Web Posted - Sunday July 31, 2022
When Steel Talks

Veteran panist Marlon “Goose” Guerra of Utopia Pan Soul: The Next Generation has passed

Marlon “Goose” Guerra
Marlon “Goose” Guerra
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - When Steel Talks extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of ace veteran panist Marlon Guerra. “Goose” as Marlon was affectionately known, had been for many years a member of New York’s Utopia Pan Soul: The Next Generation.
see images


Web Posted - Saturday July 30, 2022
The New Today

SMC CEO is disappointed

Kelvin Jacob - Chief Executive Officer of Spicemas Corporation
Kelvin Jacob - Chief Executive Officer of Spicemas Corporation

Grenada, W.I. - The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spicemas Corporation (SMC), Kelvin Jacob has expressed disappointment with the level of participation from the general public in some of this year’s pre-Carnival events compared to previous years.

...“We are having Panorama with an added attraction. Again, we are looking to see if we can bring more people into the Panorama as well,” said Jacob, who spoke of SMC “bringing in a bouyon band from Dominica ‘WCK,’ together with our top local international artiste,” who will perform in a show planned to commence after the Panorama event around midnight.

“So, it’s Bouyan, pan, and Jab music at the national stadium on August 6,” added the SMC CEO, as he encouraged participation in the upcoming events.
see more


Web Posted - Saturday July 30, 2022
When Steel Talks

PAN: Independence, Renaissance, and Beyond

Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City

Live stream for Pandemonium event for Crop Over 2022

New York, USA - This 75-minute production, on Thursday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m. - performed in commemoration of Trinidad & Tobago’s 60th anniversary of independence, features the steelpan—Trinidad & Tobago’s national instrument. The instrument is symbolic and serves as a measure of independence, renaissance, and continued growth.

Venue is the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York.
see more


Web Posted - Friday July 29, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pan Elders Youth Steel Orchestra Concert

A special tribute to Dr Leroy “Black Stalin” Calliste at San Fernando Naparima Bowl

Band arranger Kevan Calliste leads the band with a song
Band arranger Kevan Calliste leads the band with a song

San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....The Pan Elders Youth Steel Orchestra brand fueled sound that proved they were nothing short of entertaining and vibrant with an all-star cast of youth talent complimented by song and the steelpan.

....The 62-plus orchestra led by multiple times Junior Calypso Monarch and Sanfest winner Kevan Calliste arrangement provided back up on the national instrument to soloists and held their own with a pan medley for songs like Doctor Cassandra, Stranger, Hulk, La La, and Golo....
see more


Web Posted - Thursday July 28, 2022
Boston Herald

Explore the ins and outs of acoustic instruments at fest’s Folk Craft area

“Making, Playing & Tuning Steel Pans” by Carl Smith and Justin Petty of Boston

The Folk Craft area includes “Making, Playing & Tuning Steel Pans” by Carl Smith and Justin Petty of Boston
The Folk Craft area includes “Making, Playing & Tuning Steel Pans” by Carl Smith and Justin Petty of Boston

Boston, USA - Discover how a range of acoustic musical instruments are made in this year’s Folk Craft area of the Lowell Folk Festival...Learn about the making of world class pipe organs that fill concert halls, uilleann pipes that enliven Irish music seisuns, Middle Eastern ouds, Hardanger fiddles and violin bows that spur on dancers, revived tiples and cuatros, and Trinidad’s steel pans that evoke the Caribbean.

....One highlight includes “Making, Playing & Tuning Steel Pans”  with Carl Smith and Justin Petty of Boston.

....Smith grew up Trinidad, the steel band Mecca of the world. In 1978, he brought the pan to Boston where he makes instruments, plays and teaches local youth as manager of Branches Steel Band. Petty joined the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra in St. Thomas before moving to Massachusetts, where he has performed and arranged for the steel pan for over 30 years; under his musical directorship, Branches has won multiple competitions.
see more


Web Posted - Wednesday July 27, 2022
i955fm

Google dedication to the Steel Pan renews calls for official proclamation as the National Instrument

Not the ‘national instrument’ [of Trinidad & Tobago]
Not the ‘national instrument’ [of Trinidad & Tobago]

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Google’s dedication to the Steel Pan renews calls for an official proclamation of Steel Pan as the National Instrument in Parliament.

