Marlon de Bique, Raymond Edwards, Eddie Cumberbatch, Ronald Samm, Richard Pierre, Wendell Constantine, Christopher “Tambu” Herbert, Baron, Nyol Manswell, Junior Byron and Roger George—what do they all have in common? They are all Trini men blessed with beautiful voices, and one of them is about to be unleashed locally in concert next month. 

George will perform in concert, tentatively on Wednesday, June 17. The show is being produced by The Silent 1 and will also feature crackshot Massy Trinidad All Stars tenor pan musician Dane Gulston at De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp), Woodbrook, and other popular guest artistes. 

On a turnaround visit to Trinidad last Monday, US-based George gave the small gathering a small taste of his repertoire at Ibn de Leon’s birthday lime at Carl and Carol Jacobs’ Kaiso Blues Lounge. The following evening, George again performed at the Woodford Street venue for a one-off show. Aside from his father, family and fans, in attendance were Roy Cape All Stars frontliner Blaxx and Witco Desperadoes arranger Robert Greenidge. 

A graduate of St Augustine Senior Comprehensive and a former National Junior Calypso and Young Kings Monarch (2003—These Are The Days), George celebrates his birthday on May 23. He is no fly-by-night artiste, his songs having also won the 2001 National Panorama title for Republic Bank Exodus, the 2002 Pan Kaiso competition, and the Best Beating Steelband award (also for Exodus). 

Kaiso Blues, formerly Martin’s Piano Bar, is the newest gathering spot for the nation’s artistes, with many of them already performing there. Though not even a month in operation, artistes who have graced the well-appointed showplace include Raf Robertson, Relator, Nyol Manswell, Tabanca, Kerwin Trotman, Arthur Marcial, Adrian Philbert, KV Charles, Frenz in Kaiso and Wayne “Doppy” Dopson. 

Billed to perform tonight are Michael O’Brian & Friends, including Neal Lalgee and Kern Summerville. Holding down tomorrow’s spotlight is Trini Jacobs, the talented daughter of Carl and Carol Jacobs. From 5 pm on Sunday, Kaiso Blues will open its doors for what promises to be a pulsating but relaxing “jazz jam session.” 

On June 4, internationally renowned pan player Wayne La Pierre will be the star act at Kaiso Blues. 

No nun-sense cook-off 
The nuns of St Dominic’s Children’s Home are set to serve up a divine offering at the third edition of their inclusive cook-out, Sisters Can Cook III, on Saturday, May 23, at Holy Name Convent, 2 Queen’s Park East, Port-of-Spain. I sat as a judge at the first edition of this fun family event, and I can attest that the sisters can cook as well as provide a great entertaining evening. 

The unique food fair will feature nuns and benefactors from around the country all set to lay hands on the food preparation. Several popular restaurants will also feature signature dishes at the event, including Kapok, Arabian Nights, Asian Buffet, The Normandie Hotel, Rib House and Iere Bites. Alumni and students from neighbouring Past Pupils Associations from Belmont Boys Secondary, St Mary’s College, Fatima College and Holy Name Convent are lending culinary support to the worthy cause. 

The funds raised from the event will be used to send a group of young leaders and team members from the Home’s Shalom Centre to two international youth conferences. The team will first attend the International Dominican Youth Movement Meeting in France in June, and then World Youth Day 2016 in Poland. 

“The Home is committing itself to the development of positive values and spiritual growth in children and young people within our community, including those who are most at risk. The Dominican Youth Movement is the vehicle we propose to use in doing this,” explained Sr Arlene Greenidge, manager at the Home. 

The Shalom Centre, located at the Home’s Belmont Campus, is a space where the children can access counseling services, leadership training and recreational opportunities. Opportunities to travel and interact with other young people from different countries and backgrounds will provide the youth at the Home with invaluable life experience, says the Centre’s Coordinator, Sr Aluna Abbot. 

She added: “Our goal is to establish a Youth Movement to help form young people ready and willing to place themselves at the service of God and people within the community.” Tickets are reasonably priced at $300 and are available at the home’s main office. Call 624-7882 or 625-7163 between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm for bookings. 

Pan in De Countryside goes to Guaya
Last month in Blanchisseuse was a blast, and the next destination for Pan in De Countryside, in Guayaguayare on May 24, is expected to be even bigger. Like the last edition, five steelbands will headline the billing, and their supporters and pan lovers on the whole are expected to converge on the Sea Wall for the second in the series of this year’s steelpan concerts. 

Participating bands include some of the more popular conventional and traditional bands such as White Oak Starlift, T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps, Skiffle, Brimblers and Scrunters Pan Groove. As is traditional, DJ Klass is Class will also be in attendance. Showtime is 1 pm. 

Since its inception, the series has been attracting scores of patrons to far-flung districts in the twin isles to an evening of scintillating pan music and camaraderie. The event showcases the best of pan in a concert format. In Blanchisseuse, Massy Trinidad All Stars and Super Novas had the crowd dancing until late at night, supported by Pashphonics and others. 

The event is produced by Pan Trinbago Inc. Steelpan memorabilia, food and drink will be on sale at the location. Maxi taxi shuttle transportation to Guayaguayare is available for your added convenience from Pan Trinbago’s headquarters at Victoria Plaza, at Victoria Square North. Admission is free and all are invited. 

Skatie celebrates 
De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp) has been buzzing these past Wednesday nights as musicians and artistes are using the popular Woodbrook showplace to host their birthday parties. Having seen some swinging birthday concerts for Brother Valentino and Kelly Green, next in line is calypsonian Carlos “Skatie” James who will host his show next Wednesday at 8.30 pm. 

Billed to celebrate with the Kalypso Revue director are Marilyn Williams, Nicole Greaves, M’ba and others, with musical accompaniment by Joey Rivers Band and Sprangalang serving as emcee. 

Awards in steel 
The postponed awards ceremony, which was to be celebrated by Trinity All Generations Steel (TAGS) and School of the Arts on May 3 at the Port-of-Spain City Hall, will now be held with the annual July concert on July 12. This ceremony is an occasion to recognise the work and achievements of the students and the community in 2014, which was the 20th anniversary of the founding of the organisation. 

Established in 1994, TAGS is a community outreach music education programme started for those of limited means and for those who never had the opportunity to learn music before and apply it on the pan. It is geared towards introducing students of all ages to music theory and practical applications on the pan, and to help pan players to become musically literate. Since 1994, though, the programme has expanded to include instruction in African drums, dance, piano and guitar. 

TAGS students can now be spotted in most professional musical circles, including the National Steel Symphony Orchestra, the now defunct Divine Echoes, many of the national service orchestras and several of the internationally celebrated soca bands. Many are involved in arranging, composing, recording and producing as well. 

In addition to outstanding performances, student achievement continues to soar in both theory and practical examinations, and now they can boast not only of students entering tertiary education, but also entering advanced tertiary education, as their second student began a Master’s programme in Music Performance at Northern Illinois University on a Fulbright scholarship.

Last Sunday, St James Secondary School Alumni (SJSA) held an amazing reunion brunch at the school’s Panka Street location in St James. Attended by more than 100 past students, the day’s programme included a sumptuous breakfast and lunch, live entertainment and music by DJ Crosby.

The performers, all products of SJS, included Form Two violinist Kayleigh Reece; Bert Arlette Scholarship Awardee and UTT music major Jose Jiminez (Jose Freedom); and, Karaoke singer Natisha.

Members of the alumni got together to prepare the day’s cuisine which included melongene and tomato choka, fry and roast bake, souse, chicken fritters, potato salad, ochro rice, provision, callaloo, fresh pigeon peas, curry and stewed chicken, and stewed pork. On the side were also fresh fruit and confectionaries, including carimbola (five finger), fudge, sugar cake and tamarind balls.

SJSA committee members, who ensured that an enjoyable time was had all in attendance, were coordinator Carol Brown, Earl Crosby, Salma Hosein-Constance, Marjorie Gregoire -Joseph, Vellon Blackman, Cecil Cyrus, Jennifer Chotalal, Jennie Carmino, Candy Berment-Harper and Angelee Barkaar. Also assisting the committee on the day was Howzat! Sports Bar director Nicholas Howard.

A minute’s silence was observed for departed SJS alumni this past year. They were Gregory Seales and Ann Marie Ross-Bonalde (Class of 1967); Rickey Phillip (Class of 1978); and, Ian Nickie and Deborah Thomas (Class of 1980). The SJS Alumni will host a fitness fun hike on the Corpus Christi holiday (June 4) to Tucker Valley/Macqueripe, Chaguaramas, at 9 am, and will also do a Feal Market fund-raiser at the school on July 26, at 10 am. This is in aid of past student Derek “CG” Silman.

Inter-Alumni Games and Family Day are here
Secondary school history will be made on Labour Day (June 19) when Old Hilarians (Bishop Anstey High School ex students) stages the first ever Inter-Alumni Games & Family Day at the training ground of Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain. With Old Hilarians as chief organiser, the day of fun and games will be supported by the alumnis of Queen’s Royal College, Trinity College, Presentation College, Naparima College, St Anthony’s College, Bishops/Trinity East, St James and Diego Martin Secondary, and Bishop Anstey.

The event, with CCN TV6 as main sponsor, was launched last Saturday at Bishop Anstey and was attended by representatives of the participating schools. The competitive part of the day carries a first prize of $10,000.

Addressing the gathering were Old Hilarians president Shonda Moore; vice president Siobhan Ballah; and, Wendy Ann Austin. Prior to enjoying the lavish fare—which included two large cakes, iced with the monograms of the participating teams—monogrammed jerseys in the colours of the teams were exchanged. 

The programme also included Joel Gibbons of the Sports Company of T&T (Sportt) handing over the attractive challenge trophy to VP Ballah. For the past two decades the Old Hilarians team has been a trendsetter among the country’s secondary schools, its annual fund-raising Carnival all-inclusive fete, now in its 19th year, being one of the first of its kind staged.

Steelbands excel at games
Excitement continues to soar in the steelband world as the 2015 Companions Sports & Family Day eliminations continue on weekends at various panyards nationwide. Staged annually for over a decade, the competition fields steelbands competing against each other in disciplines other than playing the national instrument. Categories include football, cricket, draughts and All Fours. This year, for the first time, Scrabble has been included and Republic Bank Exodus are ahead of the field in the individual and band segments.

Last weekend, for the third straight year, the Witco Desperadoes draught team was crowned draught champion. The Despers players were Michal “Boogie” Duncan, Fitzroy Alexander and Nathan and Nathaniel Moses. It should be noted that both Alexander and Duncan have lost just one game in three years, in 2013. In the cricket encounter, Curepe Scherzando defeated reigning Companions champion BP Renegades.

The excitement continues this weekend with the staging of the Big Eight knock out rounds in both All Fours and Football tonight, from 8 pm, at Massy Trinidad All Stars panyard on Duke Street, Port-of-Spain. In other steelband news, Pan Trinbago’s Northern Region will continue its Pan on De Court series of open air concerts this evening at the Food Court, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, at 8 pm. Bands in the spotlight will be St Margarets’ Boys School and Brimblers.

Pan Trinbago Inc’s big event this weekend is Sunday’s Pan in De Countryside, to be held at The Seawall, Guayaguayare, at 1 pm. The evening’s cast includes White Oak Starlift, T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps, Skiffle, Brimblers and Scrunters Pan Groove, plus DJ Klass is Class. Maxi Taxi transportation to Guayaguayare is available for pan lovers from Pan Trinbago’s headquarters, located at Victoria Plaza, opposite Victoria Square, Port-of-Spain, at 9.30 am. The cost is reasonably priced at $150.

Woodbrook is alive with the sound of music
The Woodbrook/Newtown area continues to pulsate on weekends with live entertainment. Regular showplaces like The Mas Camp and Little Carib Theatre are now augmented by The Black Box on Murray Street and Kaiso Blues Lounge on Woodford Street. Last evening, US-based musician/artist David Boothman was billed to perform at Kaiso Blues. This evening will see a performance by Joel Ali & The Band Mayaro and they will be sharing the stage with former calypso king Relator.

