Steelpan Music News - History and Culture

Layman Scott High School’s Senior Band plays ‘What about Us’ during the Senior Steelpan Band Competition Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands -  The Department of Education Services (DES) on the evening of Saturday May 21 closed the curtains on the 2022 National Children’s Festival of the Arts (NCFA) programme with the 17 th  annual staging of the Amin Mohammed Steelband Competition at the John Gray High School Auditorium in collaboration with the Cayman National Bank. Audiences were treated to melodious steelpan renditions of popular soca and reggae songs and classical pieces. These were performed by eight competing soloists and 11 steel bands, one of which was trained by music teacher and panist extraordinaire, Dr. Kassandra Scott Salazar, who Cayman National Bank honoured on Saturday evening for her significant contribution to steel pan education. see more

New York, New York, USA  -   With the backdrop of concrete, steel and green, green, grass the Kendall Williams-led steel ensemble,  Pan In Motion  drops the world premiere of his Carnegie Hall–commissioned composition “To Jam too.” Just Listen !

 Koruri Hanato May 30th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Koruri Hanato “My motto is Oriental wave meet “Ganges and Nile” steelpan scene. so I’m almost choosing from Japanese songs for my arrangement. When we play Japanese songs, Japanese people can sing with us -  that was the same scene in Trinidad carnival time. I love to be sharing Pan music with the audience in my country also.” - Koruri Hanato She is a panist, arranger and leader of Panple Steel Orchestra in Japan. And she is a member of the famed Trinidad All Stars. In an exclusive interview, Koruri shares her immeasurable joy and love of Panorama, the steelpan instrument, its music and culture on When Steel Talks. See Interview Related content: Meet Koruri Hanato of Japan

  The official results for the semifinals of PanoGrama 2022 are included below. The top 10 will progress to the finals, to be streamed on June 12, 2022.   1.       Shaquille Forbes (T&T) – 94.0 pts 2.       Mathieu Borgne (France) – 93.7 pts 3.       David Yundi (USA) – 87.7 pts 4.       Aquila Pereira (T&T) – 86.7 pts 5.       Hanif Goodridge (T&T) – 84.3 pts 6.       Tevin Shockness (T&T) – 84.0 pts 7.       Jaron Woodsley (T&T) – 83.0 pts    8.       Emmanuel Joseph (T&T) – 82.3 pts 9.       Alexander Evans (Belize) – 81.3 pts 10.   Mikiel Smith (Grenada) – 81.0 pts 11.   Marcus Prince (T&T) – 80.7 pts 12.   Déja Cain (T&T) – 79.7 pts 13.   Christopher Neale (T...

    Olivier Wiren France Je me suis fait tout petit  (Georges Brassens)

  Aquila Pereira Trinidad/ Tobago Vivir Mi Vida - (Marc Anthony)

  David Yundi USA Feel the Love - (DJ Private Ryan & Freetown Collective)

  Maurisha Potter Antigua/ Barbuda Could You Be Loved  (Bob Marley and the Wailers)

  Global -   The twenty steelpan musicians   who moved forward   from the 2022 Panograma   preliminaries   have their performances as semi-finalists streamed at 8:00 p.m. AST (Atlantic Standard Time) on May 29. Semi-finals - Order of Appearance and Tune Selections PanoGrama 2022 Semi-finals - May 29, 2022

Cheo Cato May 29th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Cheo Cato “I view Panorama as a season rather than a competition and in this regard, bands should be given the opportunity to display their skills and showmanship as well as to generate funds for the day-to-day runnings of the band.  Speaking specifically about the competition nights, it is my belief that given the number of hours bands spend preparing for these competitions, the appearance fee should be increased for participants at all stages of the event.” -- Cheo Cato    In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, steelpan musician and composer Cheo Cato shares his overall thoughts on Panorama and introduces himself to the global steelband community. Related content: Cheo Cato - Bio A look back... Meet Cheo Cato

