The JJR Steelpan Relief Fund

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The JJR Steelpan Relief Fund is dedicated to three international students from Trinidad and Tobago who are pursuing their Master’s Degree in Music with a specialization in Steelpan performance here at Northern Illinois University.

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A look at the new panyard under construction for Desperadoes Steel Orchestra by Sharmain Baboolal

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Here is an exclusive look at the TT$14 million panyard for the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra which has been homeless for several years, but which was gifted this piece of real estate at 25 Nelson Street in Port of Spain. When completed it will be the first steelband facility of its kind, anywhere in the world, occupying one and a half acres of land. Take a tour with me below: Under construction new Desperadoes Panyard
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When Steel Talks (WST) extends Happy Birthday greetings to scholar, educator, exceptional musician, music director and champion Panorama arranger James Clarkson

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James Clarkson   April 21st When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist James Clarkson James Clarkson was born in Grenada on 21 April 1943 and has had a distinguished lifelong career in music with early exposure at the age of 12. He later joined the band of the Royal Grenada Police Force, appeared on stage with his father’s band, and by 17 was a member of the band of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force as lead arranger and first trumpet player. By 23 years of age, he was the Director of Music of the band of the Royal Grenada Police Force, and soon became the arranger for the very successful Republic Bank Angel Harps Steel Orchestra , a post he still holds today. The Officers and Ranks of the Royal, Grenada Police Force (R.G.P.F.) take this opportunity to thank Commissioner James Clarkson OBE, QPM, Lmus, F. Sci, for his invaluable contribution to to the R.G.P.F and to wish him a healthy and productive retirement. James Clarkson with daughter Ayana  Panorama Champion...
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Terrance “BJ” Marcelle September 16 When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Terrance “BJ” Marcelle In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - well-known steelband panorama arranger Terrance “BJ” Marcelle - no stranger to winner’s row in the small conventional steel orchestra category in Trinidad & Tobago - speaks about his present position as arranger for New York’s D’Radoes Steel Orchestra. See Interview Related content: Terrance “BJ” Marcelle - When Steel Talks - Bio/History Meet Terrance “BJ” Marcelle - Arranger for D’Radoes Steel Orchestra - UpClose! ...
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Remembering Some of Those In Pan We’ve Lost in 2021 - calypsonian Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes-Millington).

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When Steel Talks (WST) extends Happy Birthday greetings to educator, musician, dancer, choreographer, performing artist and percussionist - Rosanna Toney

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Were You There When...

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Ralph McDonald, David Rudder, Robert Greenidge performed at Lincoln Center New York New York - Pannist Robert Greenidge, percussionist Ralph MacDonald, keyboardist Onaje Allan Gumbs, drummer Buddy Williams, saxophonist Arturo Tappin, guitarist Scott Galt, bassist Nicholas Brancker, trumpeter Etienne Charles, vocalists Rhea and David Rudder commanded the attention of the audience at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Allen Room on Saturday June 16, 2007. It was a musical aggregation looked forward to by many, one that fulfilled expectations, and that prompted a sell-out of tickets to the event at least two weeks prior. The people in attendance had discerning palates when it comes to Caribbean culture, and by the end of the evening their appetites were fully sated. But maybe if you ask the 'Rudderites' who were in attendance, they would tell you that they were still ravenous...
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  Panorama Champions Video Performances 1963 to Present Tap link to see complete comments Comment by  Joan Pilgrim  on February 1, 2019 at 3:50pm Delete Comment I think this is fantastic listening and watching from 1963, and I am in Toronto Canada.  Comment by  knolly smith  on January 28, 2019 at 7:27pm Delete Comment Harmonites and Hatters steelban were always entertaining! Comment by  knolly smith  on January 28, 2019 at 7:08pm Delete Comment PANAM NORTH STARS......SWEET MEMORIES!!!......Desperadoes is about to take over the steelpan world with their sweet,sweet music 'Melda' Cavaliers were also part of the mix along with MY BAND 'ESSO TRIPOLI'...........STARLIFT WAS ALWAYS A STEELBAND FORCE TO RECKON WITH, IN THE SIXTIES AND BEYOND....'MY SWEET! MEMORIES IN PAN'      OH! HOW I LOVE IT!!! ...
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When Steel Talks remembers Victor “Babu” Samuel on his birthday on April 19th, 1958. Victor “Babu” Samuel  This man has other notable achievements, these include: the first foreigner to arrange for a steelband in Trinidad’s Panorama; the most successful arranger in Antigua’s Steelband history. He also “drilled” for the Phase II Pan Groove, one of Trinidad’s leading steelbands. Achievements such as these only confirm Victor “Babu” Samuel as the undisputed champion steelband arranger of Antigua. The Antigua Grammar School had an affiliation with the Supa Stars Steel Orchestra of which “Babu” later became its number one (1) drummer. There again, he impressed everyone including the band’s arranger Trinidadian Phillip  Vansupre, who once remarked, “If only I had that little boy playing for my band in Trinidad, no band wo...
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