Tomorrow, the action intensifies when Gary Hector and Jointpop launch the Quicksand CD with a full length concert  at The Big Black Box, Murray Street, Woodbrook, which will feature songs from the new album plus Jointpop hits from previous Black Box. Tomorrow’s repertoire will feature songs from the new album plus Jointpop hits from previous albums.

The seventh album to be released by jointpop, the disc was produced by Paul Kimble (Grant Lee Buffalo) of Seattle, Washington, USA. The first single off the album — Simply Beautiful — is currently enjoying heavy rotation on local and International radio stations. A top class music video for the single, produced by Sasi Caribbean, is also enjoying thousands of views on YouTube and other online international websites.

Tickets for the concert cost just $100 and they include a 50 per cent discount voucher for Svaada Restaurant, at One Woodbrook Place. Tickets available nationwide, at North (The Black Box, Toppers, Rust St, and Token records); East (Toppers, Grand Bazaar); Central (Bees Hi Fi); and, South (Off the Wall and Browwwsers).

Doors at the venue will be open from 8 pm and the live concert starts at 10.30 pm. Simultaneously tomorrow, at Kaiso Blues, Wind, Sticks & Voice will be held from 8 pm with live performances by Francis Prime on wind; Massy Trinidad All Stars’ Dane Gulston with sticks on pan; and, the enticing vocals of Adrian Philbert.

Kaiso Blues rounds off its weekend package with its popular Sunday Jazz Jam Session, featuring various artistes, from 6 pm.
The end of this month, on May 28-31 actually, Monkey Mountain will stage Playing Walcott: Ti Jean & His Brothers, to commemorate Derek Walcott’s 85th birthday, at Little Carib Theatre. This play was written by Walcott, is directed by Christine Johnston, with music by the late Andre Tanker.

WeBeat St James Live
The 2015 edition of WeBeat St James Live will be honouring St James Police Youth Cub and Edwin Skinner at this year’s celebrations next month. 

The St James Police Youth Club, under the guidance of manager/founder police officer Derrick Shabodie, is a registered non-profit organisation which caters to the needs of young people between the ages of five to 21 years. Its main focus is to expose young people to productive activities in Education, Sports, Culture, Spirituality and Community Service, as an alternative to a life of Drugs, Crime and Juvenile Delinquency.

The Club celebrated its 22nd year of community and youth development service with an outstanding track record in community projects and prides itself as the first Police Youth Club in Trinidad with its own building.

Edwin Skinner, sportsman and Olympic medalist, is member of a well-known family from Agra Street, St James. He represented T&T in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, and was a member of the 4 X 400 meters relay team which won a bronze medal. Skinner was the national athletic coach for the 2012 Olympic Games in London and is the founder and coach of Memphis Pioneers Track Club.

Both recipients have given yeoman service to their community and the country on the whole. In recognition of their achievements and in the continuance of the tradition of honouring its own, the St James Community Improvement Committee, will be paying tribute to them on the first night of the Festival at the Honoree’s Award Ceremony, scheduled for June 5, at the St James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St James.

The 15th edition of WeBeat St James Live will be held from June 5 and runs until June 13, with a wide range of activities, at the Amphitheatre, culminating with the steelband parade along the Western Main Road, St James. A new feature – Rum Street – has been added to the festivities, in collaboration with Angostura.

The annual affair which celebrates the cultural heritage and diversity within the twin islands of T&T will see the return of ArtBeat (June 11) at which artisans can display their crafts and WeCruise on June 14 aboard the Treasure Queen. Regular attractions include We Film Night (June 6), in collaboration with the T&T Film Festival15; WeTreat (June 7); Health Day  (June 8), in conjunction with the PoS North Lions and the North West Regional Health Authority; and, WeTalk- Historian Talk Show with emphasis on Youth (June 8). These events are free to the public.

Come Friday June 12, We Kaiso: Special Tribute to The Black Stalin showcases some of the greatest exponents of the calypso art form backed by the indefatigable Pelham Goddard and Friends with Granny and Penny as hosts. 
WeBeat St James Live is held under the patronage of the Mayor of Port-of-Spain. 

Thanks to Pan Trinbago I now know my country. After last Sunday’s open air Pan in De Countryside concert on the beach of Guayaguayare, Pan Trinbago Inc has taken me to almost every nook and cranny of the country. I now have to get to Sangre Chiquito, Rampanalgas and Embacadere.

A convoy of maxi taxis from all corners of the country, in spite of mammoth rallies by the two major political parties in the East and North, converged on The Sea Wall just after lunch to enjoy the music of Brimblers, Scrunters Pan Groove, White Oak Starlift, T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps and Skiffle.

DJ KC Klass is Class set the mood at 2 pm with pan music, a la CDs. Scrunters Pan Groove of Cocorite was the first band to perform with a spicy musical set, especially its interpretation of In My House, the selection which won Witco Desperadoes the 1999 National Panorama title.
 
Brimblers, resident in Woodbrook and positioned on Sunday next next to Starlift, also produced a colourful performance. Its set included Jane, Wrecker and Woman on the Bass, selections played by three previous Panorama champions, Starlift, Harmonites and Trinidad All Stars, respectively, as well as Kisses and Raze. As usual, Starllift was well rehearsed and its performance of Pennylane and Ah Feelin had a few patrons dancing.

Hailing from San Fernando, Skiffle, with its youthful membership, thrilled with each of its selections, especially its playing of How Great Thou Art, Like A Boss, Lucy, and Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing. Just before the band’s performance, its manager Junia Regrello arrived to be with his young charges, having torn himself from the ongoing PNM Family Day in progress at Nelson Mandela Park in St Clair.

By the time Tropical Angel Harps began its performance at 6.45 pm, darkness had fallen on Guayaguayare. But Pan Trinbago secretary Richard Forteau, turned emcee, humorously quipped, “Angel Harps shall shed light on the proceedings. After all, its sponsor is T&TEC.” Brilliant is one way to describe this Chaguanas band’s performance. Opening with Baron’s This Melody Sweet, its set incuded I Will Survive, Stay Up Zimbabwe, Play One, Calypso Music, Telll Me Why, and its 2015 Panorama tune, Tony Barclay’s Pan For Beethoven. 

The show ended at 7.45 pm. The convoy of maxi taxis made its way in the darkness to various destinations, transporting fully sated pan lovers still thirsty for another dose of this unique and thoroughly enjoyable steelband experience. The next edition of Pan in De Countryside is scheduled for June 27 in Lopinot. The names of performing steelbands will be announced by Pan Trinbago Inc shortly.

Sparrow, Stalin, Sandra in high spirits
Three of our most revered past national calypso monarchs, who have been under the weather, are on the mend in rapid fashion. Mighty Sparrow, who survived a coma last year; Black Stalin, convalescing from a stroke and Singing Sandra, who underwent surgery a couple months, are all hale and hearty.

Pulse spoke to Sparrow in New York by phone and the Calypso King of the World sounded in high spirits as he serenaded me with some of his vintage songs. He said he was continuing his therapy in the Big Apple, adding: “I want to be strong and fit when I come home for my birthday in July. I am looking forward to performing somewhere for my people back home.” Sparrow turned 80 on July 9.

Sparrow’s wife Margaret, contacted at their Petit Valley home, said: “So far nothing really grand has been planned for Birdie. It’s up in the air. I may just have a little get-together at home for him, with cake and ice cream.” Erupting in his trademark laugh, Sparrow ended his spontaneous phone performance for Pulse by singing a verse and chorus of Age Is Just A Number and Willie Dead.

When Pulse checked in on Stalin, he was in therapy, but his wife Patsy assured, “Leroy is getting stronger by the day. He is in good spirits and continues to follow his doctors instructions and get better.” Singing Sandra, just finishing consuming a bowl of coo coo and fish, told Pulse, “by the grace of God I am improving. You guys will see me on stage sooner than you know it.”

Pulse wishes these icons of culture complete recovery.

Woodbrook in mas
Having placed second in this year’s NCBA Band of the Year competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah and in the Downtown competitions, Trini Revellers has already decided that its presentation for 2016 will be A Touch of Woodbrook, Then and Now. Pulse was assured of this by bandleader Enrico Rajah.

Rajah explained that the presentation will focus on the brief history of the suburb of Woodbrook and will pay tribute to the icons who have contributed to its development. It will also focus on the changes then and now, and will touch on the changing face of Ariapita Avenue and Tragarete Road.

Now over 100 years old,  Woodbrookers will now be afforded the opportunity of sharing their rich history of culture (mas and pan), sport, liming spots, entertainment, music and eating places on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. So don’t be surprised if you see masqueraders portraying Roxy, Invaders, Hot & Cold, Little Carib, Beryl McBurnie, the Ice Factory, and recreations of mas by stalwarts like George Bailey, Stephen Lee Heung, Peter Minshall and Stephen Dereck.

Casablanca reunites
Casablanca Steel Orchestra will be hosting its Reunion/Launch on Saturday, June 6 at the Pan Yard, 31 Belmont Circular Road, Belmont, from 5 pm. The playlist includes performances by The Mighty Chalkdust and friends, pannists Michael Gabriel and Noel La Pierre. The T&T Police Service Band and Defence Force Single Pan Steel Orchestra will also be in attendance.

Casablanca Steel Orchestra is one of the oldest steelbands in the country, starting from a biscuit drum band in 1945 called Bar 20. Legendary figures included Oscar “Bogart” Pile, Ormond “Patsy” Haynes, Arthur “Art” DeCoteau, among others, whose perseverance moved the band to musical heights.

In 1982 Casablanca was awarded The Humming Bird Gold Medal for loyal and devoted service to the steelband movement. Since 1983, Casablanca has been performing on the international circuit. In the recent past, the band had been conducting a number of vocational courses to help the band’s next generation. Admission to the June 6 event is free to the public.

Last Saturday, Republic Bank Ltd held its bi-annual Talent Spectacular competition, Fifty Shades of Blue, before a packed O2 Park, in Chagaramas. The competition, which includes the Group’s regional partners, embracing Tobago, Barbados, Grenada and Guyana, was first staged more than 20 years ago as a small talent piece, which took place at the end of every staff sports day. It is now held bi-annually, each time with a different theme.

Like last year, Team Barbados again walked away with the title, with their production entitled Out of Many. Second place went to Republic Bank’s Avalene Harris, editor, Group Marketing and Communications. She also captured the People’s Choice award for her rendition of Regina Belle’s If I Could. 

Team Grenada also tied for second spot. Fourth and fifth places were Sharda Beharry and Christopher Aird respectively, of the Group Marketing and Communications Department. The winner took home a grand prize of $7,500 and a Challenge Trophy. 

The judges panel included Johnny Gonsalves, Noble Douglas and Glenda Collens. The evening was hosted by Hans Des Vignes, with support from co hosts Penelope Spencer and Cecilia Salazar who had the audience in stitches. Some of the contestants were accompanied by the Cut + Clear Crew.

Prizes were also distributed to patrons with the Best Blue Outfit and Best Decorated Mask. 
 

The flag of T&T is expected to fly high come September 17-20 when Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex’s Carnival is held in Dallas, Texas, USA. Bandleaders/designers Melissa Stephen and Marie-Térese Syé are the principals behind TTTEvolution, the foremost Dallas mas band. TTTEvolution was founded in 2014 by Stephen, a Trinidad native and Dallas resident. The band participated in the first Dallas Caribbean Carnival parade, held on September 28, 2014, at Lynn Creek Park, Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie. 

Stephen said: “We are proud to say that we created history as the first and the only costumed band at the parade, and were well received by the revellers and onlookers alike.” In November 2014,  Syé, also originally from T&T, and residing in Dallas, signed on as creative and artistic director. Together they are a cohesive executive force that will ensure TTTEvolution goes forth and brings mas year after year. 

Stephen said last weekend: “As pioneers and lovers of our heritage and infectious culture, we look forward to its further development here in the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex, and to future parades.” This year, TTTEvolution will hit the street with a presentation titled  Jewel City. 