Megan-Leigh Langton-Attang May 29th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Megan-Leigh Langton-Attang “To the young female panists reading this who are dreaming of becoming involved with the steelpan as a career I say, “Yes, please do. There is room for you.” I think the only limitations on steelpan start with the individual holding the views. Don’t be afraid to pick up steelpan as a career at home or abroad. Be prepared to work hard and be creative, but most importantly, have fun. You can be a composer, a conductor, an arranger, a musical director, a solo or group performer. You can be part of the administrative and managerial teams which help organize and develop the art form if being a part of the mostly musical aspects seem daunting.” --- Megan-Leigh Langton-Attang   She is a millennial. Bright, articulate, intelligent, witty and funny - and did we say multitalente...

Yuki Nakano May 29th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Yuki Nakano  “There are many things that keep my passion for the instrument and music alive. One is the instrument itself. It’s mysterious and interesting, for example, why is it when you are playing steelpan, you are getting such a nice and happy sound?  The shape of the instrument is very beautiful and with it, a very beautiful sound. The other aspect that fuels my passion for the instrument is the culture. In 2009 I went to Trinidad for the first time; during this time I was able to really learn about the history of the pan and how it is so important to this culture.” - Yuki Nakano Pan is in her blood. She has traveled all over the world with the steelpan instrument as her passport. She is a graduate of NIU (Northern Illinois University). In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Yuki Nakano of Jap...

    Angela Beyer May 28th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Angela Beyer Steelpan in “The Lone Star State”? You better believe it. San Jacinto College Central Steel Band is set on a path to rock Texas, USA. In an exclusive with When Steel Talks, long-time member Angela Beyer speaks on her love affair with the steelpan. Related content: Meet Angela Beyer of Texas

Kendall Williams of Pan in Motion composes “To Jam too” (World Premiere, commissioned by Carnegie Hall) New York, New York, USA - With the backdrop of concrete, steel and green, green, grass the Kendall Williams-led steel ensemble, Pan In Motion drops the world premiere of his Carnegie Hall–commissioned composition “To Jam too.” Accompanying Pan In Motion on this hot, hot, hot 90 degrees in the shade day in New York, Manhattan’s Bryant Park, is marching band Asphalt Orchestra. This May 22 live performance is part of the Carnegie Hall Citywide summer concert series. ....Having experienced Kendall’s compositions and arrangements in the past in different settings, they always present an immersive experience for the listeners/audience. See Complete review

  Michael Marcano of Renegades Steel Orchestra playing his pan at Panorama. Related content:  The Carnival Is Not Over Who Said So? Michael Marcano Pan on The Road’ - Renegades Steel Orchestra written by Jit Samaroo and Michael Marcano

  Kadeem McShine Happy Birthday to Kadeem McShine May 25 New York, USA - When Steel Talks (WST) extends Happy Birthday greetings to veteran percussionist and panist Kadeem McShine. Kadeem routinely performed with Sonatas Steel Orchestra . Kadeem McShine When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Kadeem McShine See more

When Steel Talks extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Marcano and Renegades Steel Orchestra on his passing. Champion administrator Michael Marcano  “...For it to be deemed the world’s greatest show, it must be of a certain caliber. Only the best steel orchestras in the land should be on display. A band can’t keep its doors locked for 11 months in the year, invest no time or effort in training young players, then come January, pull out some instruments, hire a bunch of mercenaries – for whom government must pay the bill - and enter Panorama.” Michael Marcano Related content:  Remembering Our Brother Michael Marcano by Andre Moses The Carnival Is Not Over Who Said So? Michael Marcano Pan on The Road’ - Renegades Steel Orchestra written by Jit Samaroo and Michael Marcano Renegades & manager Michael Marcano ready for 2007 South Panorama Finals

  Ayana  and Cleveland Garcia When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of  Cleveland Garcia former councilor for Woodbrook/St James and organizer of  Pan on De Avenue .and brother of the late panist Raphael ’Stretch’ Garcia Cleveland Garcia