....And Minister of Culture, Tourism and the Arts Randall Mitchell said he has been in discussion with Pan Trinbago on the issue and the ball is in their court.

....Yesterday, Mrs. Ramsey Moore said her organisation wants nothing short of proclamation in Parliament.
see more


Web Posted - Wednesday July 27, 2022
Toronto.com

Legendary band leader helped popularize steel pan in Toronto, taught thousands of students

Earl La Pierre leads Afropan band in Toronto Caribbean carnival’s premiere pan event

One of the founding members of Toronto's Caribbean carnival, Earl La Pierre, shows his steel drum after a meeting at Spade Bar and Lounge in Scarborough
One of the founding members of Toronto’s Caribbean carnival, Earl La Pierre, shows his steel drum after a meeting at Spade Bar and Lounge in Scarborough

Toronto, Canada - Drawn to steel pan before that was respectable or even safe, Earl La Pierre Sr. used the instrument to teach thousands of North York kids and establish Toronto’s longest-lasting and most successful steel band.

In Trinidad, he said, he grew up hearing pan morning, noon and night.

La Pierre was willing to take licks from a disapproving parent to learn it. “When I got home, I normally got beaten,” the Afropan leader recalled this month.

“It was supposed to be a bad thing.”
see more


Web Posted - Wednesday July 27, 2022
CBC Kids

It’s Caribbean carnival time!

Afropan Steelband of Toronto, Canada
Afropan Steelband of Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada - Every summer, over one million people come to Toronto to celebrate Caribbean culture and tradition. It is North America’s largest street festival, this year it runs from July 28 to August 1. It is four days of fun festivities and ends with a spectacular Grande Parade!

....You can’t have a festival without music!

The sounds of the Caribbean festival come from the steelpan, often called a steel drum....The musicians who play the steelpan are called panists.

....Panists get to show off their musical talents at the OSA Pan-Alive Showcase [Friday July 29] this year.
see more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 26, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Trinidad and Tobago creators, musicians team up for Google Doodles steelpan collab

Nicholas Huggins, graphic artist
Nicholas Huggins, graphic artist

Global - Users who visited the online search engine Google’s homepage on Tuesday were able to hear the sound of this country’s national instrument, the steelpan.

....TT illustrator and graphic designer Nicholas Huggins illustrated the video, and 3D artist and motion designer Mick Seegobin did motion design.

....Huggins posted on Twitter: “Well the cat is out the bag. I have created a Google doodle on steelpan! Happy to keep flying the TT flag high!”

....He told Newsday he was initially approached by Google in June 2020 and the project was intended to be a static image to be used the following month.

....But he felt TT’s culture was too rich to be represented by just a static image.

“I said we should animate it, add music...(I knew) there was so much more that can be done to showcase the steelpan, and I think the music was one of the most important aspects of the whole thing.”
see more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 26, 2022
Peterborough Telegraph

Music event celebrating the Windrush generation brings the sound of reggae and steelpan drums to Peterborough

Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’ could be heard in the city over the weekend as live music celebrated the Peterborough’s Windrush generation

Windrush event at Cathedral Square. Steelpan musician Mr. Octavius playing at the event
Windrush event at Cathedral Square. Steelpan musician Mr. Octavius playing at the event

England, UK - An event celebrating Peterborough’s Windrush generation brought the sound of reggae music and steelpan drums to the city over the weekend.

Cathedral Square played host to local bands and musicians throughout the day on Saturday (July 23) – with live performances from steelpan headline act Mr. Octavius, and reggae and ska band Zeb Rootz, who closed the event with a cover of Bob Marley’s ‘One Love.’