Stephen explained: “The concept of our band and designs is to show off the richness of colour blends and beauty that radiates from within us as Caribbean people. We are the gems of the world so to speak. Our costumes are designed to dazzle in daylight or at night, just like jewels would, and are made by us.”

The two sections of Jewel City are Ravishing Ruby, Sapphire Bling, with each sub divided into three male and female sections.

You can visit TTTEvolution’s website at tttevolution.club

Since its inception in 2001, the St James Community Improvement Committee, under the chairmanship of Earl Crosby, has struggled to stage its annual WeBeat St James Live event in June. It is now in its 15th year. But sadly, businesses which thrive from the committee’s strategic location in the busy western town have consistently refused to assist it. 

The only St James residents who have consistently assisted Crosby and his committee have been Rent-A-Amp, Media 21 and Royal Bank (St James). Other regular sponsors have included NLCB, Carib and some government ministries. Years ago I recall Crosby telling me that the owner of a popular bar on the Western Main Road would offer one dollar for every bottle of beer he sold on the night of the steelband parade.

Thousands packed the street that night and the bar actually ran out of beers. Crosby is still waiting on the bar owner to keep his promise—and that was ten years ago.

This year, though, Crosby and committee will have fewer sleepless nights over sponsorship: the 2015 edition of WeBeat is being funded mainly by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and The Office of the Prime Minister. The WeBeat St James Live committee decided to invite 15 popular steelbands to participate in its street parade along the Western Main Road tomorrow night from 7 pm.

The 15 bands, plus five guests, are Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, Republic Bank Exodus, PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars, CAL Invaders, White Oak Starlift, Arima Golden Symphony, bp Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra, Brimblers, Harvard Harps, LA Creole Pan Groove, Musical Gems, Old Tech Steel Orchestra, Rhapsody, San Juan Eastside, Scrunters Pan Groove, St James Tripolians, Valley Harps, Carib Woodbrook Playboyz, D’Tunapuna Vibrations and Angostura Low Boy Truck.

Seven traditional mas bands, sponsored by the NCBA, will also perform. This year, steelbands will parade from East (Nizam Street and Western Main Road) to West (Salazar Street), stopping in front of the St James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, where they will perform a tune of choice.

This year the WeBeat committee is hosting just two income generating events—tonight’s We Kaiso: Special Tribute to The Black Stalin, and Sunday afternoon’s We Cruise. We Kaiso: Special Tribute to The Black Stalin is being headlined by Pelham Goddard & Friends, along with Granny and Penny, at The Amphitheatre, from 8 pm. Sunday’s cruise is aboard the Treasure Queen, Pier 2, Chaguaramas; boarding time is 3 pm.

Pan meets brass
In more steelband news, Supernovas Steel Orchestra will host, today at 10 am, an ensemble concert with the University of T&T Brass Ensemble and the University of Delaware Percussion ensemble. The University of Delaware’s appearance is made possible through the United States Embassy in T&T. The concert is geared towards music students at secondary and tertiary level, and will be held at Theatre 1 in UTT (Napa) campus.

Tomorrow, the feature performance, with guest pannist Mia Gormandy and male vocalist Krisson Joseph (son of the Mighty Penguin), will be held at the same venue at 7 pm. Supernovas musical director Amrit Samaroo said this week: “We will be performing a varied repertoire of music which includes Verdi’s Force of Destiny Overture as well as Dr Jit Samaroo’s Song of Lopinot. Both pieces have been adapted by Aidan Chamberlain, professor of trombone/trumpet at UTT, and conducted by Ben Jackson.” 

The concerts are free of charge to the public; however, there is limited seating capacity. Supernovas, which will be competing in next year’s National Panorama competition in the large steel orchestra category, remains at home in Surrey Village, Lopinot on Saturday, June 27, when Pan Trinbago Inc stages another edition of its Pan in De Countryside series of open air concerts.

Pan tours Cuba
A group of 33 steelpan music students and support staff from Success Laventille Secondary School will be embarking on a groundbreaking, pre-Independence cultural exchange visit to Havana, Cuba from August 22 to 30.

Simeon Sandiford, managing director of Sanch Electronix Ltd, said this was but one of the many deliverables of the Pan in Education curriculum that seeks to harness technology and indigenous rhythms to create globally competitive Caribbean music industry professionals. The initiative is poised to extend into the diaspora and wider international community.

He said on a recent business trip to Havana he formed a strategic alliance with P&G Travel, a hospitality service efficiently managed by Judy Gallant, a personable Canadian entrepreneur, domiciled in Cuba. “Sanch cordially invites you to visit Havana and support this fledgling group from East Port-of-Spain, an area that continues to contribute significantly to the history, evolution, revolution and development of the steelpan,” he said in a release. 

“In their fervent quest for self-empowerment, these talented teenagers, who thrive on real-time challenges, are also determined to raise enough funds to build a high-definition audio/visual production facility at their school, and to commission it in time for the opening of the new academic year on September 1,” said Sanch, asking that those unable to travel can “make a token donation” in either of two accounts (one for $TT and the other for $US) opened by the school.

For those travelling from abroad, Sanch said Gallant can make reservations from anywhere in the world; there are a few rooms still available at The Inglaterra Hotel. In addition, he added, if anyone prefers to visit Havana to coincide with that of His Holiness Pope Francis in September, Gallant can secure accommodation at the NH Capri, near to The Nacional. 

When I arrived at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Sunday evening for the Political Calypso Convention concert, I thought I had walked into a PNM rally. The Grand Stand was filled to capacity by 5 pm when the show began at its advertised starting time—so much so that the gates had to be closed, stranding several patrons outside. Many in the audience wore red attire, with some in balisier shirts and others waving PNM flags.

A delinquent sound system almost ruined the show, causing some audience angst and forcing an early intermission to fix the problem. Cardinal was particularly affected and could only render one of his two planned songs. Emceed by Tommy Joseph, Sprangalang, Peter Joseph and Prince, with musical accompaniment by Vincent Rivers & The Soca Unit, the show flowed smoothly.

Not surprisingly, almost all of the calypsoes performed were anti-PP government. Seventeen calypsonians performed, including reigning Extempore Monarch Lingo and Black Sage. All performers were of good voice and seemed to win the favour of the mammoth audience. King Netfa and Brother Musa opened the show.

Many bards won callbacks. The slew of encores began with former joint national monarch Delamo doing a sample on the melody of the late Mighty Power’s popular Ah Coming, its hook line changed to “we coming,” which received two encores. He also sang Take Dey Money and Vote Dem Out. Devon Seales was encored three times for Go Nah; Mr Shak, former monarch Pink Panther and former Soca Monarch Ronnie McIntosh were also encored.

Perennial favourite Cro Cro was the night’s final artiste. He was particularly bitter in song towards Sugar Aloes doing a sample on the melody of Gypsy’s Sinking Ship. The cast also included Rondell Donawa, Gary Cordner, Bro Mudada, Skatie, Karene Asche, Impulse and reigning National Monarch, Chucky.

The Grand Stand erupted in applause when organisers introduced PNM leader Keith Rowley on stage with a handful of candidates for the September 7 general elections, including Camille Regis-Robinson, Fitzgerald Hinds, Edmund Dillon and Glenda Jennings-Smith. Producers of the Political Calypso Convention plan to perform soon in San Fernando and Tobago, and will be back in Port-of-Spain for a grand finale closer to the election date.

Rum Street in WePan
Thousands lined both sides of the Western Main Road to experience WePan and enjoy the scintillating pan music performed by 18 bands. Among the bands to get my heart a’thumping were Republic Bank Exodus with its outstanding performance of Machel Montano’s Pop ah Bottle, bpRenegades Youth, CAL Invaders and Arima Golden Symphony.

Other bands turning in enjoyable performances were PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars, White Oak Starlift, Old Tech and Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, the final steelband to perform, with an infectious performance of Trouble in Arima and Woman on the Bass.

The 2015 edition of WeBeat St James was one of the most successful in the 15-year staging of this event by the St James Community Improvement Committee. The week’s events were generously funded mainly by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissesar, the Office of the Prime Minister and Angostura, the latter underwriting and staging the new and innovative Rum Street. Other major sponsors included Rent-a-Amp, Media 21, Royal Bank (St James) and Carib.

With Peter Kanhai representing the Office of the Prime Minister at the major events, there was a notable absence of government or opposition politicians at any of the shows. Seen, though, was former Culture Minister Joan Yuille Williams. This year, Angostura Limited invested a sizable six-figure contribution toward the WeBeat Festival in St James. The rum company sponsored three full nights of entertainment in St James, blocking off part of the road on June 5, 6 and 12. 

The firm provided entertainment including singers, magicians and festive characters of moko jumbies, blue devils and limbo dancers. During the week of We Beat, Pulse spoke to Angostura corporate communications manager Giselle La Ronde-West, who said: “Angostura felt the need for WeBeat to bring back the sense of community and excitement that was missing over the years. This sought to do just that.

This is why Rum Street at WeBeat was created. The idea was that people would come out to celebrate WeBeat and have some fun in a closed off area of the Western Main Road in St James.  

“Rum specials were also done in all the bars in the vicinity, which provided the opportunity for everyone to partake in the festivity. The concept of WeBeat on Rum Street provided the atmosphere the WeBeat committee members were looking for over the days, other than when the pan parade takes place.” 

Rum Street was a success. It culminated on Saturday night, with its exhibition preceding the WePan parade of steelbands. Before the parade’s start, La Creole Pan Groove provided a prelude (including some Carnival characters) for guests in the viewing stand outside the Amphitheatre. The prelude delayed the actual steelband performances until 9.30 pm. This extended the scheduled midnight climax to 2 am.

Lopinot Pan in Countryside promises music, food and fun

The June edition of Pan in De Countryside, staged by Pan Trinbago Inc, promises to surpass all. For starters, it will be held in the small picturesque rural village of Lopinot, home of distinguished steelpan musicians, arrangers and composers Dr Jit Samaroo, Amrit Samaroo and the Samaroo Jets.

In addition to De Countryside Concert, the host Supernovas has included a culinary competition—Pannists Can Cook Too—among the various regions. Members from the Northern, South/Central, Eastern, Tobago and Friends of Pan Trinbago will trade their musical skills for their cooking abilities in what promises to be an exciting twist to the already entertaining event. Cooks will compete in four categories.

All this takes place on June 27 at the Lopinot Settlement and Recreation Grounds. The cook-off commences at noon. At stake will be cash prizes totalling $12,000, sponsored by Carib. Patrons will be able to taste the dishes prepared by the contestants. From 4 pm, the action shifts to the steelband concert. Selected bands are Republic Bank Exodus, Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille, Bon Air Rhythm Rockers, Arima Golden Symphony, Nostrand Steel Orchestra and host Supernovas.

Attendees are invited to walk with their chairs and, for added convenience, transportation is arranged at $150 return. Maxis leave Pan Trinbago’s Head Office Car Park, Park Street, Port-of-Spain at 2 pm. For further information, contact Pan Trinbago (625 3556).

Young ambassadors of pan
Youth continue to be cultural ambassadors as more young pan musicians are touring overseas. Following tours abroad by St Margaret’s Boys’ School and Success Laventille Secondary, two members of south-based youth steel orchestra Golden Hands left Trinidad on June 14 for a two-week programme in Percussion and Steel at the Birch Creek Music Performance Centre, Wisconsin, USA.

This trip was made possible by the Music Literacy Trust of T&T, an organisation which works with the Department of Creative and Festival Arts, UWI, and has been hosting national auditions for the past three years. The young musicians—Joshua Bedeau and Jaron Woodsley—placed first and second respectively in the 2014 auditions and were to have attended the programme last June.

However, they were unable to obtain their visas in time to make this possible. So the trip was deferred to this year. The recipients of the scholarships for 2015 are two young men from PCS Nitrogent Silver Stars steel orchestra. They were also to have attended the programme this year but encountered difficulty in obtaining their visas and, like the recipients of the 2014 awards, had to defer travel plans.