André White May 26th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Andre White Andre says he is taking nothing for granted and thanks all the people (including his ADLIB band mates) who have been instrumental in giving him an opportunity to showcase his talents. Philosophically, he is very clear on one of the more beneficial mindsets on the path to success. “I’m not afraid to say I am still growing. I think I will be growing forever....” Andre White 2002 He is immensely talented, intelligent, unpretentious, thankful, hard-working and focused. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks (WST) - champion steelband panorama arranger André White - fresh from his victories in the UK Panorama and the New York Panorama - speaks about his accomplishments, school, his future and position as arranger... Related content: Meet André White - Arranger for ADLIB Steel ...

  Malika Green May 25th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Malika Green For over 23 years the steelpan instrument has been an essential part of the life of this Fulbright scholar, educator, director, arranger and performer. She is currently a Community Engagement Coordinator, Director of Steel Orchestras, working with CYSO - Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Malika Green shares her personal journey and perspective on the global reach and influence of the Steel Pan instrument, its music, and the art form in cultivating an environment for change. Related content: Meet Malika Green - Chicago, USA

Time:  May 25, 2022  from 6pm to 8pm Location:  Canarsie High School Street:  1600 Rockaway Pkwy City/Town:  Brooklyn NY Event Type:  spring ,  concert Organized By: Meyer Levin

May 29, 2022 - 8:00 p.m. AST (Atlantic Standard Time) Position Name Country Tune of Choice/ Performer 1 Gabriel Chartrand Canada Mariage d’Amour - (Paul de Senneville) 2 Maurisha Potter Antigua/ Barbuda Could You Be Loved  (Bob Marley and the Wailers) 3 David Yundi USA Feel the Love - (DJ Private Ryan & Freetown Collective) 4 Aquila Pereira Trinidad/ Tobago Vivir Mi Vida - (Marc Anthony) 5   Olivier Wiren France Je me suis fait tout petit  (Georges Brassens) 6 Alexander Evans Belize Welcome to Belize  (Leela Vernon) 7 Deja Cain Trinidad/ Tobago Mas Que Nada  (Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66) 8 Mathieu Borgne France Sour Apple  (Lord Kitchener) 9 Emmanuel Joseph Trinidad/ Tobago Love & Affection  (Pressure) 10 Simeon Superville Trinidad/ Tobago Hulk  (Blaxx) 11 Tevin Shockness Trinidad/ Tobago Hear My Cry Oh Lord  (Marvia Providence) 12   Jaron Woodsley Trinidad/ Tobago Just the Two of Us  (Grover Washington, Jr.) 13 Al Alexan...

Patricia Black May 24th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Patricia Black “I come alive as I transform into the woman on the bass while I lose my soul jamming to the sweetness, the harmonic and melodious arrangement by my legendary arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe....Panorama to me is one of the greatest shows on earth. It is a platform where musicians, both pan men and pan women all over the world come together to express the passion we all have for pan, with a musical vengeance....” --  Patricia Black Unabashedly proud of her pan involvement - she speaks of the immense joys and fulfillment she has felt over the years as a seasoned panist and member of the renowned Phase II Pan Groove. Bright, loyal and confident - in an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Patricia Black shares her feelings, experiences and insight into ...

