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Semi Finals Results for Large Conventional Steel Orchestras - Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama 2019

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Renegades Steel Orchestra in tandem with champion arranger Duvone Stewart continue their dominance in the large band category of the 2019 Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama competition, after the semi finals ended. They took the stage complete with the singer of their tune of choice Darryl “Farmer Nappy,” Henry, his “wife,” and garbage bags - into which some of ‘his’ clothes made their way, to complete the skit accompanying the theme of their popular selection Hookin’ Meh.

Nine large steel orchestras will go up against Renegades (title defenders) on Saturday March 2 at the Queen’s Park Savannah. As in the semi-finals, the medium bands will precede the large in the finals.

As the setting sun slipped down for this Sunday February17 evening, Invaders Steel Orchestra working along with long-time arranger Arddin Herbert opened up the large band segment of the semi-finals, the first of fourteen; they also played ‘Hookin’ Meh.’ Desperadoes Steel Orchestra which last won in 2016 received a standing ovation when they completed their presentation at 9:30 p.m. and are now in second place. Nailah Blackman danced on stage with the band as they delivered her 2019 signature smash, ‘Iron Love.’ Steelband music aficionados showed their love throughout for bands such as when the crowd roared appreciatively when Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra was announced around 10:13 p.m., heralding its players serving up Nadia Batson’s ‘So Long.’

The lone representative from sister isle Tobago—Buccooneers Steel Orchestra—was the fourteenth and final large band on stage and did not make it as one of the ten finalists. Buccooneers’ arranger Seion Gomez gave ‘the count’ at 11:10 p.m. as they launched into their tune of choice “Madness.” Prior to 2019, Buccooneers previously competed as a medium band and were champions in 2013.

The bands had moved quickly on and off stage beginning with the medium category. And so it was before midnight - 11:40 p.m. - when the twenty-eight steel orchestras in the medium and large arenas - all knew where they stood, and who made the finals. Also, for the record, there could be history in the making, as arranger Duvone Stewart holds on to the top spot in the three categories - Small, Medium, and here in the Large - heading into final competition.

Following are the full results for the semi finals phase of competition for Large conventional steel orchestras. The top ten move on to the finals.

Region Color Key

East Zone Region

North Zone Region

South/Central
Zone Region

Tobago Region

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