Bedeau is the reigning national Pan is Beautiful (2013) soloist and the Under 15 pan soloist of Music Festival 2012. This young man is an exceptional musician who is gifted with perfect pitch. He is also an accomplished percussionist, specialising in the congas and the drum kit. He has been playing the steel pan (single tenor) since age four and has been a member of Golden Hands since then. This fifth form student of Debe Secondary School has just completed his Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC).

Woodsley is a lower sixth form student at St Benedict’s College and has just completed the Unit I Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) in Business Studies. He joined Golden Hands at the age of seven as a percussionist playing African drums and the tambourine. However in 2011, he turned to the national instrument and has the unique ability of playing all the pans, specialising in the cello and double seconds. Jaron placed second in the Under 19 Pan Solos in the southern Music Festival 2015.

While at Birch Creek the students are required to practice for up to eight hours daily. They must also attend workshops and will perform at public concerts on some evenings. They will be exposed to percussion styles from the Caribbean, Latin and South America, Asia and Africa. One of the highlights of this programme is that one of the visionaries and tutors is our very own Liam Teague. The benefits of such an experience are endless.

Grateful for the opportunity to expand their musical horizons, the students extended special thanks to Jenny Lee of the Music Literacy Trust for the preparation of the paperwork for this trip; Golden Hands founder/director Franka Hills-Headley for the confidence she placed in them by sending them to the auditions; and Vanessa Headley and Daniel Phillip for the hours spent tutoring the boys in pan, drum kit and xylophone musicianship.

Another young pan muscian who’s scheduled to go abroad soon to play is Luke Walker. Having turned 16 last month, Walker, who plays with the St Mary’s College steel orchestra and CAL Invaders, goes to London for summer to perform with the national youth orchestra.

From pan to tassa
Coming closely on the heels of the national instrument being celebrated at the first International Conference & Panorama in August, the International 2015 Tassarama & Classical Championships, produced by the Tassa Association of T&T (TATT), take place on Saturday, August 30, at Ato Bolden Stadium, Arima. Tassa bands from Tobago are automatic finalists. 

TATT chief cook and bottlewasher Vijar Ramlal said via press release: “This year this will be a tremendous and bumper event, calling all tassa bands and classical singers. We are once more seeking assistance from generous sponsors and the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism. There should not be any form of discrimination between the national instruments of T&T...”

MORE INFO
Tassa bands and classical singers can contact TATT at 624-1024, or 788-4668 or 377-2211, or email: tassa_association@yahoo.com

As a popular politician recently quipped, “this is just the tip of the iceberg,” the just held Political Calypso Convention, held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, is but the tip of the sno-cone, when the semifinals of the National Political Calypso Monarch Competition is held at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on July 5. Apart from the acidic wit and criticism of the present government by pro-opposition political and social calypso commentators, the audience can also expect lots of chutney political lyrical fireworks in defence of the ruling People’s Partnership government.

Four top chutney music stalwarts with songs in support of the PP government were selected for the July 5 semis. Heading the list of four is Massive Gosine, no stranger to controversy and often bitter, his lyrical style has in the past drawn very volatile reactions from audiences, attacking in song singers who support the People’s National Movement. Also representing the chutney fraternity are singer/comedian Kenneth Supersad along with Brian Mohan and Edward Ramdass.  

Among the calypso superstars making it to the semis is former Political Monarch Cro Cro, who has indicated that for this competition he will be expelling all the frustrations he has bottled up for the last five years. In his composition in the elimination round of the competition, the diminutive past national monarch said, “this People’s Partnership Government is the worst government this country has ever seen.”  

Another semifinalist for July 5 is 2011 National Calypso Monarch Karene Asche who won that year with her song Uncle Jack. Just last week she returned to the studio with her songwriter Christophe Grant and producer Leston Paul to record a sequel titled Uncle Jack Part 3: The Final Chapter. Asche is promising this new version will be more abrasive and funnier than the original and previous sequel.

Another National Calypso Monarch, Pink Panther, is also seeking to win the title, while also securing some votes for his party of choice, the PNM. Reigning National Calypso Monarch Roderick “Chucky” Gordon, who just recently returned home from a very successful European tour, is another artiste to watch to win it all.

Billed to make guest appearances at the semifinal are SuperBlue and Mr Shak. At the bullpen eliminations, almost 200 calypsonians and chutney artistes vied to make it to the semifinal. Thirty-two made the cut. Competition promoters are offering an impressive $500,000 in prizes for the grand final, scheduled for Saturday, August 22, in Port-of-Spain.

People seeking to purchase tickets for July 5 semis can purchase them at Cache’s, Gulf City Mall; Xtrafoods, Grand Bazaar; Cleve’s, Port-of-Spain; Velini’s Drugmart,  Sutton Street, San Fernando and, Laxmi Jewellers, High Street, San Fernando. 

Kaiso Blues on an up note
Patrons attending last Friday night’s The Roots of Kaiso & Blues, held at Kaiso Blues Cafe, at 85 Woodford Street, Newtown, left the showplace on a high having been treated to an outstanding performance by veteran musician Pelham Goddard and some of his friends. Joining the Charlie’s Roots musical director were former Roots colleagues Vonrick Maynard, and vocalists Natalie Yorke and Moricia Cagan, further joined by saxophonist Malcolm Boyce, Oslyn Pompie, Jevan Ochoe and vocalist Jason “Fridge” Seecharan.

With Boyce doubling up as show host, the aggregation set the mood by playing Wine Light and People make the world go round, a prelude to Seecharan, formerly of H2O Phlo, crooning Easy, Lovely day and When somebody loves you back. He was then joined by Yorke to combine in a delightful duet of From now on duet, a single made immortal by Carl and Carol Jacobs.

Seecharan then exited stage right to leave Yorke in the dimly lit venue to sing My love, Alfie, I say a little prayer and Make it easy on yourself. With the attention of all patrons now rivetted on the stage a brief intermission was called. 

The show resumed with the aggregation playing Close to You, ushering the entrance of Cagan, a past Digicel Rising Star winner. Randy Crawford’s One day I’ll fly away was her opening item, followed by Our day will come, a million-selling number one in 1963. Cagan then upped the vibes with Sade’s Smooth Operator and Etta James’ At last. Returning to her roots, Cagan rounded off her performance by singing GB’s Calypso Rising.

For a finale PG and his friends played the Quincy Jones calssic One Hundred ways, sending patrons off to bed fully satisfied and in the mood for.....

Welcome to Pepe’s Cafe
For July 2015 the Playwrights Workshop Readers Theatre Series will feature a new stage play by Ronald John – Pepe’s Cafe.  At this quaint little spot in the city of Port-of-Spain, people come to have a drink and listen to Pepe, who always has a love story to tell. More than anything else they come looking for romance.                

John is a veteran Playwright/Director who has been a major contributor to the evolving theatre movement in T&T. He has written and staged many plays. In November 2009, his play, Dance me lover, opened to gala fanfare at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain. 

 On a stint in New York, between 1995 and 2000, John was able to stage his play, Masquerade, in Manhattan. Also, as a supporting off-Broadway actor, he appeared in Mustapha Matura's, Playboy of the West Indies. The Playwrights Workshop reading of Pepe’s Cafe will take place on Wednesday, July 1, from 7pm, at Trinidad Theatre Workshop, corner of Jerningham Ave and Norfolk Street, Belmont. It is free of charge and, as always, a discussion will be held with the playwright after the reading. 

Steel Pan Day in Brooklyn
As Caribbean American Heritage Month draws to a close, caribBEING presents a final screenings of its Heritage Film Series in the US. The final screenings will also mark the end of its month-long Closer Encounters: The Caribpolitan Experience Series.New Yorkers are being invited to join in as Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will also declare June 28 Steel Pan Day in Brooklyn.

The weekend’s screenings include Ian Harnarine’s Doubles With Slight Pepper, a flick which tells the story of Dhani, a young street-food vendor, as he reunites with his estranged father on Christmas. 

Sunday’s big do is the New York premiere of the acclaimed  Pan!: Our Music Odyssey, directed by  Jérôme Guiot. This 80-minute-long film which won mixed reviews when screened locally explores the history of steelpan music, from the banning of slave drum dances to the first Panorama in 1963, including the competition today. This screening is the film's New York premiere. A musical performance follows at the Brooklyn Museum Auditorium.

The producers of this unique weekend of Caribbean film explained: “As one of the first organisations fully dedicated to the Caribbean in New York City, caribBEING will celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month with programming highlighting contemporary Caribbean cinema, culture and immigration throughout New York City. Each of the films being screened will provide the public with an opportunity to engage firsthand with films and filmmakers from diverse backgrounds across the Caribbean.”

 All screenings are free with Museum admission and screenings will be followed by talkbacks with the directors, actors and key players, plus a live musical performance by popular New York steel orchestra Casym.

Semifinalists

National Political Calypso Monarch Competition: 
Karene Asche, 
Cro Cro, 
Pink Panther,  
Chalkdust,  
Brown Boy,  
Kenneth Supersad,  
Massive Gosine,
Chucky, 
Bally, 
Brian London, 
Brian Mohan,  
Cardinal, 
Blackie, 
Skatie, 
Edward Ramdass,
Tigress, 
Ninja, 
M'ba, 
Myron B, 
Bunny B,  
Bodyguard, 
Yellows, 
Gary Cordner,  
Trilogy, 
Alicia Richards,
Peter C Lewis, 
Ronnie Mc Intosh & Mr Nixon D Cleaner, 
Tobago Chalkie, 
Delamo, 
Devon Seales, 
Eddie Charles.

Carib and Supernovas Steel Orchestra embellished the last instalment of Pan in De Countryside staged by Pan Trinbago Inc in Surrey Village, Lopinot, home of Supernovas Steel Orchestra, under the musical direction of Amrit Samaroo. 

The popular beer company sponsored a Pannists Can Cook Too competition when the event was held last Saturday, at Lopinot Settlement and Recreation Grounds, which was held prior to the start of Pan in De Countryside. Chefs from Friends of Pan Trinbago, Pan Trinbago Northern Region, Southern Marines Steel Orchestra and Surrey Village satisfied the appetites of the large audience, all of them using secret ingredients of local spices and seasonings.

The judges panel, comprising Helga Lee, Bert Baptiste and Peter Ray Blood, was stretched to the limit to decide on an eventual winner of the $5,000 first prize. Keeping their recipe close to their chest, the chefs of Friends of Pan Trinbago offered a delicious wild meat-flavoured stew as well as a mango-based salad dressing. 

Ken Kerr of Pan Trinbago’s Northern Region offered saltfish ochro rice, plus buns and black pudding. Not to be left out, the women of Surrey Village rolled out the red carpet to the judges, welcoming the panel with glasses of sparkling wine, followed by a fish broth appetiser. For their main course they cooked provision, cassava dumpling, boiled and fried saltfish, grilled chicken and curried carite. For dessert they did homemade Guinness icecream which was nothing short of “more-ish.”

A late arrival, yet cooking on the spot, Southern Marines leader Michael “Scobie” Joseph cooked an amazing “cassavalau,” the one pot copiously infused with saltfish and fresh seasoning. Throughout the live steelband performances, Joseph was unable to turn off his stove as long lines formed outside the band’s tent with patrons seeking to get pholourie and saheena.

Friends of Pan Trinbago won marks for adhering to every rule of the competition, inclusive of arriving early and cooking on site. The outfit copped the $5,000 first prize and earned bragging rights until the next edition of the competition is held. Seen enjoying the food and the pan music were Arts & Multiculturalism Minister Dr Lincoln Douglas, director of Community Development Suzanne Corbett and Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz. Douglas seemed to enjoy Kerr’s saltfish ochro rice.

Aside from several residents of rustic Lopinot valley attending Pan in De Countryside, some looking snazzy in their “Sunday best,” a large turnout of pan enthusiasts from every corner of the island braved the tricky and winding road to the venue. They were treated to some beautiful pan music from Bon Air Rhythm Rockers, Arima Golden Symphony, Supernovas and Republic Bank Exodus.