Asphalt Orchestra with Pan In Motion (Kendall K. Williams) - part of Carnegie Hall Citywide - Free concerts in all five boroughs. More on Kendall K. Williams and Pan In Motion -  https://www.panonthenet.com/news/2019/oct/kendall-williams-faculty-recital-2019.htm

Mr. Neville Jules with Mr. Eric Adams, future mayor of New York city - then-Borough President of Brooklyn, New York - 2015.   Relevant content Remembering the late great legendary Neville Jules of Trinidad All Stars - Panist, Innovator, Leader and a Gentleman

Neville Jules May 21st is the birthday of the legendary Neville Jules - WST extends greetings.  There are a collective few who bear the distinction of being universally recognized as members of that unique, and special fraternity we at When Steel Talks refer to as Giants and Titans of “Pan and the Steelpan Movement.” Through their intellect, talents, genius, innovativeness, sacrifices, foresight and leadership they forged a path to greatness for a marvelous invention known as ‘Pan’ - all the while showcasing the genius and indomitable spirit of man. Mr. Neville Jules is without doubt one of these Titans. Mr. Jules - in addition to being a steelpan inventor, arranger, manager and captain - was foremost a molder of men and character - and he led by example. In 2003 When Steel Talks had the honor of interviewing Mr. Jules at our studios in what will always be one of our most rewarding, informative,...

Salah Wilson May 21st When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Salah Wilson “I would like to see the Pan take its rightful place in universities, colleges and institutions of learning on an equivalent basis as that of strings and horns. I am working towards this goal.” -- Salah Wilson   In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, steelpan musician, composer, arranger and educator - scholar Salah Wilson, shares his visions and overall thoughts on Panorama, its past, present and future... Related content: A Ministry Exclusively for the Steelpan in Trinidad & Tobago Salah Wilson - Panorama Steelband arranger bio Salah Wilson: a Man with a Vision, a Plan and a Point of Execution Salah Wilson - Writer, arranger and educator, speaks on Panorama ...

    "So blessed Carlos Santana & The Garifuna Collective joined me on this track so important for the history of my people. "Watina" will be out on May 19th, ready to spread the message..."  Calypso Rose Watch 12pm - EST

Rachel Wilson Rachel Wilson Rachel Wilson May 18th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Rachel Wilson Related content: >  Rachel Wilson on bass with Salah’s Steelpan Academy - “Man in the Mirror”

  "So blessed Carlos Santana & The Garifuna Collective joined me on this track so important for the history of my people. "Watina" will be out on May 19th, ready to spread the message..."  Calypso Rose Thank you my dear friend Carlos Santana for the kind words, his addition to "Watina" my new title out on May 19th is priceless

  When Steel Talks Caribbean Steelpan Connextion Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  On Saturday May 28, 2022  Caribbean Steelpan Connextion  will be celebrating more than just the re-opening of performance venues for live artists and bands like themselves. The Port-of-Spain-based ensemble will be hosting the event as the first steelpan recipients of the  Live Music District (LMD) Grant  which was awarded by the  Trinidad and Tobago Music Company Limited (MusicTT)  to promoters and event managers of live music acts. see more

Tiana Parry May 18th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Tiana Parry “I want to see steelbands selling out venues across the UK. I also want to see steel pan televised and seen equally to other instruments in the UK.”  --  Tiana Parry   She is a budding intellectual, legal scholar and panist who is very conscious of the value of the arts. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Tiana Parry shares her feelings, experiences, and insight on the power of Pan, the Steelband music art form and more. Related content: Meet Tiana Parry - United Kingdom   Tiana Parry with Endurance Steel Orchestra 

  9&10 News The Steel Drum Syndicate is the only band in Michigan with full sets of instruments for both the middle school and the high school Michigan, USA  - “I think I’ve been doing steel band at best guess 22-23 years. This is huge for me because I can say that I did this from scratch,” says Kilbourn. Seth Kilbourn is the instrumental music teacher and band director at Roscommon High School. He started the Steel Drum Syndicate made up of different band students. “Once everyone’s out here and ready to roll, there’s going to be about 44 kids between steel drums, drums and guitars, and then the horn players.” ....Kilbourn explains, “I don’t want to say almost exclusively rock, but it’s pretty close. Right now we’re doing music by Rush, Led Zeppelin, The Dewey Brothers, Phil Collins, it’s just this wide gamina of different selection.” ....“We were just at the St. Louis Festival of Steel. We’re headed to Cleveland to perform at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. ...