Trinidad & Tobago - Hello to everyone in When Steel Talks,
I drove by Phase II
panyard and Desperadoes temporary
panyard in town. I don't know as
much about Phase II's history, other
than they have been a heavy hitter
since at least the mid 80's. Despers
is obviously a band with a great
history, and I would love to meet
Bevery Griffith. I would really
appreciate the opportunity to talk
about history with both bands!
I suppose while I am
on WST I should give another report.
Last night I had my
second taste of Calaloo and Salt
Fish, and my first taste of Coocoo.
I have to say, Trini food is
tremendous! I have asked the woman I
am staying with to teach me to cook,
so I can present some of my favorite
dishes to my family and friends when
I go back. Thus far I've loved
everything I've had, so I don't know
how to choose!
I spent a lot of my
day yesterday talking to people that
I will be meeting up with this week.
I am very excited to talk with Mr.
Keith Byer (ex VP of Pan Trinbago,
now head of Diatonic Pan Institute)
about his organization coming to
Indiana this summer (and pan
history, pan association talk, etc.)
I also met with
Kenneth Clarke, who was with North
Stars when they won the first
Panorama and played in the band when
they won the second... He has
focused on percussion, and has
played with tons of bands, and knows
a lot of history. I'm VERY excited
to be connected with this guy as he
has come very highly recommended,
and already our history talks have
been really rewarding. Here's the
crazy part... he's going to
introduce me to Anthony Williams! I
told him I didn't know what I would
say to him that he hasn't heard a
million times before. He told me
Anthony was his mentor and insisted
that when the time comes I will
improvise. I am adding a name to my
list of people I will be a little
star struck by...
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra's Panyard
I briefly met Mr.
Keith Diaz, who was making rounds to
various yards. I don't want to get
involved in a political debate on
the man or Pan Trinbago. I was
trying to find out what Pan Trinbago
does besides hosting events, (ie.
day to day work), and didn't really
get a very good answer. He invited
me to drop by the office some
afternoon to talk. Again, this isn't
a criticism, but I figured Mr. Diaz
would have been passing around the
petition for people to sign. Anyway,
this is a dangerous topic, so I will
drop it here.
I have more meetings
coming up this week, and I am very
excited to get to my research and
networking aspect of this trip. I
have a pan community back home that
can use a lot of help, so I'm here
to work!