Pan Trinbago and its member bands intend keeping pan lovers busy for the next two months with activities planned for every weekend until September. As a prelude to the International Conference & Panorama in August, the organisation is holding its Pan Fusion fund-raiser on July 11, at the Courtyard, Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

Headlining this production are Roy Cape All Stars, Ravi B & Karma, David Rudder, Farmer Nappy, Iwer George, CAL Invaders, Skiffle, Fusion Steel and Point Fortin’s Jah Roots. Showtime is 6 pm. The chefs of Friends of Pan Trinbago serve their delectable meal to patrons at Saturday’s Pannists Can Cook Too competition, held in Lopinot. 

Also on the pan agenda is the annual Laventille Emancipation street parade, staged by the Laventille Steelband Foundation along the Eastern Main Road in Success Village. This is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, August 2. Word reaching Pulse suggests that steelband manager Brian Kuei Tung has acquired the former yard of Carib Woodbrook Playboyz on Tragarete Road, Newtown, and his band will host its annual after Independence Day parade brunch at this location. Remember, Pan on De Avenue is also carded for Saturday, August 22.

Carnival 2016 begins tomorrow ...
Mac Farlane returns?
One indication that the Carnival season has begun is the launching of mas band and the slew of these events begin tomorrow in the carpark of the Queen’s Park Oval. As early as Tuesday night workmen were seen feverishly erecting a mammoth stage and infrastructure for Harts Carnival launch of Vogue for Carnival 2016. The party begins at 5 pm and models will be displaying the titillating costumes of the production.

Also ready with designs and costumes for next year’s Carnival is multiple Band of the Year winner Ronnie & Caro. The outfit will launch its production—Tears Of...  on the night of Saturday, July 25, at the poolside of Ambassador Hotel, Long Circular Road, Maraval. Expected to also be in the avalanche of band launchings are Yuma, Tribe, Bliss, Fantasy, Trini Revellers, D Krewe and Mas Passion.

Tribe and Bliss leader Dean Ackin said his bands will be launched in “the Home of Carnival,” Queen’s Park Savannah on July 18. He revealed that Tribe presentation is Forbidden and Bliss will hit the streets with The Secret Garden. 

On the streets, apart from the announcement of these band launchings, is the persistent whisper that Brian Mac Farlane is returning to producing a Carnival band. A source told Pulse that while the band’s theme and designs will be unique as is expected of Mac Farlane, if he does produce a band it will not comprise the large number of masqueraders as his previous presentations. Pulse understands that Mac Farlane’s troops are on standby to commence costume construction.

The Fire This Time...
Woodbrook will come ablaze on the night of Thursday, July 16 when 3Canal does a command performance at De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp). Billed as New Fire—The Fire This Time..., 3Canal, will be joined by Cut+Clear Crew, Curious Ringo, Osei Jackson and others from 8 pm for this one-off production.

New Fire is a refreshing and revolutionary concert series which features the best of T&T’s diverse progressive music movement. On one Thursday of every month, the stage at the old Mas Camp Pub is set ablaze with live local music. New Fire is a series started by musician Gerry Anthony when he realised that some of the best music talents in the country actually couldn’t find forums to perform and thus the country was being deprived and denied the opportunity to experience these amazing artists.

The live interaction between audience and performer is a profound exchange and goes beyond simply experiencing the variety of depth of musical talent we have in T&T. It is definitely action to make our society better. 

New Fire has been growing in popularity since it began in January 2014. The concert series has been forming many alliances with other major events such as the T&T Film Festival in an effort to effect positive societal transformation through the arts. As Williams, who is the leader and voice of the band West Indian Ehyrthm Konnection (Wirk) puts it, “New Fire is a flame that is illuminating the way to a West Indian cultural renaissance.”

From its inception in 1986 The Mas Camp Pub, now known as De Nu Pub, has held fast to its commitment to promote local music and art. Mas, song and dance have found a home at “de Camp” as patrons fondly call the popular showplace. Many of the nation’s best calypsonians, singers and comedians regularly performed on its stage at show often times attended by politicians, professionals and dignitaries.

The Mas Camp Pub has consistently staged a live calypso show every Wednesday night for more than 25 years and the Thursday night New Fire shows are but a welcome embellishment to the venue’s exciting and lively live entertainment portfolio.

At least 20 foreign steel orchestras are scheduled to decend on Trinidad soil to do battle against 12 of the top local steelbands from this year’s National Panorama competition when Pan Trinbago stages the inaugural International Conference and Panorama (ICP) next month in Port-of-Spain. The Conference whose theme is “Towards the Globalisation and Development of the Steelpan” and the International Panorama competition will be the first for T&T and the Caribbean region.

When the world converges on T&T for this preeminent event, it is expected to have tremendous opportunities for partnership will be created for culture and the creative arts industries.

The format for the week long activities, to be held at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain on August 4-7, will include the following topics:  History and Development of the Steelpan;  Science and Technology of the Steelpan; Social Dimension;  Education;  Performance;  Economic and Industrial Development; and International Architecture for governing steelband organisations

The eagerly awaited international steelband Panorama showdown, to be held on Sunday, August 9 at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, promises to be a scintillating display of steel band excellence featuring bands from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, Latin America and Caribbean versus the best steel bands from T&T.

An ICP Panorama Village is also to be mounted at the Savannah on August 5-8. As part of the ICP, the Savannah will be transformed into a global showcase featuring booths, unique cultural goods, services and music of foreign countries participating in the ICP. Patrons will experience pulsating rhythms of the steel pan, historical displays of the steelpan and nightly entertainment at the five day cultural exposition.

To produce this ambitious and comprehesive steelband exposition, the ICP Secretariat and Pan Trinbago Inc have partnered with ministries of Arts and Multiculturalism,  Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications,  Community Development,  Tourism and Planning and Sustainable Development.

It is envisioned that this event will be the single, largest international steelpan centric event hosted in T&T. It is also expected that the rich exchange of ideas, international collaboration and the international competition will chart a way forward and position T&T as the mecca of steelpan and establish Pan Trinbago as the world governing body for our national instrument.

Yesterday, the Mighty Sparrow marked a most important milestone. Born in the fishing village of Grand Roy, Grenada, on July 9, 1935, the undisputed Calypso King of World celebrated his 80th birthday. 

With achievements and accolades too many to itemise, including being the holder of an honorary doctorate, conferred on him by the University of the West Indies in 1987, Sparrow has won the National Calypso Monarch more than anyone else, doing so eight times since 1956, and has won the Road March on seven occasions. In 1977, during Festac, in Nigeria, Sparrow received the honorary title of Chief of the Yorubas, (which is Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi). 

Sparrow has, over his six decades as a performer, received many honours and accolades. Some of the most significant of these have been awards or certificates of appreciation from the governments of Nassau (1980), the Virgin Islands (1980), Barbados (1981), Jamaica (1993), T&T (1969, 1974 and 1993, when he was awarded the second highest honour in the land, the Chaconia Gold Medal for long and meritorious service). Last year he was also given the highest award in the land—the Order of T&T.

Sparrow has been honoured in various cities: Detroit (1962); New York (1984); Austin (1985) where he was made an Honorary Citizen of the City of Austin; Newark (1986); Winnipeg (1987) whose Mayor proclaimed June 3, 1987, Sparrow Day; Brooklyn (1990); Tallahassee (1994). 

To celebrate his birthday, his wife Margaret hosted a reception yesterday evening at his home. Among Sparrow’s friends and guests invited were Arts & Multiculturalism Minister Dr Lincoln Douglas and Minister of Community Development Winston “Gypsy” Peters. 

Cuttin’ Style Caribbean flavours Panamania celebrations 
Two Trinidadian fashion icons will flavour the Panamania celebrations this month in Canada. Cuttin’ Style Caribbean, with Joan Pierre & Associates, in collaboration with fashion impresario Richard Young, will be the toast of the celebrations with a fashion showcase and gala dinner. The event will take place on July 18, at the Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Canada.
 
More than a dozen designers, along with their artistic clothing from across the Caribbean, will be highlighted in an event unlike any before seen in Toronto. The goal of Cuttin’ Style Caribbean is to showcase the sophistication and experience of island splendour while celebrating the spirit of Panamania. 

Pierre, who is founder and executive producer, said last weekend: “Cuttin’ Style Caribbean is the platform from which Toronto and the world will see the elegance and beauty that is Caribbean fashion.” Young, creative director, calls the extravaganza the Caribbean “region’s chance to come together and show the world what we have to offer.” 

Commissioned by the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games arts and culture festival, Cuttin’ Style Caribbean will showcase a high-end feature, presented during a gala dinner at Westin Harbour Castle’s Hotel Ballroom. This delightful evening is designed to display a wide range of Caribbean fashion, from Resort to Haute Caribe. Patrons can expect a celebration of different Caribbean aesthetic elements that will excite the palette, the aural and visual senses. 

Panamania, presented by CIBC, is the 35-day arts and culture festival to enrich the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games experience, showcasing the diverse cultures and artistic excellence of Ontario, Canada, and the Americas through music, theatre, dance, visual arts and fashion.

Governments and governmental agencies have played an integral role in sponsoring designers, allowing the opportunity to share their talents during Panamania, which will also feature 40 national and international performances and exhibitions, including 28 commissioned world premieres at more than 20 locations across Toronto. Celebrity models will help celebrate Caribbean flair when the elegance and sophistication of island chic comes alive on the runway in this cultural celebration. 

Sugar Aloes sings one for Jesus 
No! He has not changed his religion but Sugar Aloes (Michael Osouna) has just released a gospel CD. There are eight tracks on This One for Jesus, including four medleys. Produced by Aloes with music by Nicholas Phillips in New York studio, the release is on sale at Cleve’s, Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain; Wack Radio, Coffee Street, San Fernando; and in New York at Charlie’s Records on Fulton Street. 

A confident Sugar Aloes said this week: “I expect positive sales from this one. I’ve always wanted to do some thing in that genre. To whom much is given, much is expected, and God has blessed me abundantly, and my family as well with gifts; and, I would simply like to return something and praises to him.” 

Sugar Aloes refuted any notion that, like fellow calypsonians the late Mystic Prowler, Delamo and more recently Denyse Plummer, that he has rededicated his life to Christianity. A devout adherent of the Orisa traditional ancestral belief system, Aloes was asked then why a gospel (Christian) album and not an Orisa release. He said: “The Orisa faith and market is more limited and restricted. Gospel music is more international and has a much wider market. It’s that simply.” 

About the July 18 National Political Calypso Monarch semi-final, Sugar Aloes said he decided to sit this one out as his busy performing itinerary doesn’t afford time to participate. 

The Longest Wait 
Production on the newest upcoming feature film production The Longest Wait has just begun. produced by FIXERfilm Limited, The Longest Wait is a dramatic feature-length film, which is being shot in Trinidad up to July 26 comprising of crew members from both Canada and T&T. The film project is a mentorship collaboration between student filmmakers from the Vancouver Film School (VFS), film students of UWI and T&T film professionals for the duration of the film production period. 

Royalty celebrated birthdays last week. People’s Calypsonian Brother Valentino celebrated his 74th birthday in style at The Mas Camp on Wednesday night. The following evening  Margaret Francisco hosted a reception for her husband the Mighty Sparrow, at their palatial Petit Valley residence. 

Both bards were surrounded by family and friends for the occasions. At the Camp, seven of Valentino’s children—Josanne, Jandell, Giselle, Jenelle, Joel, Jasani, and Aide—performed as well as specially invited guest artistes Soft Touch, Impulse, Dee Diamond and Bro Mudada. It was an easy evening for accompanying band Cummings & De Wailers as Valentino’s children provided their own accompaniment, while Impulse sang on recorded tracks. He was particularly entertaining, doing much of his performance impromptu. 

On Thursday evening, Sparrow was surrounded by nine of his children—  Freddie, GinaLorain, Tony, Mario, Michele, Karen, Sancho, Sergio, Alicia—his wife Margaret, grands and family. 

