New PAN Magazine
 

On April 4, 2004 Digital Village will launch the premier issue of PAN The Sound of Freedom. The quarterly magazine features the vibrant music, the gifted players, arrangers, and tuners as well as the art, politics, business, technology, history, fashion and festivals that emanate from the large and ever growing, global musical movement of Pan players and Pan enthusiasts.

From Botswana to the Berkshires and from Britain to Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, Japan, California, The Caribbean and New York, the magic of PAN has taken root. In New York there are some 2500 active players and 10,000 who have played in bands and in competition. More than 6000 pan enthusiasts attend New York City's Panorama competition and J'Ouvert in Brooklyn, where steelbands alone provide the musical background and attracts 200,000 predawn revelers.

The premier issue of PAN features the legendary Clive Bradley -- his spirituality, philosophy on music and life; his book on arranging, contributions to Pan in New York and Trinidad; work with youth and vision for securing the future of Pan. Also in the premier issue is the Brooklyn Pan Ensemble and its Vibrations in Steel initiative; Pan - The New Generation - A look at youth in Pan; what does it mean to them; what are their musical influences. The Politics Of Pan -- Analysis of organizational initiatives WIADCA, USSA; Pan Fashion; Glenda Gamory and the Rise of Pantonic; Women In Steel - Assessment of the rising presence of women playing Pan. Pan Music Releases -- Reviews of Garvin Blake, Robert Greenidge, Pantonic Steel Orchestra, Andy Narell; Who Owns Pan - The Patent Issue; Tuning - The State of The Art Pan Events; The Business Of Pan; International Pan Scene - A Perspective - In what countries is Pan popular; Pan Festivals; Tropical Sensation - Abstract Entertainment Brings Pan To Lincoln Center; Issues for Sound Reinforcement; J'ouvert - What is the attraction; how does Pan fit into this exploding event?  Profile - The Bass Player; Imani Pascal - Rising Star and more.

PAN is inspired by the historical and exemplary work of Basement Recordings, Inc. in its innovations in recording steel bands and its establishment of www.PanOnTheNet.com. The PAN in New York website is a treasure trove of information, video and pictorial presentations related to the impact of the steel pan movement on the cultural landscape of New York. PAN brings offline, a parallel experience but with the intimacy and convenience of a magazine.

In its function as an offline channel of information, PAN is committed to serve as an instrument to forge a protected and dignified existence for steel bands. Too often steel bands suffer the misfortune of betrayal, harassment and homelessness in the midst of abundant community resources and power. PAN will enlighten the circumstances surrounding the struggles of steel bands and pull accountability levers to secure the interests and integrity of the tradition.

This move to collective security is especially important because of the tremendous numbers of youth who are drawn to become part of the steel band movement. Steel bands can serve as a medium for their cultural enrichment as well as an environment for learning organizational skills that are necessary to uplift and to maintain communities.

PAN invites writers, photographers, historians and lovers of Pan music to apply their energies to a successful launch. For further information contact Digital Village at 1-347-200-6803 or email at panmagazine@verizon.net.