The event was a celebration of the Windrush generation – the name given to people arriving in the UK from Caribbean countries between 1948 and 1971.
see more, images


Web Posted - Tuesday July 26, 2022
Loop News Barbados

Republic Bank Pandemonium beyond ‘pan-tastic’

Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra on stage at the Republic Bank Pandemonium
Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra on stage at the Republic Bank Pandemonium

Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I. - ....Hundreds, matter of fact, thousands congregated at the new Waterford, St Michael venue to enjoy the sweet sounds of pan and enjoy a ‘pan-tastic’ Sunday with family and friends. The event which replaces the esteemed Pan Pun De Sand, did not disappoint.

....The line up of bands included St Leonard’s Church Steelpan, Frederick Smith Secondary School, Aceworks Vintage Steelpan, Euophony Steel Orchestra, BCC Pan Ensemble, Leh We Go, Phoenix Steel Orchestra and Kunjaz Steel Ensemble from Guyana.

....At 8 p.m., the crowds surrounding the trailers dispersed and everyone flocked to the main stage where the Barbados National Steel Orchestra graced the stage.
see more


Web Posted - Monday July 25, 2022
When Steel Talks

Technology Giant “Google” Celebrates the steelpan instrument via Google Doodle

Celebrating Steelpan - Illustration by artist Nicholas Huggins

Doodle of steelpan instrument ‘live’ on Google’s web site
Doodle of steelpan instrument ‘live’ on Google’s web site

Global - On Tuesday July 26, 2022 the steelpan instrument of Trinidad and Tobago is featured and celebrated on the site of technology giant “Google” via the famed Google ‘Doodle.’ The ‘Doodle’ is essentially an illustrative change made to the Google corporate logo “to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of famous artists, pioneers, and scientists” - and more. The doodle is then seen by users all around the world who access Google’s homepage on that day, and is available thereafter in the doodle archives.

....Trinidad and Tobago-based artist Nicholas Huggins is the creator of the illustrative artwork featured in the doodle, while Etienne Charles is the composer of the accompanying music performed by the legendary steelpan icon Len “Boogsie” Sharpe.
see more


Web Posted - Monday July 25, 2022
When Steel Talks

Pandemonium at Crop Over 2022 an Absolute Success

Barbados Demonstrates Serious Commitment to Pan within its Carnival Structure

The Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra performs on the main stage at “Pandemonium” for Crop Over 2022
The Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra performs on the main stage at “Pandemonium” for Crop Over 2022

Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I. - On Sunday July 24, 2022 the steelpan instrument was featured as a major part of the renowned Crop Over festival in Barbados.  Captioned “Pandemonium,” the event replaced the traditional Pan Pun De Sand celebrations. Indeed, a serious statement was delivered to the world, as well over seven continuous hours of live steelband musical performances were presented, staged and live streamed to the world. There was not even as much as a three-minute downtime between performing acts; everything just flowed. A remarkable feat given the number of moving parts and people - literally that called on some audacious and innovative technological forward-thinking, stage production and show management.
see more


Web Posted - Monday July 25, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Back-Ah-Yard mentoring Point Fortin youth through the arts

Silver Harps Youth Steel Orchestra perform at Back-Ah-Yard's Mama's Yard, Boodoo Street, Point Fortin, as part of the Poetry meets Steelpan Youth Exchange programme
Silver Harps Youth Steel Orchestra perform at Back-Ah-Yard’s Mama’s Yard, Boodoo Street, Point Fortin, as part of the Poetry meets Steelpan Youth Exchange programme

Point Fortin, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....Back-Ah-Yard, is headed by artiste Dixie-Ann Joseph who is also known as Shakeela on stage. She is invested in helping the youth in her community develop their performing and creative skills by giving them the necessary support.

....As part of an ongoing creative arts youth interaction, the Back-Ah-Yard youth hosted Silver Harps Youth Steel Orchestra under its Poetry meets Steelpan Youth Exchange programme on July 9.

....“To be able to host our young ones, to bring about poetry meets steelpan, was already a dream come true, but to hear poets as young as five years execute their pieces on the melodies from steelpan, made it even more magical,” Shakeela said.

The return leg of the Poetry meets Steelpan Youth Exchange will be in August at Silver Harps Steel Orchestra Panyard, Salazar Trace, Point Fortin, as the band is currently conducting its pan vacation camp until July 31.
see more


Web Posted - Sunday July 24, 2022
When Steel Talks

Pandemonium at Barbados Crop Over - Live Stream

Live stream for Pandemonium event for Crop Over 2022

Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I. - Several steelbands are part of Pandemonium, on Sunday July 24 from 2:00 p.m. Venue is the National Botanical Gardens. 