Among the specially invited guests were Community Development Minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters, Peter Minshall, Tuco president Lutalo “Bro Resistance” Masimba, Mervyn Telfer, Justice Malcolm Holdip, Josh Rudder, Canute Spencer, Peter Samuel, Pelham Goddard, Vonrick Maynard, Earl Crosby, Errol Ince, Frank Martineau, Roderick Ward, Rudy Ottley, Kitchener’s widow Valerie Greene, Sharon Ng Wai, Cro Cro, Baron, Twiggy, Duane O’Connor and Chris Garcia. 

Before dinner was served, Deacon Lennox Toussaint blessed the occasion, followed by a tribute to Sparrow by prominent composer/producer Alvin Daniell. Former national calypso monarch Cro Cro, boasting that he knew every calypso ever performed by Sparrow, paid tribute to the Birdie in song. He was followed by the Friends of Sparrow, a group of past monarchs of the annual Queen’s Park Oval calypso competition. They were accompanied by Steve Neaves and his band, which included guitarist Marva Newton. 

The evening’s emcee David Bereaux performed two of Sparrow’s songs, including a theatrical treatment of The Queen’s Canary. Also lending their voices to vintage Sparrow items were Wayne “Doppy” Dopson, Swami Galt, Nigel “Temples” Galt, and former National Extempore Monarch Black Sage. 

It was a memorable and enjoyable evening spent with Sparrow and his family in the courtyard of the Hideaway whose decor was beautifully done by Yasmin Charles. Three cakes also formed the setting, each artistically iced showcasing milestones in Sparrow’s life and career. 

Calypso Rose in good wood 
Tobago icon MacArtha Lewis, best known to the world as Calypso Rose, continues to build her legacy in T&T. On, July 14, the calypso stalwart presented Secretary of the Division of Community Development and Culture Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus with a sculpture of herself. The sculpture, which weighs over 100 pounds, was donated to the Tobago Museum at Fort King George, Scarborough. 

Calypso Rose said the sculpture would allow Tobagonians to remember her. Calypso Rose was the first woman to win the national Road March title in 1977 with her song Tempo. She also won the 1978 Calypso King Competition, which was subsequently renamed the National Calypso Monarch. 

International Panorama soars high 
The fund-raiser held for the International Conference and Panorama (ICP) at the Queen’s Park Savannah last Saturday got off to a shaky start. Held at The Courtyard of the Grand Stand to generate funds for next month’s ICP at $200 per ticket, there were but a handful of patrons in attendance at the advertised 6 pm start. Point Fortin’s Jah Roots single pan ensemble started proceedings. 

A lull followed the band’s performance during a sound system was installed and the National Anthem played at 8 pm. Entertainment resumed with a performance by Darren Sheppard’s Pan Fusion. Other steelbands performing were Skiffle and CAL Invaders. 

Seen seated in the VIP section were Bhoe Tewarie, Sports Minister Brent Sancho, Toco councillor Terry Rondon and Justice Malcolm Holdip. Also present were National Security Minister Carl Alfonso; executive members of the ICP including Roslyn Khan-Cummings and Clement James; executives of Pan Trinbago; former Miss Universe Janelle Penny Commissiong-Chow;UWI vice principal Dr Rhoda Reddock; and, former national football team captain Everard “Gally” Cummings.

The evening eventually mushroomed into a vibrant production, witnessed by many late comers. Its star studded cast of performers that kept patrons dancing until almost 1 am, included Roy Cape All Stars, Ravi B & Karma, David Rudder, Farmer Nappy, Iwer George, and Nadia Batson. 

The ICP is scheduled from August 4 to 9 with the international Panorama planned for August 7 at the Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Other exciting ICP news includes this week’s announcement that Caribbean Airlines has been selected to be the official airline of this first international event. 

Hosted by Pan Trinbago Inc with the theme, Towards the Globalisation and Development of the Steelpan, the event will bring together participants from over 38 countries worldwide and will showcase the formal history and creation of the steelpan as a musical instrument. It will also look at different aspects of steelpan performance, development, research and commerce. 

Of the national airline’s sponsorship, Alicia Cabrera, Senior Manager Marketing at Caribbean Airlines, stated: “We are proud to be the official airline of the Conference and the sponsor of the inaugural National Secondary School’s PanKnowRama Quiz. 

“The steelpan, like Caribbean Airlines, is a creation solely and uniquely of the people of the Caribbean region. We are happy to support Pan Trinbago by offering a promotional discount to all registered attendees traveling to the event from Caribbean Airlines destinations.” 

ICP Secretariat head Khan-Cummings added: “We truly appreciate the contribution of Caribbean Airlines Limited as the Official Airline of the conference and to the National Secondary school’s PanKnowRama Quiz, one of the forerunner events of the ICP in which we engage the nation’s youth in a project to explore the history and development of the pan, our national instrument.” 

Rhythm and Voices of Africa 
Today, July 17, the Brian Lara Promenade, Port-of-Spain will be the open air stage for Rhythm and Voices which celebrates the legacy of the arts as part of the African tradition. Passing through centuries and generations, the power of music through, drumology, dance and lyrics continues to connect the Diaspora 

As we prepare for the annual pilgrimage to the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village, in the Queen’s Park Savannah, in commemoration of the 177th anniversary of Emancipation, the Emancipation Support Committee of T&T offers this collection of rhythm, word, dance and song to the public of T&T. 

The artistes for Rhythm and Voices of Africa on the Promenade include 2nd Free Sea Scouts; St James Cultural Artisans; Diego Ville Drummers; Wasafoli; Sogren Trace Enhancement Organisation; Belan & Natural Cultural Performers; St James Police Youth Club; Brother Book; Jillion Gould; Wolde Dawit; Black Beat International featuring Kurl Webster, Mark Mayo, Oba Dread, Cardinal, Curious Ringo, Knocker and Wise One. 

Come let us sing, drum and dance, from 5 pm, as we prepare for Freedom Morning.

Trinis came out in their numbers to propel Red Steel, led by Dwayne Bravo, to three consecutive victories over Barbados Tridents, St Kitts/Nevis Patriots and Jamaica Tallawahs at the Queen’s Park Oval, actually starting the weekend on the Thursday.

Thursday’s game against the Tridents was rain-affected and showers also threatened on Saturday in the encounter between Red Steel and Patriots. 

Sunday’s game between Red Steel and Jamaica Tallawahs attracted the biggest crowd of the tournament, with almost every stand in the Oval sold out and packed. Following in the wake of his brother Darren’s carnage of Tridents on Thursday, with the score of an unbeaten 80, Dwayne Bravo came to the party on Sunday, to play an unbeaten 49. He was aided and abetted by South African Jacques Kallis who scored a restrained but entertaining 61.

Red Steel didn’t fare well on Tuesday night in its final first round game against Amazon Warriors in Guyana and its loss placed it in yesterday’s semi-final at the Oval against the Tallawahs. Up to press time the results were not known but fans would hope that the home team won, guaranteeing its place in Sunday’s final against Tridents.

Major changes were announced for next year’s Carnival by the National Carnival Commission (NCC) which proposes  additional competitions and cash incentives for masqueraders and steelbands.

The changes were announced by NCC chairman Lorraine Pouchet when she addressed the media and specially invited guests who included Arts & Multiculturalism Minister Dr Lincoln Douglas and National Security Minister Brig Carl Alfonso at the media launch of the 2016 festival on Wednesday at the VIP lounge of the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

Emphasising that “creativity” would be the focus of the NCC for Carnival 2016, Pouchet revealed that the most creative band presentation would receive $300,000; the best-playing costumed steelband on Carnival Monday will receive $100,000; and, ten traditional Carnival mas bands will receive $10,000 each for their Carnival Monday presentation.

The new prizes will be sponsored by the NCC.

Douglas was particularly harsh on the special interest groups (SIGs) of the NCC, stating that next year accountability of state funds will be “paramount.” He advised the SIGs to “clarify your business early, ahead of time.” Douglas said over $300m in state funds were invested in this year’s Carnival and that the SIGs must account for how monies are spent. 

In 2016, he said, his ministry plans to place emphasis on the country’s 53 regional carnival events. Turning his attention to the masquerade aspect of the festival, he said: “I don’t have a problem with bikini and beads, but I have a problem with lack of creativity.” 

Douglas, who predicted that he will be in government for next year’s Carnival, said he intends placing more emphasis on research in Carnival, and the wider globalisation of the festival.

There have been minimal alterations to the senior Parade of Bands for next year’s festival.

Pouchet said that the Socadrome, an innovation by Tribe, at the Jean Pierre Complex, in Port-of-Spain, will be integrated in the 2016 parade route. 

“Together with the Socadrome committee, we were able to revisit the Socadrome. Overall, we were able to relieve the backlog and congestion typically experienced along the route. This is something we aim to build on and improve for next season.” 

Singling out previous NCC heads for praise, Pouchet said: “We’ve had inspired leadership. Under the watch of Alfred Aguiton, Roy Augustus, Carlos John, Brian Kuei Tung, Keston Nancoo, Howard Chin Lee, Kenneth De Silva, Patrick Arnold, and my direct predecessor Allison Demas, we have grown steadily.” 

In pursuing the return of creativity to Carnival, Pouchet said the NCC will embark on an initiative by embracing the National Dance Association of T&T into its plans. 

“One of the other projects that we are excited about involves some ongoing work with the National Dance Association to create an exclusive training programme that will increase creativity in Carnival. The programme will be hosted in December and January, and runs for four to six weeks.”

Strict adherence to rule

Pouchet said that the parade route for the Junior Carnival Parade of the Band on Carnival Saturday will begin on St Vincent Street (Treasury Building), proceed east along South Quay before heading north along Frederick Street to the Queen’s Park Savannah. She said that the NCC will be stringent in the scheduling of this event with the parade beginning promptly at 7 am and ending at 3 pm to facilitate Pan Trinbago’s preparations at the Savannah for the 7 pm commencement of the National Panorama Final. No children’s band will be allowed to begin its trek to the Savannah after noon. 

Contacted yesterday, Rosalind Gabriel said: “This is not a new rule, but it has never been enforced. In the past some bands have left downtown after 1 pm and were never disqualified.”

About the focus on creativity, Gabriel said: “It is a good idea. I have been saying for a very long time that we need to encourage creativity back into Carnival. I think for next year Tribe is trying to strike a balance by encouraging more costuming into their designs and presentations.”

Splash bandleader and National Carnival Bandleaders Association member Wrenwick Brown said: “We (NCBA) were void of any consultation on these decisions announced yesterday (Wednesday) by the NCC.”

MORE INFO

Wednesday’s launch was also addressed by NCC CEO Michael Guyadeen and guests were treated to live performances by 2015 Band of the Year/National Panorama champion Massy Trinidad All Stars, Heather Mac Intosh, Aaron Duncan, North West Laventille, Rikki Jai and Ravi B. 

All of the additions and innovations are being held against the backdrop of the silver anniversary of the formation of the NCC. Pouchet also announced that the NCC will hold its launch of Carnival 2016 “public bash” in October at the Savannah.

Having being denied funding by some government ministries and state entities, and with no assistance from any business in its catchment area, the Woodbrook/St James Community Association is confident that its fourth instalment of Pan on D’Avenue, scheduled for August 22, would be a success. 

Chaired by former councillor Cleveland Garcia, Pan on D’Avenue IV was launched on Tuesday and corporate secretary Allima Garcia revealed that the venture will be sponsored by the Prime Minister’s Sport & Culture Fund, Ministry of Community Development, TSTT Blink bMobile, National Gas Company, Petrotrin, National Carnival Commission, Carib Brewery, First Citizens Bank and Republic Bank. Other sponsors include Cepep, The Achievement Centre Limited, Simon’s Musical Supplies, Nestle and Medical Associates.

Garcia said: “This event is held to foster unity in Woodbrook. We have held this event for three years and (knock on wood) it has been completely incident free. At least four generations of Woodbrook residents come out in the thousands to support the event in a relaxed, comfortable and safe environment.” 

