no other conventional steel orchestra has ever achieved. Despite this historical feat, the band is homeless.

During practice, last Wednesday night, at the panyard of Arima All Stars on Malabar Road, Arima, Golden Symphony's treasurer Carlene Thomas spoke about the band’s plight.

Golden Symphony has been searching for a home of its own for the past 36 years.

....Since co-founder Terrance “BJ” Marcelle, who also batoned all our championships as arranger, started the band to now, we have never gotten any help from anyone, government or private. We have never been given justice or an opportunity for a home.
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Web Posted - Friday February 4, 2022
Interlochen Public Radio

Petoskey School Board holds special closed meeting to discuss consultant report re:- Steel drum, high school band directors

Petoskey Steel Drum Band

Petoskey, Michigan, USA - Public Schools of Petoskey's Board of Education called a special meeting Friday afternoon where the board went into closed session to discuss a report from consultants.

A spokesperson for the district would not say what the report was about or whether recent faculty suspensions would be discussed.

In December, three leaders of the high school band program were put on paid leave and later an assistant principal was also suspended. 

....Petoskey’s steel drum band is touted as one of the largest in the country. They perform across northern Michigan as well as in Chicago and New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
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Background story

Web Posted - Thursday February 3, 2022
When Steel Talks

Trinidad and Tobago National PAN EVENTS & Taste of Carnival 2022 Schedule

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - A scaled-down celebration of Carnival is in the works for 2022 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and it currently includes three steelband components. Single Pan/Small Steel Orchestras are on tap for their show on February 19, while sister isle of Tobago is listed on the schedule the following day, for now with details still pending.  Performances from large and medium steel orchestras are slated for February 26.

Titled A Taste of Carnival 2022, the traditional elements of Carnival are advertised throughout the month of February, featuring steelband, Calypso/Kaiso tents, Chutney, Extempo, Mas individuals, Kings and Queens, Canboulay Riots & Stick Fighting presentations, Dimanche Gras, Brass concert and more.

Click for full schedule

Web Posted - Tuesday February 1, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Panists rush for J&J vaccines to beat ‘Panorama’ deadline

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  Panists are in an 11th-hour rush to get vaccinated to meet a deadline to play at the Taste of Panorama main event ”“ a designated “safe zone” ”“ on February 26.

Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore [pictured] told Newsday on Tuesday, “Many of our players are not vaccinated. This event is causing a number of them to hustle to get the one-shot Johnson & Johnson (J&J) so they can be on stage on February 26.”

Ramsey-Moore said steelbands will participate in two events in Trinidad including a retro-style event for single-pan and small steelbands coupled with traditional mas characters on February 19 at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 1, 2022
Searchlight

Vincy Mas to return after a two-year hiatus

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, W.I. - The Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) is putting plans in place for the return of the cultural festival, Vincy Mas after a two-year hiatus.”ˆ

However, the country’s vaccination rate by the end the first quarter will be a determining factor for how grand Vincy Mas 2022 will be.

“It was decided clearly that we would have carnival this year,” Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves [pictured] said as he made the announcement on WEFM’s ”˜Issue at Hand’ programme on Sunday.”ˆ

....The festival was cancelled for the past two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”ˆ
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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