Those scheduled to appear include the BCC Pan Ensemble, the Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra, the Frederick Smith Secondary School Steel Orchestra, Euphony Steel Orchestra, Aceworks Vintage Steelpan, DejaVu, Phoenix Steel Orchestra and Guyana’s Kunjaz Steel Ensemble. 
see live stream


Web Posted - Sunday July 24, 2022
Kaieteur News

PanJam: The SteelBand Jamboree slated for today

Saxophonist Roy Stewart performing with the steel band at the last year’s concert
Saxophonist Roy Stewart performing with the steel band at the last year’s concert

Georgetown, Guyana, S.A. - The creators of PanJazz Concerts have announced the 2022 edition of the annual event dubbed “PanJam: The SteelBand Jamboree,” slated for today, July 24, 2022, at the Georgetown Club.

This edition is said to have an exciting twist to the already enthralling concept, and will include a fusion of Caribbean genres of music – Soca, Reggae and Chutney, featuring local artists.

Founder of PanJazz, Reon Miller said that patrons can look forward to 10 times the excitement this year, as the team would have built on the success of the previous years, to enhance the experience for 2022.

....“When I started in 2018, I was pretty young, but from feedback I received, I was doing pretty well, so I continued and the support kept growing over the years. I believe that is credited to the fact that there is no yearly steelpan event in Guyana that focuses on the steelpan experience like PanJazz would. The ones we have are mainly focused on involvement with bands and soloists competing, but PanJazz focuses on an experience for the audience. And that is the selling point, since there is a huge fanbase for steelpan music in Guyana,” Miller said.
see more


Web Posted - Friday July 22, 2022
New York Carib News

Caribbean Labor Day Carnival Back And Live

New York, USA - The Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) Caribbean Carnival showcase is back in business inviting all the Carnival lovers in Brooklyn and beyond to put on their hottest Carnival outfits and join in on the celebration. The WIADCA announced their return earlier this week, that their carnival festivities will proceed this Labor Day weekend after a 2-year wait due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

....“Produced by WIADCA, from Thursday, Sept. 1 to Monday, Sept. 5, patrons can expect an exciting week-long lead-up of Caribbean food, culture, music, and heritage ahead of the iconic West Indian Carnival Parade.”

“Are you ready to experience North America’s largest presentation of colorful costumes, sweet steel band music, and a Caribbean cultural roadshow?”
see more


Web Posted - Friday July 22, 2022
When Steel Talks

Sweet steelpan to create Pandemonium in Barbados!

National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) first-ever Republic Bank Pandemonium event

Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I. - The National Botanical Gardens comes alive with the sweet, sweet sounds of steel pan this Sunday, July 24. It’s non-stop musical action, and fun for the whole family, from 2:00 p.m. as the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) first-ever Republic Bank Pandemonium event kicks off.

....“If you’re a music lover, this really will be an event you don’t want to miss,” stated Karen Pestaina, Festival Events Coordinator at the NCF.

“When we say ‘Pandemonium’ we mean it literally! We have two 40-ft mobile stages, as well as a main stage so the steel pan action will be non-stop,” she said.
see more


Web Posted - Thursday July 21, 2022
CentralPark.com

See the very best of Steelpan music at Harlem Meer Performance Festival

Despers USA

New York, USA - This summer’s festival closes with Despers USA Steel Orchestra. Despers USA is the oldest New York-based offshoot of the legendary Desperadoes Steel Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago.

....This is a free, family-friendly community event overlooking the beautiful Harlem Meer on Sunday August 21st, 2022.
see more


Web Posted - Wednesday July 20, 2022
News Room

Pomp, flair & an explosion of Caribbean music promised at ‘PanJam’

PanJazz player and steel pan player Reon Miller
PanJazz player and steel pan player Reon Miller

Guyana, SA - You might have heard Vicadi Singh’s chutney hit “Neva Gonna Leave’ or Patrice Roberts’ soca song “Tender.” But have you heard those songs played on the steelpan?

