Getting the world to accept new ideas on a grand scale has many facets. First, the idea was must be born and developed into some form of production, whether that be a song, movie, book or other known expression of thought. But equally important are the distribution channels that deliver that message to the public at large. For steelpan, there are few outlets for that, which makes their existence that much more valuable.
In 2010, Barbara Sealey-Rhoden felt that media entities to promote steelpan music and knowledge were lacking, so she decided to create one of her own, “Steelpan Vibes” radio, based out of Palm Bay, Fla. “I was born and raised in T&T. From Very early that sound and music was part of my upbrining and culture. I didn’t play but loved the sound,” Sealey-Rhoden said. “The band I first heard when I was maybe 5 or 6 years old was Starland Steel Orchestra. My uncle used to be around that band. He would carry me around with him sometimes. It was one of those old 1960s bands.”
After leaving Trinidad for the U.S. to attain a marketing degree from the University of New York in 1978, Sealey-Rhoden knew she wanted to keep her passion for pan alive, thanks largely to influence from a friend and member of Scherzando Steel Orchestra, Anthony “Abdul” Reed.
“He was my pan mentor in New York and gave me the best lessons about the history of pan. Since he was a member of Pantrinbago, he had that administrative experience as well,” she said. “He recalled about his experiences with history of pan. Leaders like George Garland and the issues they faced. Pan comes from way down in society. Uneducated, poor, rejects. It wasn’t something my parents would encourage me to inquire about. As a child I always loved the sound. I could identify with it more than anything else. I didn’t learn to play so it had to be something deeper than just playing.”
While in Brooklyn, Sealey-Rhoden worked in advertising and publishing. Despite working in a different field, she never took her eyes off the goal of helping to promote steelpan. “What was really happening was I was acquiring the skills to promote the art form in the manner I do now. I would go around Panorama time to visit the bands. Then I did some promotion to book bands for museums, festivals, and concerts. In the 90s we did those events,” she said. It was very difficult to spend a lot of time in any aspect of the band. Then my interest kept growing. When I moved to Florida to take care of my mom I had a lot of extra time. I made inquiries to who would be interested. A DJ said I should come to the station and see what he does and that’s how it started.”
http://pan-mag.com/pan-airwaves-steelpan-vibes-offers-variety-guests-music/
Replies