This forum should really concentrate on finding ways for EXPATS to share information with LOCALS specifically in the area of PROMOTING PAN MUSIC. I know that there is an inherent problem in that the LOCALS believe that they understand more about FOREIGN than the EXPATS.
But that is fundamental IGNORANCE.
For example, the LOCALS sit down in LAX thinking that they could break PAN and CALYPSO MUSIC in FOREIGN. And they would never believe otherwise. The truth is that THEY CANNOT.
Keith Diaz calls PAN TRINBAGO the WORLD GOVERNING BODY OF PAN. That is like a BLIND MAN painting a picture of a SUNSET and expecting it to match REALITY.
Personally, I would like to find ways to bridge that gap. But I am fully aware of the detrimental crown of arrogance that the LOCALS wear when it comes to PAN and CALYPSO.
EXPATS have a responsibility to try to BRIDGE THAT GAP -- GENTLY OR HARSHLY!!!
Fidel Castro is dead. The American LEFT is DEAD.
LET'S MOVE FORWARD!!!
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The folks in the Rust Belt, those states that are in economic decline believe factory jobs are going to come back, the reality is, it’s not going to happen. The ignorance is not limited to Trini locals. As the saying goes “you know you know, when you know, what you don’t know.”
Success does not come over night; you have to be prepared when the opportunity knocks. I believe you have to start from the bottom up using the Panyards as Learning Centers. Identify those students with the potential to succeed and start exposing them to training outside of the basic music theory and panmanship, with internet access they can learn basic IT training, using the applications/programs to build on their skill sets, composing, leadership, organization, accounting and audio/video production.
We have to plant the seeds of curiosity in them. Each Panyard should have their own mission statement that identifies their goals and objectives.
Economist Lloyd Best once said Panyards have to be economic centers in their communities. We have to change our thinking on how to build on this great idea. Panyards/Theaters have to be internet ready to access the global market place. This gives them greater opportunities to promote their music and generate revenue, another pathway to towards self-sufficiency.
Dr. deLight: The sermons have been delivered for ALL to SEE and HEAR. The sermons have been delivered by THE ANDREW SISTERS and HARRY BELAFONTE and SONNY ROLLINS and BUSTER POINTDEXTER and THE BAHA MEN and ANDY NARELL and now JOHNATHAN SCALES. And to a varied extent by LIBERACE and JIMMY BUFFETT.
(I may have left out a few names; I will have to check my notes.)
The sermon continues to be delivered with a fast growing and extremely well organized STEEL DRUM movement all across AMERICA taking brilliant percussion students and introducing them to the STEEL DRUM. (You know what that means: They are not one dimensional PAN MEN.) In other words, you could expect more GLOBAL PAN STARS originating in the home of the brave and the land of the STEEL DRUM free down the road.
So those who sit wearing their detrimental crown of arrogance just have to open their eyes and ears to REALITY and the sermon might just sink in.
I was hard-pressed to use the word "IGNORANCE" but I used it very literally to mean "NOT KNOWING" -- and in this case NOT KNOWING and NOT KNOWING that you DO NOT KNOW. There is another term for that but I will leave it alone.
All of this rant comes from often repeated question: Where is the PAN MUSIC?
The ignorant locals would rather see a sermon than hear one any day.
They would rather one walk with them than merely talk the way.
The eye is a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel may be confusing but example is always clear.
And the best of all the preachers are the expats who live their creeds,
For to see good put into action is what every ignorant local needs.
Those ignorant locals soon can learn to do it if you'll let them see it done.
They can see your hands in action but your tongue too fast may run.
And though, the heartfelt lectures you deliver may be fine and very true;
Those ignorant locals would rather learn their lesson by observing what you do.
For those locals with their detrimental crown of arrogance may misunderstand you, and, the sound advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
Moving Forward................
True dat...I've gotten similar responses when I share my ideas on improving the lives of pan musicians and promoting their music. Boi yuh go have to go in the panyard and explain dat to dem, show dem how it’s done...
dem expats poetic boi!?!?