Sad news of the passing of a son of the soil and Icon of our national instrument - Ossie George

by Suzette Jackie

Sad news of the passing of a son of the soil and Icon of our national instrument Ossie George, who departed this life this morning at Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He was a very close friend of Len '' Boogsie'' Sharpe and the father of

Meet Jeanelle Alexander - Trinidad & Tobago -- Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

“I would urge them to remain passionate and remember the reason they first wanted to play pan; childhood memories especially, I feel, affects this futuristic decision to move forward and be a pan player. Always strive for excellence and knowledge to

Meet Jryck Williams - Trinidad & Tobago - Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

“There are so many people who don’t have “big ranks” in the pan world but have amazing ideas and visions for our national instrument that would be so beneficial. I would give people an opportunity to come together, every steelband family and share

With Spicemas and Panorama less than five months away, the Grenada SteelBands Association (GSA) is still beset by infighting.

THE NEW TODAY understands that the current executive led by Jason Skeete has written to the Minister of Culture, Senator Nolan Cox warning him of reprisals if the government entertains another group that is made up of some pannists associated with th

Meet Syanne Fleming - New York, USA -- Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

“For me personally, I am most proud of throwing myself into learning a new Pan (cello) when I first began playing with PESO, and I am still currently playing it and loving it. When it comes to the Pan community, I am most proud of the continuous str

If an 808-style drum programming can get you kicked off of a Billboard chart - what will the sound of a steelpan playing a Soca riff get you?

Lil Nas X’s ‘Old Town Road’ Was a Country Hit. Then Country Changed Its Mind

The viral phenomenon blew up so fast radio professionals had to rip it from YouTube to play it on the air, and the music industry is still scrambling to decide what, exact

Meet Megan-Leigh Langton-Attang - Trinidad & Tobago -- Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

“To the young female panists reading this who are dreaming of becoming involved with the steelpan as a career I say, “Yes, please do. There is room for you.” I think the only limitations on steelpan start with the individual holding the views. Don’t

Revisit- Meet Chantal Esdelle - Trinidad & Tobago - Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

“I am most proud about being the first female and youngest panist to win the Pan is Beautiful pan festival solo competition in 1992.”

“I am most saddened by the legacy of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade which obscures our ability to remember our good

Live Music District is Back and set to storm Ariapita Avenue!

Port of Spain, 19^th March 2019: The Trinidad and Tobago Music Company Limited (MUSICTT) kicks off Phase III of its Live Music District (LMD) with the return of its free signature event that will take place on Saturday 30^th March 2019 from 6:00 pm at

Meet Mahalia Thomas - Trinidad & Tobago - Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

“Don’t be afraid to do what you love. There will always be the percentage that has something negative to say about what you do, but once focus on yourself, focus on positivity and find ways to better yourself and others you will truly enjoy life/the

SteelBand Fest Raises More Than $2K for Teacher

Hundreds flocked to John Marshall High School last weekend in support of a local teacher afflicted with breast cancer, raising nearly $2,100 at the Steel Band Fest.

Band Director Tracey Filben said the turnout was “fantastic” for the event, which oc

Meet Ashley Gateson-Amankwah - United Kingdom

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

“From my perspective I personally feel it (Panorama) is indeed a blessing. The people that I have met over the years, there is a likelihood I would never see again. I’ve got the chance to perform in fro

For Etienne Charles, Jazz and Caribbean Music Are One and the Same

The NY Times

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The trumpeter Etienne Charles stood in a Michigan State University classroom on a recent Tuesday evening — about 2,000 miles north and 50 degrees Fahrenheit south of his native Trinidad — and spoke to the undergrad

Youths Capture the Heart of a Nation- A Comprehensive Review of the 2019 Trinidad & Tobago National Junior Panorama - Success! Who? What? Why? & How?

by WST

Guaico Presbyterian Steel Orchestra during their winning performance

The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education followed, and who—while praising the art form, the event that would unfold throughout the day, and especially the young

(M)iyamoto Is Black Enough Sizzles With Percussive Energy

San Francisco - Classical Voice

(M)iyamoto Is Black Enough

At the first break for applause after a face-melting drum solo, poet and spoken-word artist Roger Bonair-Agard commanded, “This ain’t golf, make some noise for Sean Dixon, the filthiest drumm

La Steel Band del Cobre y para Cuba

With a fruitful work registered during the 30 years of its creation, Steel Band del Cobre already has credentials in the musical taste of Cubans, and particularly among outstanding performers of the country, who recognize the uniqueness of that timbr

Review: ‘(M)iyamoto Is Black Enough’ and then some at the Wallis

By Mark Swed

"(M)iyamoto Is Black Enough" featured, from left, drummer Sean Dixon, steel pan player Andy Akiho, poet Roger Bonair-Agard and cellist Jeffrey Zeigler at the Wallis on Thursday night. (Lawrence K. Ho / The Wallis)

Revisited - Meet Patrice Lewis-Lett - Trinidad & Tobago

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

“There is a lack of real opportunity to showcase how dynamic and far-reaching the art form is. How many panists or bands fully function throughout the year? What about career opportunities beyond carniv

Port of Spain -- Looking Back

Revisiting - Meet Yoshihiro Harada - Explorer, Pioneer, Panist, Composer, Arranger, Educator, Recording Artist and Band leader - UpClose!

Japan - Yoshihiro Harada heard and fell in love with the sound of the steelpan in the late 80s. That was all it took. For the rest of his life Harada and the steelpan would have an inseparable love affair.

He is one who believes in the power of the