New York 2025 Panorama Results - It’s Title #2 for Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra with Champion Arranger André White

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra ably defended its 2024 championship by taking a consecutive title in the 2025 New York Panorama. Playing in the penultimate position of the eight competing steel orchestras - the band affectionately known as ‘PESO’ delivered a strong and decisive performance of André White’s champion arrangement of Too Own Way by “Voice.”

This is another excellent year for André, who is fresh off leading another steel orchestra to the number one position - the UK’s Mangrove Steel Orchestra - just one week ago, last Saturday August 23.  A few days later, success yet again, this time in his hometown of New York, with a band where he has been the resident arranger for the past ten years. And - the same scenario played out last year, 2024: Mangrove was also the champion steel orchestra working with André, who then returned home to lead Pan Evolution to its first New York championship. This is André's fifth Panorama championship in New York.

Leader Wayne Bernard has had musical dividends pay off through sheer hard work and determination since founding Pan Evolution in 2015. The sounds of the steel orchestra are sweet success, resonating with this Panorama victory, for both Bernard and his family who manage the music organization. What a way to celebrate a tenth anniversary year!

A gorgeous and cool Saturday evening was the backdrop to an evening showcasing the sounds of scintillating steel orchestras in Brooklyn. Eight bands came together under the bright lights on stage at the back of the Brooklyn Museum on Saturday August 30, 2025 for the annual steelband music competition, Panorama, organized by event promoter W.I.A.D.C.A. (West Indian American Day Carnival Association).

Philadelphia (Philly) Pan Stars Steel Orchestra was back for the New York competition, and did even better this year - coming in second, up one spot from last year. Arranger Roger Greenidge worked with the band for this second consecutive season. Philadelphia Pan Stars players, and manager and founder Rondell Pompey are probably pleased, and may even be already looking forward to 2026.

There were two “first-timers” this year. For PanAlley Steel Orchestra founded and led by Travis Roberts, this was the band’s inaugural participation in the competition. Its arranger was Marc Brooks and with Too Own Way as tune of choice, PanAlley was one of three bands competing with that selection. PanAlley also did very well for its first time, tying with D’Radoes Steel Orchestra for third place.

The other first-timer was Vanessa Headley-Brewster as she is now the first female arranger in the annual New York Panorama, and worked with Metro Steel Orchestra. It was a leap forward for Women in Pan in New York’s steelband world. Vanessa herself has two championships in Trinidad & Tobago’s Panorama, in the small steel orchestra category in 2018 and 2025.

After weeks of dedicated practice (sometimes after a full work-day for many), and travails ranging from finding a panyard to practice in at the last minute, to not coming out at all [Pan In Motion] due to not finding one, to bands not being able to field enough musicians - another Panorama season has come to an end in New York. Kudos to all those who participated and contributed - every single player, the entire pan community, overall supporters of the steelband art form - and all those who put in untold and unknown sacrifices simply to get the steel orchestras to the stage to participate in Panorama. As some might say: “the struggle continues.”

Following are the results as posted on social media:

• Click for New York Pan Yard locations
• Click for New York Panorama Results through the years

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