Young Guyanese pan player Reon Miller is hoping to introduce patrons to those songs and much more through his new concert: PanJam- the Steelband jamboree. In fact, he hopes this new concert can become a new local entertainment sensation.

Parkside Steel Orchestra of Guyana will clash with the Guyana Police Force band at ‘Pan Jam’
Parkside Steel Orchestra of Guyana will clash with the Guyana Police Force band at ‘Pan Jam’

....The jamboree will be held on Sunday at the Black Magenta (formerly the Georgetown Club) on Camp street.

....In the latter half of the show, the Caribbean Airlines Parkside steel orchestra and Guyana Police Force steel orchestra- fierce rivals at Guyana’s annual panorama event- will face off in what Miller terms a “pseudo-clash.”
see more


Web Posted - Wednesday July 20, 2022
Toledo Blade

Review: Talented panist delivers unique dedication to women in her life with ‘Girl in the Yard’

Toronto, Canada - ....On Girl in the Yard, though, panist Joy Lapps goes well beyond tropical fun and gives the listener some serious jazzy-samba arrangements of songs dedicated to women who’ve had a positive influence on her life, such as her mother. Two songs are dedicated to her, including one of the more complex and intriguing, called “Eyes of Amerralys.”

“The more I experience life as a Mom, human being and wife, the more I love and appreciate my mother,” Lapps said.

....Lapps is a Grammy nominee whose command of the steelpan is a real pleasure to hear, not only in terms of her musicianship but also her leadership and confidence.

....A 2016 Juno Award winner, she has performed with acclaimed steelbands around the world, such as Calypsociation in Paris, birdsong Steel Orchestra in Trinidad and Tobago and Pan Fantasy in her native Toronto.
see more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 19, 2022
Tamarac Talk

Celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month at Tamarac’s Water’s Edge Park

Melo Groove Steel Orchestra

Florida, USA - The City of Tamarac celebrates Caribbean Heritage Month with a fun family event at Water’s Edge Park.

....The original date in June was rained out, so the parks and recreation department are trying again for Saturday, July 30, from noon to 2 p.m.

The celebration includes food, games, a DJ, and a steel drum performance by Melo Groove Steel Orchestra.

With musicians representing Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts, U.S. Virgin Islands, Haiti, Grenada, and Japan, the orchestra strives for musical excellence to expand the rich tradition of steel pan music in all genres.

Local to Tamarac, Melo Groove Steel Orchestra also operates as a music academy for children.
see more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 19, 2022
When Steel Talks

St. Lucia Carnival - Parade of the Bands 2022 - Tuesday - Live Stream

Saint Lucia Carnival Tuesday 2022 - Live Stream

St. Lucia, W.I. - A total of eleven bands have registered for this year’s parade. The parade will follow its traditional route and begin at Choc, down the John Compton Highway, through the city of Castries and back to Choc.
click for live stream


Web Posted - Thursday July 14, 2022
The State Journal

Frankfort’s steel drum ensemble gets ready for performance at KSU Alumni Stadium

Steel Band Director Jeff Martin goes over sheet music with one of his students during the steel drum ensemble clinic
Steel Band Director Jeff Martin goes over sheet music with one of his students during the steel drum ensemble clinic

Frankfort, Kentucky, USA - For the past week the unmistakeable sound of steel drum music has been emanating from the Yes Arts Center at City Hall as a group of kids and a few adults have taken part in Steel Drum Ensemble Clinic being offered through Just Say Yes.

....The clinic was taught by Jeff Martin, director of the nationally-acclaimed Clark Montessori Steel Band in Cincinnati. Martin, who brought more than a dozen drums on loan from his school, said that his goals for the class extend past simply learning how to play music.

....How the program originated and how it was able to get a steelpan instructor of Martin’s caliber to Frankfort, is due in huge part to Amelia Berry, the Just Say Yes project director.
see more


Web Posted - Thursday July 14, 2022
The Strad

Andie, Andy and Andy present a work for violin, trumpet and steel pan

Global - Members of the Andes Trio, who all share the same first name, perform Akiho’s work “the rAy’s end”

In an instrumentation not seen every day, violinist Andie Tanning, trumpeter Andy Kozar and percussionist Andy Akiho perform “the rAy’s end.”

