WSBF2000 - Remembering Pan pioneer, pan ambassador, master pan maker, tuner, player, Elliot 'Ellie' Mannette (05Nov1927, 29Aug2018 RIP)
THE FINAL NIGHT
World Steelband Music Festival 2000
21st October 2000
Images: Looking West. The Jean Pierre Complex, Wrightson Road, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad, TT
BWIA Invaders Steel Orchestra, from Tragarete Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad, TT; led by Ricardo Herbert
Invaders, the oldest steelband at this WSMF, have been playing under this name since 1945.
Pre dating even that time, founder member and pan-maker genius Elliot ‘Ellie’ Mannette from the days when the band was known as The Oval Boys, visiting Trinidad for the first time after 33 years of self-imposed exile in the US; humbly celebrates duties with his band after this long overdue homecoming.
Ellie, the inventor of the Double Tenor among many other achievements, returns here after escorting Dr Jeannine Remy to the stage, Invaders festival conductor and arranger.
Invaders were cheekily showing off their pedigree and sharing their warm and sincere welcome to a national hero with a world audience.
Invaders placed 5th in this competition.
Tune of choice: Carnival Overture (Antonin Dvorák), arr Dr Jeannine Remy.
Calypso of choice: Toco Band (Aldwyn Roberts - Lord Kitchener), arr Len Boogsie Sharpe + Dr Jeannine Remy.
Ellie Mannette walks to the stands as BWIA Invaders gets ready to play at the WSMF2000 finals, Jean Pierre Complex, Wrightson Road, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad, TT. BWIA Invaders, WSMF2000 finals, Jean Pierre Complex, Wrightson Road, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad, TT
INSIDE VIEW
This is busy image. On review of this 18 year old photograph I was moved to an emotional state and hence minded to highlight some things I considered of cultural and historic interest. Hope these observations may touch you as well.
As traditional at WSMFs, the flagman stands proud at the back of the steelbands as they perform.
Am suspicious that this flagman is no longer with us. (A comment below would be helpful).
Adjudicators Eugene Novotney (left - I'm guessing positions!) and Richard Murphy at the table
WSMF2000 Finals.
A clutch of media photographers get ready for the action. Among them, a TTT TV camera-man (Bless him! A rare talent, now [20180903] on the rebound!) and the ubiquitous John Schmidt (centre right) who has been documenting our steelbands for over 20 years.
Dr Jeannine Remy, arranger and conductor, mounts the podium to begin the steelbands finals performance, BWIA Invaders Steel Orchestra.
Ellie Mannette tracked on his walk to the stands by the TTT TV crew. WSMF2000 finals, Jean Pierre Complex, Wrightson Road, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad, TT.
Images: By tobagojo@gmail.com 21 October 2000 on behalf of Islands Research.
LINKS
WSMF200 Rough View 2 - Finals (with images)
WSMF200 Rough View 1 - Opening - Some bands (with images)
WORLD STEELBAND FESTIVAL 2000 - Concerts & Competitions
This page is dedicated to Invaders Steel Orchestra
Cheers. tobagojo
Replies
Invaders - Toco Band
World Steelband Music Festival finals 2000...Conducted by Dr. Jeanine Remy playing Lord Kitchener's composition "Toco Band" as its calypso tune of choice arranged by Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe + Dr Jeannine Remy.
Invaders - Carnival Overture