Steelpan Music News - History and Culture

When Steel Talks extends a special Birthday Greeting to panist, arranger, educator and historian Dr. Merle Albino-de Coteau. Dr. Merle Albino-de Coteau MORE ON   Dr. Merle Albino-de Coteau

    Nia Chance

  The Anatomy of Panorama 2023:   St. Lucia National Panorama Steelband Music Competition

 

The Ultimate Family Event for VincyMas 2023… Vinlec Junior Panorama “The Family Circle” 2:00pm  

Winston Gordon with Redemption Sound Setters  Mr. Gordon passed May 15, 2023 According to Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra post Winston Gordon was one of the long line of All Stars' bass musicians that were in a class by themselves. A dynamic musician, he was known for adding his own notes to Jules’ bass lines. In the mid 60’s he and a fellow bass player, Rupert Alexander, would compete against each other and later see which of the two got more money placed on their bass by overjoyed well-wishers and pan-pushers.     Gordon was earmarked by Jules as his protégé, and Jules began to allow him to arrange. While not musically schooled, Winston learned from Neville Jules while the band was still at the Garret. In 1966, Gordon arranged “Stella by Starlight”: he recalled that ‘Stella by Starlight' was his personal choice for a Bo

Prof. Brian Copeland Professor Brian Copeland Campus Principal, UWI St. Augustine   Professor Copeland is a distinguished scholar, an experienced engineer, and a respected university administrator. He has served this University in many roles, including as Dean of his faculty. His reputation as collegial leader is well established within the Campus and throughout the University. He is known for demonstrating concern for students, and has shown deep commitment for the well-being of the University. Within Trinidad and Tobago, and the wider Caribbean, he is respected as a professional of integrity and a citizen concerned with the development of the people and communities our University of the West Indies serves. 

by Angela Howard Carnival: The Sound of a People at Jazz at Lincoln Center New York, USA - Etienne Charles captivated audiences once more on at The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center on June 9 and 10. Performing pieces from Carnival: The Sound of a People, Charles reminded audiences that the world of jazz looks to the entire Diaspora for inspiration. The show was visual as well as auditory. Dancers in the roles of the Dame Lorraine, a La Diablesse - replete with her cow-foot, and a Jab Molassie demonstrated to the audience some of the imagery behind Caribbean lore. See more

  Supernovas Steel Orchestra  Relevant content Full Results & Story Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Supernovas Steel Orchestra led by arranger Amrit Samaroo took the title in Pan in the 21st Century. Also in the coveted spot, Chord Masters Steel Orchestra copped the top honors in Pan Down Memory Lane, working once more with arranger André White.

Champion arrangers Amrit Samaroo and André White get the job done Supernovas Steel Orchestra on stage at Pan in the 21st Century 2023   (image via screengrab) Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Supernovas Steel Orchestra led by arranger Amrit Samaroo took the title in Pan in the 21st Century. Also in the coveted spot, Chord Masters Steel Orchestra copped the top honors in Pan Down Memory Lane, working once more with arranger André White. With their explosive performance - literally - of Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” arranged by Amrit, Supernovas brought the crowd in attendance to its feet in a standing ovation. In doing so, the orchestra also claimed the top prize of TT $200,000.00 (circa USD $29,531.77) in its category. Veteran drill master and pan conductor Ben Jackson kept the band on point as they left no stone unturned, musically or presentation-wise. See complete story   https://www.panonthenet.com/tnt/pan-21stcentury-memorylane/results-pan-down-memory-lane-and-pan-in-the-21st-century-6-12

  Watch -- Pan Down Memory Lane and Pan in the 21st Century Stream   Thirteen single pan bands in Pan Down Memory Lane 2023, and twelve steel orchestras in Pan in the 21st Century 2023, compete Sunday June 11 for the championship in their respective categories. The venue is the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. This is a broadcast of the competition. https://www.panonthenet.com/tnt/pan-21stcentury-memorylane/pan-down-memory-lane-pan-in-the-21st-century-broadcast-2023.htm  

  Israel McLeod  “It is good to see that we are steadily increasing the avenues for our women and girls to demonstrate their insight and competencies as Managers, Captains, Liaison Representatives, Arrangers, Groovers, Tuners and Entrepreneurs. It helps to foster a nurturing and enterprising environment for our youth and elders. When women and girls are empowered, it can only auger well for the future of our economies and societies, as there is representation at all levels and a deeper commitment to sustainable development...” -- Israel McLeod A significant period of time has passed since our initial 2015 interview with Israel McLeod (MA) (Marketing & Communications Specialist, Steelband Liaison, Manageress, Entrepreneur, Steelpan Musician and Mother)... In this follow-up exclusive interview with When Steel Talks Ms. McLeod shares from her unique vantage point experiences, insight and realities on the progress of PAN in Trinidad and Tobago. See interview

  Vern Rosemin of Despers USA June 6 Happy Birthday to Despers USA foundational member and veteran New York panist Relevant content 2018 New York Panorama Champion - Despers USA Steel Orchestra - “Year For Love” - video Despers USA Steel Orchestra

Keishaun Julien wows Halle Bailey with his performance on the steelpan.     Keishaun Julien wows Halle Bailey with his performance on the steelpan.   On this episode of  "You Sang My Song"  Halle Bailey watches fan covers of her songs from her upcoming film 'The Little Mermaid' on YouTube. Watch Halle as she reacts to beautiful fan covers of "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," "Vanessa's Song" and more.

  Leah Wilson When Steel Talks extends congratulation to the graduate - panist Leah Wilson.  Big Up! Relevant content Meet Leah Wilson - Brooklyn, New York