Akiho composed the work in 2008 for the trio, dubbed ‘The Andes’ because of the first name shared by its members - indeed, the title of this work, ’the rAy’s end,’ can be rearranged to spell out ‘three Andys’.

....The album will be released on 15 July 2022 on all digital platforms.
see video


Web Posted - Thursday July 14, 2022
Daily Camera

Hooplagers brings beach vibes to Wibby with giant pools, floats and lagers galore -  Pan Association performs

The Pan Association
The Pan Association

Colorado, USA - ....Craving a tropical escape, but can’t swing the expensive plane ticket? Wibby Brewing is offering a refreshing solution by bringing back its highly anticipated Hooplagers: The Lager Hoopla.

From noon-6 p.m. Saturday, attendees of the bash can wade in oversized pools, catch some rays on two make-shift sandy beaches, dance to silent disco and enjoy pool-side pours from a whole slew of breweries.

....Wibby has enlisted Pan Association — a Colorado-based group of musicians who play calypso and more — to once again add to the party’s island vibe.

“Pan Association performed once for this event a few years ago and had a blast,” said musician Paul Munzenrider, co-founder of Pan Association. “The atmosphere was incredible, and the music was a great addition. It’s always cool to play for an energetic crowd.”

From “Africa” by Toto to “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, Pan Association offers a sizzling soundtrack.
see more


Web Posted - Thursday July 14, 2022
Yahoo! News

Charles and Camilla Get into the Carnival Spirit in Notting Hill - Prince Charles tries his hand at steelpan

Prince Charles tries his hand at steelpan while Notting Hill Carnival Ltd. Executive Director Matthew Phillip looks on
Prince Charles tries his hand at steelpan while Notting Hill Carnival Ltd. Executive Director Matthew Phillip looks on

London, England, UK - The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visit The Tabernacle in west London to mark the return of Notting Hill Carnival in August. Prince Charles tried his hand at the steelpan whilst Camilla chatted to members of the community.
see video


Web Posted - Wednesday July 13, 2022
The Voice

Prince Charles welcomes return of Notting Hill Carnival with visit

Carnival organisers welcome support from future Monarch

Prince Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, during a visit to the heart of the annual jamboree
Carnival returns and gets a royal approval - Prince Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, during a visit to the heart of the annual jamboree

London, England, UK - The return of the Notting Hill Carnival, following the COVID-19 pandemic, has been endorsed by the Prince Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, during a visit to the heart of the annual jamboree.

....The Royal couple witnessed a photography exhibition, masquerade dancers, wire sculptors and performances from Ebony and Mangrove steel bands. It also revealed The Prince of Wales latent abilities as a steel band player, as he joyfully played the drums.

IN TUNE WITH THE BEAT: The Prince of Wales and Matthew Phillip, CEO (right)
IN TUNE WITH THE BEAT: The Prince of Wales and Matthew Phillip, CEO (right)

Matthew Phillip, CEO of Notting Hill Carnival Limited, believes the visit will boost perceptions of the occasion. Speaking to The Voice said: “The visit of Prince Charles and his wife at the heart of the Carnival community will add to the acceptance of the event, among mainstream Britain.

“Prince Charles has displayed genuine support for the Carnival spanning over 40 years. During difficult times when big voices were trying to stop the event, without support from individuals like Prince Charles, the occasion would not be taking place in 2022.”
see more


Web Posted - Monday July 11, 2022
When Steel Talks

St. Lucia Panorama 2022 Results - Champions Again - Babonneau Steel Orchestra Retains Title with Arranger Allison Marquis

St. Lucia Panorama 2022 Results
Babonneau Steel Orchestra

St. Lucia, W.I. - After two years of no official Panorama activity in St. Lucia due to COVID-19, the competition stage at the SAB in Castries came alive with four bands taking on defending champions Babonneau Steel Orchestra. The band, led musically by resident arranger Allison Marquis retained their crown scoring 271 playing “Carnal Knowledge” by De Invader, and coming in one point ahead of their nearest challenger, Pantime Steel Orchestra. Past champions themselves, Pantime performed Amrit Samaroo’s arrangement of Teddyson John’s “Sweet Soca Music.”
see more


