Trinidad and Tobago Guardian
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - From early morning, forecasters warned of thunderstorms in Las Cuevas and it seems that show host Richard Forteau, Pan Trinbago secretary, was correct when he said “God loves pan.” Rain fell from about 6 p.m. but it was intermittent.
Despite the weather, an extremely large crowd was on hand at Pan in De Countryside, staged by Pan Trinbago Inc, in conjunction with the Ministry of Community Development, Culture & the Arts at the spacious Las Cuevas On The Greens.
Some say it was the largest crowd to attend one of these events, one which also included an excursion from Point Fortin of 25 pan lovers. They have attended every edition of Pan in De Countryside, including those staged in Tobago.
Minister of Community Development, Culture & the Arts Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly was an early attendee to Saturday’s event and was seen trudging through the rain as the VIP reserved tent was overtaken by patrons seeking shelter.
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It is why i raised the issue about the type of music being played by steelbands today , Cecil Hinkson.
The focus of the music has changed from contemporary party music for young people to stage and competition music , more suited for an older crowd.
Which is why I'm hearing that some are saying that steelbands are playing "old people music"
When I was 8, and dat was many moons ago, pan members played Mozart, Tchaicovsky, Bach, Beethoven, Atilla the Hun, Roaring Lion et al. I enjoyed every bit of it and I didn't know nutten about classical music; and honestly, nutten about the history of the calypsonians. However, the music which emanated from the steel drums captured me; and that my friends, is what it took for me to love de pan (de sweet sound of steel). We could talk we head off and wish for young as well as old, and the powers that be to accept that instrument as a legitimate instrument, well, we go have to wait and see until we shout, "You never miss de water until de well run dry!" Why is it so difficult to understand that any type of music can be played on pan? I am beginning to think that perhaps there is a stifling of we instrument on purpose, (in we sweet TNT). How much longer we go keep on talking about and calling for "more pan please?" I hope I could dream up a solution, because at this point I cyah tink of one.
Nice BLENDING of the dialect and the Queen's English!!!
Glenroy, young people learn from old people that ain't change, but some old people feel they have to pander to the whims of the young people and that's where the problem arises.
There is gloating here about Pan in the Countryside, the venue was almost empty for NSSO they ain't say a ting.
People have to dance to steelband music again, they sit or stand and listen these days.
Longing for Pan to conquer the ROAD once more.
I have to admire you CECIL. Yuh sticking to your guns!!!