Brooklyn, New York, USA - Dancing with small steps of delight, Metro Steel Orchestra’s Anthony “Big Tony” Joseph came on stage to embrace the trophy which represented the work of his players, champion arranger Terrance “BJ” Marcelle, and the raw determination of “Big Tony” himself. After several years of being absent from the New York Panorama stage, “Big Tony”, also the president of USSA (United States Steelband Association), is once again the manager of a champion steel orchestra, Metro. So much so, he was quite happy to heft both the Pan Trinbago Challenge Trophy, and the replica—which will remain in the band’s possession—by himself. His exuberant players were beside themselves on stage.
Metro Steel Orchestra of New York on stage for
Panorama 2023
And it was a night of definitive triumph for “BJ” Marcelle as well - who held on to his title as a champion arranger, but with a different band! At the last New York Panorama in 2019, Marcelle had worked to bring championship glory to D’Radoes Steel Orchestra.
Title defenders D’Radoes led this time around by Carlton “Zanda” Alexander were dethroned and took second place, but only after a hard-fought musical battle which eventually saw a difference of only one point between the two bands - 272 and 273, respectively. Pan Evolution was third, scoring 270. Judges for the competition were said to be: Roger Sardinha, Martin Albino, Judith DeFour-Howard, Vanessa Headley-Brewster, Ezra Joseph and Kern Sumerville.
Results were given shortly after 3:00 a.m., announced by show co-hosts Jemma Jordan and Sheldon Hoyte.
With a warming weekend on tap for the Labor Day celebration, the steelband music competition had attracted ten bands in total for the 2023 music battle who heated up the Panorama stage on Saturday September 2. The promoter/organizer of this annual event is W.I.A.D.C.A. (West Indian American Day Carnival Association).
Following are the full results.
2023 New York Panorama Results |
|||
| Placing / Score/ Played at |
Band | Selection/ Performer |
Arranger, et al |
|
1st 273 ** (#9) |
Metro Steel Orchestra
|
Black Man Feeling To Party (“Black Stalin” aka Dr. Leroy Calliste) |
Arranger: Terrance “BJ” Marcelle Captain: Brenton Joseph |
|
2nd 272 ** (#10) |
D’Radoes Steel Orchestra
|
Engine Room (Olatunji) |
Arranger: Carlton “Zanda” Alexander |
|
3rd 270 ** (#4) |
Pan
Evolution Steel Orchestra
|
Engine Room (Olatunji) |
Arranger: Andre White |
|
4th 264 ** (#3) |
Pan
In Motion
|
Long Live Soca (“Voice” aka Aaron St. Louis) |
Arranger: Dr. Kendall K. Williams Captain:  Charles “Jerry” Guy |
|
5th 258 ** (#6) |
Despers USA Steel Orchestra
|
Long Live Soca (“Voice” aka Aaron St. Louis) |
Arranger: Odie Franklin |
|
6th 256 ** (#2) |
Steel
Sensation
|
Engine Room (Olatunji) |
Arranger: Tristan Japsi |
|
7th 253 ** (#5) |
CASYM Steel
Orchestra
|
Engine Room (Olatunji) |
Arranger: Lance Maximin |
|
8th 249 ** (#8) |
Philadelphia (Philly) Pan Stars
|
Engine Room (Olatunji) |
Arranger: Amrit Samaroo |
|
9th 241 ** (#7) |
Eruption Steel Orchestra
|
Engine Room (Olatunji) |
Arranger: Damany “Bob” James |
|
10th 220 ** (#1) |
Harmony Music Makers
|
Black Man Feeling To Party (“Black Stalin” aka Dr. Leroy Calliste) |
Arranger: Wilfred Kieal, Sr. |
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