Web Posted - Sunday July 10, 2022
When Steel Talks

St. Lucia National Panorama 2022 - Live Stream

St. Lucia, W.I. - Five steel orchestras compete for the title in the 2022 St. Lucia National Panorama. The live stream features the event at venue the SAB, Vigie Playing Field, in Castries, from 8:00 p.m. on Sunday July 10.
click for live stream


Web Posted - Saturday July 9, 2022
Worcester News

Busker Jamani Stewart plays steelpan drums and has women ‘hit on him’

Jamani Stewart, 27 spotted in Worcester
Jamani Stewart, 27 spotted in Worcester

Worcester, England, UK -  A ROMEO busker says he gets hit on by lovestruck women while playing the steelpan drums in city centres.

Jamani Stewart, 27, is a full-time steel pan busker who aims to be in a different city every day.

The musician could be spotted drumming up a crowd of fans in Worcester with his melodious and unique music.

Mr. Stewart, who is originally from Great Barr, Birmingham, has been professionally busking for ten years and says sometimes women will leave him money and a note that says ‘call me.’
see more


Web Posted - Friday July 8, 2022
When Steel Talks

Meet Allison Marquis, arranger in the St. Lucia National Steelband Panorama competition

St. Lucia, W.I. - Allison Marquis started playing pan when he joined the Babonneau Superstars Steel Orchestra in 1978 at the age of 13. He immediately became very curious about arranging and started arranging for the band about two years later. Shortly thereafter, the band’s main arranger passed on the responsibility to Allison.
see more


Web Posted - Friday July 8, 2022
When Steel Talks

Meet Andrius Edwide, arranger in the St. Lucia National Steelband Panorama competition

St. Lucia, W.I. - Andrius Edwide is one of the key personnel along with the other leaders of St. Lucia’s Laborie Pan Project. It is more than a steelband; rather, it is a community initiative. Edwide is the band’s musical director and arranger. He is also a pan soloist, plays all instruments in the steel orchestra and is an accomplished drummer. Laborie Steel Pan is playing in first position in the 2022 national Panorama on Sunday July 10.
see more


Web Posted - Thursday July 7, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Panorama champs Desperadoes Steel Orchestra installs board of directors

Members of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra’s new board of directors installed on June 12. Missing: Chantal Esdelle, and Russell Huggins
Members of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra’s new board of directors installed on June 12. Missing: Chantal Esdelle, and Russell Huggins

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - National Panorama champion Desperadoes Steel Orchestra has installed a board of directors and former minister of national security Russell Huggins will be the band’s legal affairs director.

....The new board will be responsible for all administration and management activities of the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, a media release said.
see more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 5, 2022
When Steel Talks

St. Lucia 2022 Steelband Panorama - Order of Appearance

Castries, St. Lucia, W.I. - Five steel orchestras return to the competition stage of the country’s national Panorama competition on Sunday July 10 at 8:00 p.m.. Along with the defending champions, Babonneau Steel Orchestra - Laborie Steel Orchestra, Pantastic Muzik Steel Orchestra, Pantime Steel Orchestra and newcomers SM Steel will all make their way to the venue of the SAB in Vigie.
see more


Web Posted - Tuesday July 5, 2022
When Steel Talks

Steelbands Set for St. Lucia Panorama 2022

Castries, St. Lucia, W.I. - Participating steel orchestras in this year’s Panorama Competition announced that they are excited and ready for this year’s competition, set to take place this Sunday, July 10 at the SAB in Vigie.

A total of five bands will compete in the following order: #1 - Laborie Steel Pan; #2 - Pantastic Muzik Steel Orchestra; #3 - Pantime Steel Orchestra; #4 - Babonneau Steel Orchestra; #5 - SM Steel.

