Steel Drums in New York, 1977 | From the Vaults | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

-

 

Every year on Labor Day weekend, the spirit of Carnival comes to New York City for West Indian American Day. Unfortunately, the annual parade is cancelled this year, but you can learn more about the steel drum’s fascinating global history, from its origins in Trinidad and Tobago to its status as one of the world’s most popular musical instruments, in this thought-provoking hour-long film. Musicians such as Ellie Mannette and Pete Seeger talk shop and explain what they love about this extraordinary instrument.  

Relevant content

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Yasmin Brito - Panist - Women's Month - Their Voice, Their Life, Their Dreams, Their Passion, Their Story

-
Image
  Meet Yasmin Brito - Ontario, Canada Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Yasmin Brito “I can smile now but back then I was called every derogatory name in the book by the villagers, especially the elders. They would say “Girls should not be playing pan and especially with a band of only men.” One neighbor would always tell my mother... “Look at her long fingers, she should be playing the piano and not a pan”.”  Yasmin Brito Ontario, Canada - At 12 years old Yasmin Brito was playing pan in a steelband. And while the neighbors had less than kind things to say about this - she had fun. Much fun - made history by becoming one of the first of the firsts in the annals of pan - an unwitting trailblazer with memories and experiences that have lasted a lifetime. See complete interview
Read more

Black Man Feeling To Party - by Black Stalin

-
Image
‘ Black Man Feeling To Party ’ sung by “Black Stalin”  2023: Tune of choice  |   Renegades Steel Orchestra  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023 2023: Tune of choice  |   Harmony Music Makers  -  New York Panorama 2023 2023: Tune of choice  |   Metro Steel Orchestra  -  New York Panorama 2023
Read more

When Steel Talks (WST) extends Happy Birthday greetings to ace panist, composer, producer, arranger and performing artist Freddy Harris III

-
Image
  Happy Birthday to Freddy Harris III April 1st When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Freddy Harris III Freddy Harris III is an award-winning musician and music producer. He first made a name for himself as a steelpan player for orchestras and artists. He’s the son of popular Trinidadian guitarist, Freddie Harris Jr, and has been playing in groups as a steelpan player since the age of just six, winning many awards for his musical skills.    See full Bio
Read more

Gustav Holst - The Planets - Mars, the Bringer of War | NYU STEEL | NYU Steel 2023 Spring Concert

-
Image
    Mars Bringer of War | NYU STEEL | NYU Steel 2023 Spring Concert Josh Quillen - conductor When Steel Talks captures NYU Steel performing The Planets - Mars, the Bringer of War by Gustav Holst -  arranged by Mia Gormandy-Benjamin at the 2023 NYU Steel Spring concert. Captured at the New York University's Frederick Loewe Theatre Related content NYU Steel Josh Quillen and Kendall K. Williams , Directors NYU Steel members Benji Prickett Jacky Xu Brendan Williams Tom Cobb Shane Corwin Abigail Rodriguez Tim Topoly Nicholas Urbanic Adriana Harrison Grace Sprecher Ryan Learned Abigail Morrissey Carter Way Jessie Ong Xingyu Guan Shun Kodaira Lopez McKenzie Squires Jessica Diaz Shiqi Zhong Pei Hsien Lu Nancy Pan Debra Amata Abby Davis
Read more

Wayne Kirton's - Discography

-
Image
Instruments & Performance The Rockerfellas*  -  Music For The Young  ‎ (LP, Album) Tropico TSI-2010 1968 Image Title Label Catalog Number Year In Your Collection, Wantlist, or Inventory Actions Elmer Hawkes  -  The Incredible Newsboy Slayings  ‎ (LP, Album) Black Bear Records (3) NR6853 1976 Image Title Label Catalog Number Year In Your Collection, Wantlist, or Inventory Actions James Lloyd  -  A Taste Of James Lloyd  ‎ (LP, Album) Freedom (8) 007 JL 1977 Image Title Label Catalog Number Year In Your Collection, Wantlist, or Inventory Actions Melody*  -  Pan Rhapsody   2 versions Romey's Records 1980 Image Title Label Catalog Number Year In Your Collection, Wantlist, or Inventory Actions King Swallow*  -  Subway Jam, Pace Yourself   2 versions Charlie's Records ,  Charlie's Records 1981 Image Title Label Catalog Number Year In Your Collection, Wantlist, or Inventory Actions Sparrow*  -  Sweeter...
Read more

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

-
Image
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
Read more

Condolences to the family and friends of Singing Francine on her passing

-
Image
Calypsonian great Singing Francine has passed. Singing Francine Release from Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) TUCO mourns the passing of Francine Edwards known in the calypso word as "Singing Francine" who passed away early this morning, 16th December, 2022. Singing Francine was born in Barbados on February 13th 1943 and came to Trinidad at a young age. When asked how she began singing calypso, she responded, “I never became involved in the calypso art form. I was born into the calypso art form.”   Throughout her career, she has used her musical talent to address social issues, particularly those directly affecting women. In 1975, she sang “A Call to Women,” encouraging more women to use calypso music as a vehicle of self-expression. In her 1978 calypso “Runaway,” she addressed the topic of domestic violence, urging women in abusive living situations to seek help. Singing Francine was one of the most successful calypsonians in Trinidad and Tobago, winning th...
Read more

Tourist Leggo - by King Short Shirt

-
Image
‘ Tourist Leggo ’ sung by “King Short Shirt”  2023: Tune of choice  |   Exodus Steel Orchestra  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023 2016: Tune of choice  |   Cocorite West Wind Steel Orchestra  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2016 2015: Tune of choice  |   Dixieland Steel Orchestra  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2015
Read more