The parade is scheduled to begin at the corner of Ariapita Avenue and Taylor Street at 6 pm and ends at Colville Street. Ariapita Avenue will be closed off to all vehicular traffic from 5 pm and side streets off the avenue would be opened to allow access for residents. No parking would be allowed on the avenue.

Garcia said that a special deck would be set up at the corner of Ariapita Avenue and Petra Street to facilitate residents, especially the elderly and those unable to make the trek along the avenue. Carib will also erect its Brew House at the corner of Rosalino Street.

This year’s Pan on D’Avenue is being held in memory of late radio personality Holly Thomas, a founder of the event, and as a tribute to Black Stalin. 

Twenty-six steelbands are listed to parade, along with traditional Carnival characters and moko jumbies. Special demonstrations are also billed by members of the T&T Fire Service and Defence Force. The programme, scheduled to commence at 6 pm, also includes a cultural presentation at Adam Smith Square with dance and tassa, and a presentation of awards to 15 pan tuners and five pan manufacturers. Pan Trinbago is also to be honoured. 

Registered in 2011 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Woodbrook, each year the Pan on D’Avenue committee pays tribute to a stalwart cultural figure. In 2012, the first King of Carnival Colin Edghill and the first Queen of Carnival Kay Christopher were honoured. The steelbands performing that year were limited to Woodbrook and St James. 

The following year, in 2013, Pan on d’Avenue II, saw the route being changed from West to East and included steelbands from the East, South Central and Northern regions of Pan Trinbago. This parade was in tribute of Anthony Williams and in memory of Ralph Mac Donald. In 2014, Pan on d’Avenue III teamed up with The Ministry of Health and included Zumba to the sweet sounds of pan. 

Thirty-three steelbands paraded and a total of 16 top steelband arrangers were honoured. They each received an award; a hamper from Nestle and a cheque. Some of the arrangers got executive medicals courtesy Medical Associates.

Prior to the parade of steelbands at 6.30 pm, Stryke Stars single pan ensemble would be performing at French Street corner from 6 pm to entertain spectators before the parade reaches that area. 

More info

Steelbands from three Pan Trinbago regions to parade at Pan on D’Avenue:

SOUTH / CENTRAL

1. Pan Elders

2. NGC Couva Joylanders

3. Old Tech

EAST

4. Tunapuna All Stars

5. Super Novas

6. Republic Bank Exodus

7. SIS Harmonites

NORTH / WEST

8. Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove

9. BP Renegades

10. Witco Desperadoes

11. Massy Trinidad All Stars

12. PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars

13. CAL Invaders

14. White Oak Starlift

15. Carib Woodbrook Playboyz

16. Brimblers

17. Harvard Harps 

18. Scrunters Pan Groove

19. St James Tripolians

20. Uni Stars

21. Laventille Serenaders

22. Defence Force 

23. Fire Services

24. Ovalteens

25. City Sun Valley

26. Blue Diamond

2015 will mark the 17th year of successful activities of the Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation (LSFF), which started its committed service to the communities of Laventille and environs in 1999. LSFF emerged out of the Board of Management of the Laventille Community Complex and is headed by Michael Cooper. 

“For the past 16 years, the LSFF has successfully produced numerous events attracting thousands of people each time into the community of Laventille and has established a reputation for quality and safety that is second to none in our country,” said Cooper. 

Our record of incident-free, secure and positive productions, continues to endear people from all over the country to attend the events which are growing in all aspects every year. 

“The LSFF has adopted the mandate of development of the communities of Laventille and environs, through the vehicle of the steelbands which reside in the catchment area bounded by Charlotte Street in the West, St Ann’s in the North, The Croisee, San Juan in the East and the Churchill Roosevelt Highway in the South. The steelbands have fully bought into this mandate and have committed to the cause. 

“The LSFF is dedicated to engendering greater pride and belonging in our community as we continue with the theme Proud To Be…Laventille.” 

The theme for 2014 was Give Peace A Chance which will be repeated in 2015 and patrons are asked to wear white. 

“For 2015 however, the parade will be a dedicated tribute to Julien “Vice” Cudjoe, our (former) vice chairman and founding member of the LSFF who died in August last year. Cudjoe has been a stalwart and major contributor to the successes of the LSFF over its existence and his loss has left a void which will be hard to fill. The programme from the start will recognise his contributions and all bands will play one for Julien Cudjoe,” said Cooper. 

Cudjoe, a former police officer, was also a stalwart member of Witco Desperadoes. 

“The annual LSFF Street Parade is now a major established event on the national calendar and all of the 16 productions to date have been incident-free. This event has been held annually on the first Sunday of August, in observance of the Emancipation celebrations and the story of the steelpan which began with the African drums of our ancestors,” Cooper said. 

“Over the years the parade has attracted many thousands of people along the Eastern Main Road, including the president, prime minister, government ministers, commissioners of police and other top dignitaries. 

“This year is expected to be no different as patrons have grown to love these well-organised events, in a secure and comfortable environment. This event has become the largest steelband production in the country outside of Panorama as the 2014 version saw 27 bands participating.” 

The 2015 parade will consist of steelbands from the catchment area, along with current National Panorama champion Massy Trinidad All Stars in all categories who are specially invited. 

“For 2015, the champion bands will be engaged in heavy practice for the International Panorama which will come off on August 9, so the LSFF wishes all of these bands the best of delivery on stage as most have been regularly part of our street parade over the years,” Cooper added. 

“Despite the absence of some of the regular top bands, at least 27 steelbands mostly from the catchment area, have committed to the parade. At least 19 conventional and 21 traditional steelbands reside in this area. The bands will play music and be outfitted based on a given theme and will perform continuously along the one-mile stretch through Success Village.” 

The August 2 parade is scheduled to begin at 4.30 pm, and its route will be Mc Allister Street to Leon Street. The programme will begin with a musical tribute to Julien Cudjoe, followed by the Emancipation Story, drumming and dancing as a Road Show, to be followed by Tamboo Bamboo, Rhythm Sections and the steelbands. The event ends at midnight.

From August 5–7, Pan Trinbago and the ICP Secretariat present the first major International Conference on Pan. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain. The conference is open to the public with a nominal registration fee and will bring together pan scholars and researchers and practitioners from all over the world. The conference will be a lead-up to the International Panorama competition to be held on August 9 at 3 pm, at the Queen’s Park Savannah. The exciting week of events has something to offer even the most-seasoned pan aficionado.   

The conference will be preceded on August 4, with an invitation-only business session as Pan Trinbago meets with international delegates concerning international co-operation in the world of pan and the role Pan Trinbago is facilitating. The conference is structured to explore seven major pan-related themes ranging from history and development of the steelpan, science and technology, social dimension, education, performance, economic and industrial development, and steelpan organisations. 

Award-winning novelist Earl Lovelace will present the conference keynote address on the topic, Resistance and Rebellion—exploring the Socio-Historical development of the Steelpan movement, on August 5. Further exploring the first theme of history and development, former Pan Trinbago president Melville Bryan will present research on the history of pan. 

Prof Louis Regis from UWI will discuss pan and calypso. Dr Andrew Martin will present research on the history of the US Navy Steelband which had a major impact on pan in the US. Pan is Beautiful competition adjudicator and UWI graduate student Joanna Shortt will present research analysing gender roles in steelbands.

From History of Pan to the Business of Pan, Dr Keith Nurse, executive director of UWI Consulting Company, will talk about pan as an economic driver in Trinidad. Michael P Cooper of Panland T&T Limited will focus on how pan manufacturing presents untapped opportunity for T&T. Economist and international trade specialist Dr Roger Hosein will moderate these discussions on Economic and Industrial development.  

A major focus of the conference will be on the construction of the instrument itself and several talks are set to explore ongoing studies into pan and metallurgy. Hameed Shaqq will talk on Anthony Williams’ use of physics in the design of pan, and leading Canadian pan tuner Ed Peters will talk on creating standardised courses for teaching pan tuning. 

Soren Maloney will discuss his exploration of new processes for dishing pans, and UWI professors Clement Imbert and Brian Copeland will present research of various aspects of pan manufacturing. Dr Aurelie Helmlinger of the Research Center in Ethnomusicology (France) will cap the session off by addressing the connections between the note layout of pans and cognition. 

The conference also features several research presentations focusing on the development of pan in North America. Based in Montreal, longtime pannist and steelband leader Salah Wilson in Montreal will present research on the development of steelpan programmes in Canadian communities and schools. 

Dr Janine Tiffe of Kent State University will discuss Ellie Mannette and his impact on pan in the US. Dr Anthony Hailey was the director of the steelband programme the Virginia Rhythm Project and now leads the Mosaic Steel Orchestra, one of three American-based steelbands competing in the International Panorama. 

Hailey will discuss the positive effects that youth steelbands have in schools, communities, and society at large. Focusing on pan in Trinidad, Paul Massey and Josephine Torrel will present research on the use of pan in the classroom in T&T. Massey is a graduate student at UWI working on a dissertation that focuses on pan as an educational tool for social transformation. 

Jean Raabe is a board-certified music therapist, UWI lecturer, and veteran of 17 Panoramas who will present her work using steelpan as a tool in music therapy. The work of the Music Literacy Trust is the focus of a series of presentations on Thursday afternoon (August 6) discussion panel. 
Mark Loquan, the founder of the Trust, will give a presentation on the organisation’s history. 

Trust CEO Jen Lee will present research on City Angels, the organisation’s educational efforts for children and music literacy which emphasises pan as a base in Southwest Port of Spain. The Trust has been part of a major push over the past decade to get scored full Panorama arrangements for both historic and contemporary Panorama arrangements. 

Ray Funk and Dr Andrew Martin will present an overview of the his-

What a weekend that was. Two band launchings—Fantasy and Ronnie & Caro—and CPL T20 cricket in the Queen’s Park Oval. 

The hectic pace continues this weekend with the Emancipation Support Committee commemorating Emancipation Day tomorrow with a mammoth procession from the Treasury Building on Brian Lara Promenade, Port-of-Spain to the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village, Queen’s Park Savannah; and Sunday’s equally massive Emancipation Steelband Parade, staged by the Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation (LSFF) along Eastern Main Road, Success Village, Laventille, at 4.30 pm. 

Themed Give Peace A Chance, the pan parade will be a dedicated tribute to the late Julien “Vice” Cudjoe, the LSFF founding member and vice chairman who passed on in August last year. 

At least 19 conventional and 21 traditional steelbands are listed to parade and the programme will also include a musical tribute to Cudjoe, followed by the Emancipation Story, drumming and dancing as a Road Show, to be followed by Tamboo Bamboo and Rhythm Sections. For tomorrow’s Emancipation Day event the Grand Stand and the entire paved area in front of it have been transformed into an African cultural centre, complete with indigenous cuisine, arts and craft, traditional African apparel and music stages.

In other steelband news, the Northern Region of Pan Trinbago will be hosting an After Work Pan lime this evening at the CAL Invaders Steel Orchestra’s panyard, 147 Tragarete Road, Woodbrook, at 6 pm. Live pan music will be performed by Invaders, Brimblers and Sapophonics. The DJ in the yard will be Cutting Crew.

The weekend’s big cultural event is the staging of the first international Panorama competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. The competition has been organised by a joint government ministerial committee, the International Conference & Panorama (ICP and Pan Trinbago).

A number of the facets of this event have me excited, including some of the selections bands have chosen and the synergy which has been forged between foreign and local participants. For instance, of the three top-placed bands in the large category of this year’s National Panorama final—Massy Trinidad All Stars, Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, bp Renegades—none are playing the selection performed in 2015. 

Reigning national champion All Stars is not playing its winning Unquestionable, but will attempt to create history with its 1987 tune de Mighty Trini’s Curry Tabanca, described by many a Panorama purist as “the best winning song that didn’t win a Panorama competition.” In fact, the 1987 Panorama was won by Phase II playing This Feelin’ Nice, followed by Renegades and Witco Desperadoes.