Arranger for reigning champions Babonneau Steel Orchestra, Allison Marquis, said “We’ve been practicing since we heard that there would be a return to Saint Lucia Carnival 2022 and we’re working hard to defend our championship.....”
see more


Web Posted - Monday July 4, 2022
Daily Herald

“Calypso Summer” brings steelpan music to Fox Valley Orchestra July 10

Liam Teague, director of NIU Steelband, joins the Fox Valley Orchestra for a “Calypso Summer” concert on Sunday, July 10
Liam Teague, director of NIU Steelband, joins the Fox Valley Orchestra for a “Calypso Summer” concert on Sunday, July 10

Illinois, USA - The Fox Valley Orchestra will present “Calypso Summer,” led by principal guest conductor Stephen Squires, on Sunday, July 10, at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.

The concert will feature Liam Teague, professor of music and head of Steelpan studies at Northern Illinois University, where he also directs the renowned NIU Steelband.

....Hailed as the “Paganini of the Steelpan,” Teague has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras and ensembles, shares his talent with the Fox Valley Orchestra in a concert sure to uplift and inspire.
see more


Web Posted - Sunday July 3, 2022
The Worthington Globe

International Festival: Cool vibrations from music ensembles on Friday, Saturday

Caribbean steel drums, reggae, Ethiopian music all on tap

Worthington, Minnesota, USA - Get ready to move and groove to cool tunes rooted in various ethnic traditions.

“Music is a universal language that transcends culture,” said Felicia Kelly, booking agent for three Twin Cities-based bands slated to perform at the 2022 Worthington International Festival.

....Experienced and enthusiastic musicians, skilled at putting their audiences at ease, are the hallmark of Pan Dimensions (a Caribbean steel drum duo), Innocent Reggae and Genet Abate (a female-led Ethiopian ensemble).

Pan Dimensions:
Saturday July 9, 12:30-1:25 p.m.
They make it all look so easy, but do not underestimate Caribbean drum specialists like Lance Pollonais and Charles “Chilly” Petrus of Pan Dimensions. You cannot do this at home.

“The steelpan is considered the most recently invented modern instrument,” said Kelly, who has worked as a high school social studies and geography teacher when she’s not promoting musical ensembles.

“It’s only been since the 1990s that Northern Illinois University started programs offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in steelpan music.”
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Web Posted - Friday July 1, 2022
Newport News Times

 Pan Wizards perform

Pan Wizards

Oregon, USA - The 30-plus member Pan Wizards, from the Seattle area, recognized as one of the top high-school-level steel drum bands in the U.S., performed Monday evening in the parking lot next to the Newport Performing Arts Center. The event, called “Beats and Eats,” was hosted by the Newport Parks and Recreation Department.
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Web Posted - Friday July 1, 2022
Searchlight

‘Tings nice again’ for Vincymas 2022

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, W.I. - Over the next five days, our premiere cultural festival, which had been put on pause for the last two years, will come to a climax with the finals of the major calypso, soca, ragga and steelband competitions, the ‘ole mas’ competition and a showcase of the mas bands.

This year’s festival is a scaled back version compared with previous years as the Miss SVG pageant and the junior steel band competition have been pushed back to October...

In February...the Ministry of Culture, Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), and the representatives of the main components of the festival – mas, steelpan and calypso decided to go with this version of VincyMas, rather than no festival at all, given the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

.....on Sunday, in the night of the finals, ‘PanKaiMas’ will present the best we have to offer in calypso, steelpan and mas.
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Web Posted - Friday July 1, 2022
Q1065.fm

Free Steelband Concerts at Chapin Park in Bangor Thursdays This Summer

Panstorm

Bangor, Maine, USA - ....As I was cruising around Facebook this week, I came across a post about a live concert happening at Chapin Park in Bangor.

I loaded the kids in the van, grabbed some grub, and headed over to the park.

When we got there, there was a small crowd of folks with lawn chairs and blankets, relaxing on the lawn as “Panstorm” a local steel drum band performed some great tunes.

They played some traditional sounding steel drum music but also some more familiar pop songs, as well.

....After the performance, we were even able to go get an up-close look at the instruments. The band members were extremely gracious and very informative.
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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

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