Big Five, or Five of Hearts
By Aquil Arrindell
After writing the review on the Big5 show in San Fernando, I received some unexpected attention, some pleasant, some not so pleasant, but I guess that comes with the territory. One of my past lecturers from UWI peaked my interest as she revealed resemblances with the way the Big5 presents their shows and the 8 of Hearts concerts. She also noted how our society still cannot get over the “brand-name syndrome” as the Big5 is not doing anything new but still command a lot more attention than the 8 of Hearts shows.
This observation was also made by Mr Michael Cooper, a founding member of the Laventille Steel Band Foundation. On a phone interview with him, he identified some notable similarities.
1. Time of the set
2. Guest performers with different instruments.
3. Bands sharing stages (two or more stages and when one band finishes, they exit the stage to allow another band to set up, while the band on the other stage starts their set.
4. Basically the same bands who were part of past 8 of Hearts shows.
In a phone interview with Mr Macano, the chairman of the Big5, he admitted that there is a resemblance but disputed it was by design. He said that guest performers began since in the 60’s and have never stopped appearing throughout the eras of pan. The eight bands selected to perform in the 8 of Hearts shows were the top eight bands in the Panorama finals in that year. It is just coincidental that the Big5 have been in that eight throughout the years. Although 8 of Hearts organizers may have started the rotation of bands on two or more stages to save on cost, it is a strategy that is practiced in most pan shows now. Mr Macano also added that the 8 of Hearts show was well received and had the same kind of attention the Big5 shows are getting, however their location has always been a detraction for some members of the public because of the stigma that comes with the area.
The Laventille Steel Band Foundation, according to Mr Michael Cooper, has also directly influenced many projects and shows throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
1. Laventille Street Parade, encouraged Mr Terry Joseph to take this show to the West. From his initiative we got We Beat, which also influenced another calendar event, Pan on the Avenue.
2. A series of pan yard concerts they started evolved into Pan Yard Sensations.
3. There is a possibility that they hosted the first pan camps in this country. Their camps featured music literacy, steel pan construction, careers in steel pan, research on the icons, management workshops, etc. and from this initiative our youth now enjoy pan camps all over the country.
Despite having laid the foundations of these great shows and projects all over Trinidad, they are still starved for funds. The last show was held in 2014 and the next was postponed. However, other shows which are basically replicas are getting support from the private and public sector. The Laventille Steel Band Foundation projects have been a way to help the youths in the area and make them feel proud to be from Laventille. These events build their pride and confidence, not only of the youths, but every member of the community. I gathered that although they are happy that the other organizations are receiving funding for their shows which are not in high risk areas, they too would like the support they need to save their community.
Mr Cooper said that they feel a sense of victory when they see others take these ideas and improve on them because that is the only way the industry can grow. At the same time, the Laventille Steel Pan Foundation should be given the recognition it deserves for its contribution towards the development of the steel pan fraternity.
Pan is meh life.
Replies
Aquil: First of all, I did not HIRE YOU -- I cajoled you into reporting on the two BIG 5 SHOWS. And second of all, there is only ONE BRILLIANT MAN on this forum and that is Dr. deLight!!!
So let's move on!!!
You were assigned to REPORT on TWO BIG 5 SHOWS -- which you did rather BRILLIANTLY. But, on the other hand, you were not "HIRED" as an INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER. But somehow you managed to breach the contract and you started expanding the assignment -- calling this one and responding to that one and complicating a very simple assignment.
How are you going to RUN PAN TRINBAGO EFFECTIVELY if you show such TRUMPIAN SIGNS of going OFF SCRIPT?
i humbly apologise Mr. manager. it is just my helpful nature. can't help but break the contract from time to time. this is trinidad. we do what we want here. lol
“3.There is a possibility that they hosted the first pan camps in this country. Their camps featured music literacy, steel pan construction, careers in steel pan, research on the icons, management workshops, etc. and from this initiative our youth now enjoy pan camps all over the country.”
This should be the ROLE of all Panyards in the country, including training in the Digital (NEW) economy, is the program still functioning?
The Laventille Steel Pan Foundation should continue to invest in programs for the youth and seek support (cultivate working relationships) outside the Mecca for funding and build on cultural exchange programs. The business model Ellie Mannette used in Morgantown West Virginia is a good example of what can be accomplished when local business, local government and schools systems working together helped advance the development of the steelband along with individuals seeking career paths with the steel pan.
Aquil there is a big difference between the Big5 and the other organization you mentioned. For once the bands that really stir the pot in Trinidad and Tobago are stepping up and taking care of their own future. Moreover, they are publicly acknowledging their greatness. And as my buddy Merrytones has said many times, "cock roach have no business in fowl business".
The Big5 successfully launched their operations during a time of crisis in Trinidad pan. That is a major difference. The mere existence of the Big5 at this moment has done much to dislodge the gangstas from office.
bugs
your comment is a bit surprising because this article has nothing to do with politics. however, it is ok for those ppl who's ambition to be president to take up the mantle,as you say, i need to concentrate on more important aspect on my life in music. i am accustom of paving to way or others.
The appropriation of an idea/intellectual property very often results in monetary loss. And on an island where the STEELBAND receives most of its FUNDING from Government and Sponsors (THE GIMME GIMME culture), using somebody else's creativity to position your yourself to gain more access to funding and audiences and recognition is loaded WITH POLITICS.
ha. you to brilliant for me yes.
FIVE OF HEARTS!!!
Aquil: Yuh supposed to be PRACTICING YUH PAN to become a GLOBAL PAN STAR but yuh getting deeper and deeper into the PAN POLITICS. Like yuh running for OFFICE or what? Even if you DETHRONE the RIGHT HONOURABLE KEITH DIAZ it have other men waiting in the BUSHES ready to become PRESIDENT -- yuh know!!!
After you and GREGORY LINDSAY do all the HEAVY LIFTING. Ah seeing real bacchanal when ah look in meh CRYSTAL BALL.
lmao...rofl..