Web Posted - Monday September 28, 2026
When Steel Talks

Metro Steel Orchestra - “Sweet Soca Man” - (‘Cool Down’ version - VIDEO)

Vanessa Headley-Brewster - Arranger

Metro Steel Orchestra during its recording session

Brooklyn, New York, USA - With five of the nine competing steel orchestras in the 2026 New York Panorama choosing to perform Voice’s runaway 2026 hit “Cyah Behave” for this year’s Panorama - it was surprising that Metro Steel Orchestra, led by Anthony “Big Tony” Joseph, chose to deliver the classic Sweet Soca Man (“Baron”).

The re-imagining and delivery of the song was led by champion arranger Vanessa Headley-Brewster.

....Basement Recordings captured Metro Steel Orchestra on Thursday September 3 as the band prepared in their Brooklyn, New York panyard....
see video

Web Posted - Saturday September 26, 2026
When Steel Talks

Despers USA Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - (‘Cool Down’ version - VIDEO)

Odie Franklin - Arranger

Despers USA Steel Orchestra during its recording session

Brooklyn, New York, USA - One of New York’s veteran steelband franchises Despers USA Steel Orchestra, made its musical presence felt once more during this 2026 New York Panorama season. Arranger Odie Franklin delivered yet again with his marvelous and brilliant storytelling through the band’s tune of choice “Cyah Behave.”

With steelpan instruments tuned by Roland Harrigin and under the leadership of administrator, Despers USA member of thirty years, and veteran performer himself, Kamau Hutchinson - the orchestra fielded eighty-two musicians this season, including its rhythm section.

....The rhythm section shines through with extraordinary and vibrant colors particularly in this, the ‘Cool Down’ rendition, captured on Wednesday September 2 by Basement Recordings as the band prepared in their Brooklyn, New York panyard.
see video

Web Posted - Wednesday September 23, 2026
When Steel Talks

Invaders Steel Orchestra J’Ouvert - Republic Day 2026 - Radicle Tube - Live Stream

September 24 - 4:00 a.m.

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Thursday September 24, 2026, features a J‘Ouvert celebration of steelbands ‘On the Road’ for Republic Day 2026 in Trinidad & Tobago. In addition to sweet pan, expect ole mas and traditional characters, just as in the traditional J’Ouvert celebrations at Carnival time.

Event is organized annually by Invaders Steel Orchestra.
see live stream

Web Posted - Wednesday September 23, 2026
When Steel Talks

Despers USA Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - (‘Tempo’ version - VIDEO)

Odie Franklin - Arranger

Despers USA Steel Orchestra during its recording session

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Another year brings more good music to the table, this time from Despers USA Steel Orchestra. The New York Panorama competition is still the pinnacle of the annual steelband season in New York; the band, led by Kamau Hutchinson and in the very capable hands of arranger Odie Franklin, was part of the musical showcase on September 5.

Odie is a prominent member of the famed “Three Amigos,” who here excels marvelously and brilliantly at storytelling. He also chose to re-imagine “Cyah Behave” as Despers USA’s tune of choice. This is the ‘Tempo’ version captured on Wednesday September 2 by Basement Recordings as the band prepared in their Brooklyn, New York panyard.
see video

Web Posted - Monday September 21, 2026
When Steel Talks

PanAlley Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - (‘Tempo’ version - VIDEO)

Marc Brooks - Arranger

PanAlley Steel Orchestra during its recording session

Brooklyn, New York, USA - PanAlley Steel Orchestra was back in the New York Panorama competition after making its mark in its debut appearance in 2025. The collaboration of the organization’s founder, director and veteran panist, Travis Roberts, and arranger Marc Brooks, paired with the orchestra itself - again brought notable music for its second year running.

....This is PanAlley’s ‘Tempo’ version of the band’s 2026 tune of choice, “Cyah Behave” captured by Basement Recordings.
see video

Web Posted - Sunday September 20, 2026
When Steel Talks

PanAlley Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - (‘Cool Down’ version - VIDEO)

Marc Brooks - Arranger

 PanAlley Steel Orchestra during its ‘Cool Down’ recording session

Brooklyn, New York, USA - In a relatively short time, PanAlley Steel Orchestra has established itself as one of New York’s major educational and performing musical forces. Founded and directed in 2024 by veteran panist Travis Roberts, PanAlley represents the youngest steel orchestra among the city’s elite crew.

For 2026 the orchestra is again led by Marc Brooks - the abundantly talented member of the Three Amigos. He gives us a deeply thoughtful rendition of the popular New York favorite, Voice’s “Cyah Behave”....This is the ‘Cool Down’ version recorded on Wednesday September 2.
see video

Web Posted - Thursday September 17, 2026
When Steel Talks

D’Radoes Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - (‘Tempo’ version - VIDEO)

Terrance “BJ” Marcelle - Arranger

 D’Radoes Steel Orchestra during their recording session

Brooklyn, New York, USA - One of the nine steel orchestras participating in the 2026 New York Panorama, D’Radoes Steel Orchestra worked once more with champion arranger Terrance “BJ” Marcelle. He arranged the band’s tune of choice “Cyah Behave.” This is the band performing the Tempo version of the selection..
see video

Web Posted - Monday September 14, 2026
When Steel Talks

Mitchum Cunningham – A Pamberi Hero!

by Andre Moses

Mitchum Cunningham

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - On September 12^th 2026 Pamberi bade farewell to one of the main architects of the Pamberi Brand. Musicianship has always been a key component of that brand, and Mitchum Cunningham is someone who played a key, foundational role in the establishment of Pamberi’s musical template.

....Those who only knew Mitchum in his later years could be forgiven for dismissing him as a mild-mannered elderly statesman. Pamberi’s early national impact—including a growing recognition for its musicianship—did not come from hiring ‘Crackshot’ players. Pamberi did not ‘hire’ talented panists; it ‘created’ them.
see more

Web Posted - Saturday September 12, 2026
When Steel Talks

D’Radoes Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - (‘Cool Down’ version - VIDEO)

Terrance “BJ” Marcelle - Arranger

 D’Radoes Steel Orchestra during their ‘Cool Down’ recording session

Brooklyn, New York, USA - D’Radoes Steel Orchestra was one of five which went to the 2026 New York Panorama with the tune “Cyah Behave.” Working with Terrance “BJ” Marcelle as arranger, D’Radoes delivers the ‘cool down’ version of its selection, where BJ’s arrangement can be absorbed even more fully.
see video

Web Posted - Sunday September 6, 2026
When Steel Talks

New York 2026 Panorama Results - Thrice is Nice! The Three-Peat is ‘Respectfully Theirs’ for Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra with Arranger André White

Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra on stage with arranger André White (center) and artists “Full Blown” for New York Panorama 2026

New York, USA - It was a historic night for Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra in the 2026 New York Panorama held at the car park at the back of the Brooklyn Museum. A beautiful Saturday evening into early Sunday morning favored yet another win for the eleven-year-old music organization. Now the New York Panorama title and trophy in 2024, 2025 and 2026 are officially - make that ‘respectfully’ theirs! Three championships in a row, this group is on fire!
See results

Web Posted - Tuesday September 1, 2026
When Steel Talks

New York Panorama 2026 - Order of Appearance

New York, USA - The 2026 New York Panorama competition is the musical showcase for nine steel orchestras come Saturday September 5. Pan In Motion is band number one on stage and also the first of five going with Cyah Behave by “Voice” as tune of choice.
See order of appearance