As iconic steelbands Massy Trinidad All Stars and CAL Invaders celebrate their 80th and 75th anniversaries, respectively, in 2016 Desperadoes will celebrate 50 years of success in steelband competitions. The steel orchestra with the most national Panorama victories in its bushel, as well as three Steelband Music Festival championships, has embarked on a rejuvenation programme aimed at lifting the Laventille Hill steel orchestra to its former glory having lost some of its spark in recent years.
Desperadoes PRO Patricia Rock-Ross said this week: “Desperadoes recently elected a new management committee, its membership being a mix of relatively young members with a few of the elder heads. Our new manager is Curtis Edwards who comes with a wealth of experience in not just music, but in leadership as well. A past captain of Desperadoes and of his own band, Crescendoes, he is also a UWI grad in music.”
Rock-Ross added that the new committee is intent on creating a bond between the players, the supporters and the community. “Jump high, jump low, all of Laventille and Desperadoes is one family and it is high time that we eradicate any form of division that may have existed in recent years. It is not nice when we hear people, especially some of those who have supported us through the years, saying that Deperadoes is a has-been. Our mission is restore the pride and dignity of this great institution and of course to win the 2016 national Panorama title.
Replies
“Our mission is to restore the pride and dignity of this great institution and of course to win the 2016 national Panorama title”. What a challenge, tells you what this man is made of, wishing you all the best.
Congratulations to Curtis Edwards and Desperadoes
I think with Curtis at the helm it is a great move for Despers. Curtis has proven himself over the years and is a respectful link between the older and younger generations. His sincere dedication and commitment to Pan and the "revival" of this great band Desperadoes is a needed inspiration at this time.
I had the pleasure to work with Curtis recently at the International panorama and he brings a wealth of experience to this new management.
I wish him and the band the very best.
Salah ( a despers from '83 & '84 panorama)
Patricia,
Can you advise the public as to when and where Desperadoes stalwarts will be honoured? I have a video of you from 1988 performing "Panama" (lol)
I like this Positive Attitude that's coming from the new management team, good luck to you all. It's nice knowing that " the hills are alive with music" once more.
''Some Might be Scared to Say it. Curtis is the Main Problem that Desperadoes Have at Present. The Band Aint going anywhere with Curtis Edwards. He is Toxic.
Well done Peter . I listened to every word that came from Curtis in his interview and was inspired
but it is not about me , it is about the youth and more attention needs to be paid to them. Good show Barry,( another 9 bass player). I am hoping to hear your views.