Under the theme "Pan - Then - Now - Forever", Antigua's oldest steel orchestra, Hell's Gate, will continue the celebration of their 70th year in existence with a Launch this Saturday 21st February 2015. The launch will take place in the panyard of the famed orchestra. The orchestra's celebratory activities commenced in January 2015, and will be followed with monthly happenings that will culminate with an awards banquet and concert in October 2015.
Hell's Gate History
The group began as a Housecoat Band in 1945. The instruments then used were automotive clutch housings, hollowed pipes, biscuit cans, pieces of iron, etc. They were obtained from Townsend’s Blacksmith shop on Mariner’s Lane (now the only existing Blacksmiths shop on the island), and also from the then-main solid waste dump, which was called “Dung Heap” by the people of the Point Area.
In 1946, the transformation of the Oil Drum to the Steel Pan was done locally, having begun in Trinidad. Experiments were carried out at Townsend’s Blacksmith Shop and the burning of the pans was done at the “Dung Heap”, where fire was always available. The people of the Point Area gave the name “Hell’s Gate” to the Band. The name was chosen mainly because of the loud noise and variety of rhythmic beats produced from the instruments used. The official naming of the Band was done in 1947. Hell’s Gate’s first captain was Eugene Weston and the first manager was Ivan Edwards...
...The first Steel band competition was held in 1949. The venue was the St. John’s Girl’s School, then located on the site of the present Economic Development Building, at the corner of Independence Avenue and Queen Elizabeth Highway. Governor Earl Baldwin of Bewdley sponsored this inaugural competition. The test tune was ‘Peanut Vendor,’ and Hell’s Gate emerged winner. Red Army of Green Bay/Gray’s Farm was second, and Brute Force of the “Bridge” area was third.
- read more more at: http://www.panonthenet.com/news/2015/feb/70-years-Hells-Gate-2-19-2015.htm
Replies