rooklyn-based Basement Recordings — which has taught community residents digital recording and other technologies for years — is introducing local steel orchestras to the Internet, making digital recordings of local bands and preparing the pan players to do business in the new century.

Trevor John, its director and founder, said his organization's three-year-old "When Steel Talks" Web site is expanding — providing all area steel pan groups with free, individual Web pages, chat rooms, a cyber bulletin board and features, such as a band of the week.

"We're showing the bands you've got to have a presence on the Web. If you're not up there, you'll get left out," said John.

"The Internet and pan seems like a perfect marriage," he said, adding that innovation is inherent in the creation and evolution of the steel drum.

John said many bands are recording individual CDs with Basement Recording's help and digital expertise. Basement Recordings also recorded the double CD "USSA Steelband Panorama 2001," the live performance at last year's inaugural event, sponsored by the United States Steelband Association (USSA) and the Immigrant Journal newspaper. A DVD version of the concert is due out near the end of April.

And although the USSA/Immigrant partnership has been supporting of the Basement Internet efforts, John said the free Web services are open to all New York area bands, regardless of their affiliations.

Visit "When Pan Talks" site at: www.pan.isgreat.net or by going to: www.basement2000.com 

E-mail Basement Recordings at: newyorkpan@hotmail.com or call (718) 485-7120.

E-mail: jmccallister@edit.nydailynews.com

To list an item of interest here, send the details on your organization letterhead at least two weeks in advance to: Jared McCallister, Caribbeat, Daily News, 450 W. 33rd St., New York, N.Y. 10001.

Original Publication Date: 3/31/02

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