The fierce rivalry between All Stars and Phase II will continue on Sunday with the Woodbrook steelband and its arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe taking the fight to the Duke Street band and its arranger Leon “Smooth” Edwards. Phase II will not play Happiness, its 2015 selection, which placed a close second to All Stars. Instead Phase II will play Woman on the Bass, the Scrunter calypso which won All Stars the national title in 1980.

Renegades too isn’t playing its 2015 selection Jam Dem Hard but will instead vie with Duvonne Stewart’s arrangement of Machel Montano’s Like ah Boss. Large band 2015 runners-up Republic Bank Exodus (Puna Band)  and PCS Nitrogen (Edwin’s Legacy) are sticking with their selections of this year.

Sunday’s competition is expected to produce a cornucopia of sweet pan music, especially with the overseas bands choosing some unique selections. 

I am curious to hear how Yoshihiro Harada will arrange Dance of Phoenix for Japan’s Panorama Steel Orchestra, and Amrit Samaroo’s arrangement of Aunty Pam for Pantime of St Lucia. Aldric Benjamin’s arrangement of Pan Revival for St Martin’s Gunslingers Steel Orchestra ought to be also interesting, as well as the arrangement of Lead Pipe and Saddis’ Ah Feelin’ ah Feelin’ by Brooklyn Steel.

One of the positives to enhance the International Panorama is local steel orchestras opening their “homes” (panyards) to the visitors and making them feel welcome. Aside from allowing the visitors to practice in their panyards, the local pan musicians have also been taking their guests around and many of them were seen at last Sunday’s Laventille Emancipation Steelband Festival & Parade.

Plans to have an eastern steelband play host to the Brooklyn Steel Orchestra fell through and at short notice Junia Regrello made the Skiffle Steel panyard on Coffee Street, San Fernando available. Pan Trinbago Allan “Pablo” Augustus and his musicians at Valley Harps in Petit Valley have taken the members of England’s Ebony Steelband under their wings. 

Nestor Sullivan and Pamberi have done likewise for the members of Calypsociation of France.

Other bands which have made their panyards available to our overseas musicians include Couva Joylanders (Pan Fantasy, Canada); Sforzata (Salah’s Steelpan Academy, Quebec, Canada); Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille (UWI Panoridim, Jamaica); Pandemonium (Panorama Steel, Japan); Melodians (Pantime, St Lucia); Southern Marines (Gunslingers, St Martin); Arima Angel Harps (Starlift, St Vincent & the Grenadines); White Oak Starlift (Pan Coalition, Maine, USA); and, Sangre Grande Cordettes (Mosaic, Virginia, USA).

Aside from bragging rights going to whoever wins the competition, there’s also a first prize of US$250,000. Before Sunday’s battle royale in the Savannah, Single Pan bands will be allowed their time to shine when Paving the Way street parade and competition are held in Port-of-Spain on Saturday, at 3 pm.

French steelband Association
In a timely fashion with the staging of the ICP, a French Federation of Steelbands – Steelband en France – has been formed. France has steelbands since several decades now. They were first adopted in the French West Indian community (from Martinique and Guadeloupe), and are more widely spread since the 90s. However, beside a mailing list gathering most of the players (215 members), France never had any kind of formal organisation.

Stimulated by the need of an official representation at the international level, a group of French pan folk have decided to create a federation. Steelband en France Association held its founding meeting in Arcueil on May 17 and it was officially registered the July 25. Arcueil is a commune in the Val-de-Marne department in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located 5.3 km (3.3 mi) from the centre of Paris.

An Association spokesperson said this week: “It is made up of a federation of associations and structures dedicated to the development and promotion of the pan and Trinidad and Tobago music.”

Association secretary Dr Aurélie Helmlinger is representing Steelband en France at the ICP. The web site address for Steelband in France is : https://sites.google.com/site/steelbandsenfrance/

The board of directors and founding members of Steelband en France are:
Arc en ciel ( Les allumés du bidon ), represented by Jean Duval
Calyps'Atlantic, represented by Mokhtar El Mokhtari
Calypsud, represented by Laura Trouchaud
Calypsociation, represented by Paloma Bertrand
D.n'roy / La Philharmonie, represented by Xavier Mertian
Kaducia, represented by Alain Rouaud
Ramajay steelband, represented by Aurélie Helmlinger
Pan à Paname, represented by Guillaume Kervel
Pan n co, represented by Bérengère Rortais
So’calypso, represented by Fanny Broueilh

Steelband en France – Directors:
President : Mokhtar el Mokhtari
Vice president : Bérengère Rortais
Treasurer : Guillaume Kervel
Assistant treasurer : Jean Duval
Secretary : Aurélie Helmlinger
Assistant secretary : Paloma Bertrand.

International Panorama – selections and arrangers:

Foreign bands:

Brooklyn Steel (New York, USA) – Ah Feelin’ ah Feelin’ (Odie Gonzales, Kendall Williams, Marc Brooks)
Calypsociation (France) – Prophet of Pan (Matthieu Borgne & Laurent Lalsingue)
Ebony (England) – Ah Feelin’ ah Feelin’ (Duvonne Stewart)
Gunslingers (St Martin) – Pan Revival (Aldric Benjamin)
Mosaic (Virginia, USA) – Pan in a Rage (Jit Samaroo)
Pan Coalition (Maine, USA) – Outta de Box (Nigel Chase)
Pan Fantasy (Ontario, Canada) – Lucy (Al “Allos” Foster)
Panorama Steel (Japan) – Dance of Phoenix (Yoshihiro Harada)
Pantime (St Lucia) – Aunty Pam (Amrit Samaroo)
Salah’s Steelpan Academy (Quebec, Canada) – Outta de Box (Salah Wilson)
UWI Panoridim (Jamaica) – Pan Commandments (Orane Shaw)
Starlift (St Vincent & the Grenadines)

T&T:

Massy Trinidad All Stars – Curry Tabanca (Leon “Smooth” Edwards)
Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove – Woman on de Bass (Len “Boogsie” Sharpe)
bp Renegades – Like ah Boss (Duvonne Stewart)
PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars – Edwin’s Legacy (Liam Teague)
Arima Golden Symphony – Ah Feelin ah Feelin’ (Terrance “BJ” Marcelle)
Curepe Scherzando – Bassman (Yohan Popwell)
NGC Steel Xplosion – Thunder (Arddin Herbert)
NLCB Buccooneers  – Gold Remake (Seion Gomez)
Pan Elders – Party Time Again (Duvonne Stewart)
Super Novas – Dr Samaroo (Amrit Samaroo)
T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps – Pan for Beethoven (Clarence Morris)

Pan Sunday in Laventille
The memory of late pan icon Julian “Vice” Cudjoe was celebrated in song, dance and steelband music on Sunday when the Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation (LSFF) staged its 17th annual Emancipation Steelband Festival & Pan Parade along Eastern Main Road.

The event was dedicated to Cudjoe, a co-founder/and vice-chairman of the LSFF, a member of Witco Desperadoes and a producer of the biennial 8 of Hearts pan concert. Cultural homage was paid by Malick Folk Performers, Wasafoli and North West Laventille. Also preceding the pan parade were Claxton Bay Tamboo Bamboo Band; 11-year-old singer Tyrell Toby and Relator.

As he has done in previous years, former president Max Richards, accompanied by his wife Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards enjoyed the cultural prelude to the parade of 30 steelbands from the VIP Box. They were accompanied by National Security Minister Carl Alfonso and his wife Lesley; Community Development director Susan Corbett; San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation chairman Anthony Roberts; Justice Malcolm Holdip and his wife Dianne; Emancipation Support Committee directors Khafra and Asha Kambon and Eintou Pearl Springer. Guests were made to feel at home by LSFF chairman Michael Cooper and members of his executive committee including secretary Carol De Roche, Sandra Awai, Wayne Jordan and George Duncan.

Like last year, Sunday’s theme of the parade was Give Peace a Chance and the pan musicians and several of the spectators wore white attire.

Among the steelbands to thrill the hundreds witnessing the parade along Eastern Main Road were T&T Defence Force, Pan Elders, St James Tripolians, Melodians, Desperadoes, White Oak Starlift, CAL Invaders, TnT Music Stars, Laventille Serenaders, Old Tech and and Brimblers.

Live steelband action continues tomorrow when Pan Trinbago Inc and the International Conference & Panorama stage Paving the Way, a Single Pan competition from Victoria Square to the Queen’s Park Savannah.  

Derron “Ghostman868” Ellies, 32, hails from Manzanilla, and possesses a wealth of experience and exposure as a pan musician that belies his age. 

Ellies, who began playing steelpan in 1993, at ten, proudly said this week: “By the time I was 12, I could play all the instruments in the Manzanilla Police Youth Club’s steel orchestra. 

“In 1995 I passed Common Entrance for Queen’s Royal College (QRC), where I spent the next seven years honing my skills and knowledge under the guidance of music teachers John Rajah and Kerry Roebuck, as well as leaders of the QRC Scout Band and Magnum Bands.”

When Ellies left QRC, music was among the three distinctions of nine CXC passes that he received. He added: “I went on to the then Centre for Creative and Festival Arts in UWI, St Augustine in 2003, and obtained my certificate in music two years later. This is where my passion for performing music took full flight, and I put all that I could into making this my career choice.”

Music is Ellies’ first love, a love he is passionate about; but he does have hobbies. He explained: “When I am not playing music, I enjoy driving around the country with my girlfriend. I can also be found with my family in Manzanilla and also enjoy going to the beach and movies.”

A well-rounded and consummate musician if there ever was one, Ellies said: “Throughout my 22 years of active music involvement, I have performed for presidents, diplomats, sporting stars and ambassadors both locally and abroad. I have played with many local artistes such as the Mighty Sparrow, Roger Boothman, Nigel Rojas, David Rudder, Destra Garcia and Kees Dieffenthaller; bands like Los Tocadores, Blue Culture, De No Name Band (led by Ken Corbie), Rhapsody Next Generation and Orange Sky.

“I have also done many local and global collaborations, and opened for many wonderfully gifted performers on many stages, such as the inaugural Live At The Hyatt—Rhythm Nation series alongside Nigel Rojas in 2014; an intimate performance with Pandit Bhajan Sopori at the T&T High Commissioner’s residence in Delhi, India, in 2011; and opened for Tarrus Riley, Cocoa Tea and Beres Hammond in Reggae On The Bay 2013 alongside Verse Ital and Buzzrock.”

Ellies’ burgeoning bio also contains performances at the New Orleans Jazz National Park and Dos Jefes Cigar Bar alongside Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes and Matt “Dogmeat” Hampsey of the Louisiana Sunspots in 2014; the Morning Call Cafe with the Morning Call Ensemble in 2014; the New Orleans Jazz Market in 2015 alongside The Roamin’ Jasmine and The New Creative Collective; and doing over five years of various energetic performances with Rhapsody Next Generation.

Apart from working with Rhapsody NG out of Malabar, Ellies works with Untied Nation, led by Marge Blackman and Osei Jackson in Arouca and has just received his Artiste Registry certificate from the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism. 

Ellies did two songs on Michael Lewis’ new album—Wild Life Refugee—in New Orleans in March. They were Christmas Song and the title track; the album was released in May.

Currently doing the Mentoring by the Masters course at Brown Cotton Outreach in Woodbrook, Ellies is preparing for the AMMBcon Showcase to be held at UTT, NAPA, Port-of-Spain on August 19-21. 

More info

Bands Derron Ellies has played with:

Pamberi Steel Orchestra

Blue Culture

Orange Sky (Acoustic Project Band)

Los Tocadores Parang Group

St James Tripolians Steel Orchestra

Sangre Grande Cordettes Steel Orchestra

All Aces Steel Orchestra

Pan Stereonetts Steel Orchestra

PHI Band

QRC Scout Band

QRC Magnum

Sangre Grande Police Youth Club Steel Orchestra

Manzanilla Police Youth Club Steel Orchestra

Rhapsody Next Generation (currently Musical Director)

Kaskadoux

Morning Call Ensemble

Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots

The Roamin’ Jasmine