Web Posted - Thursday April 29, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Ke Shari J’knysa Caesar - Trinidad & Tobago

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - And when it comes to Pan she is keeping it 100. No doubt it is a lifetime love affair. The “Pan Jumbie” lives in her 24-7-365 days a year. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, the immensely multitalented Ke Shari J’knysa Caesar shares her deeply personal feelings and insight into her relationship with the Steelband music art form and culture.

Web Posted - Wednesday April 28, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Ralph MacDonald and Robert Greenidge - Moods of Pan 2008

A WST Exclusive

Ralph MacDonald (center) at Moods of Pan Festival 2008

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Multiple Grammy award-winning producer, song writer and performing artist Ralph MacDonald came to the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, sister isle of Barbuda - to have some fun. What was also very apparent from the onset was that the people of Antigua were in for a very special treat. Ralph MacDonald brought his A-team to town - and they were not about to take any prisoners.

....Panist extraordinaire Robert Greenidge shared the stage with MacDonald; the spotlight bouncing off the chrome of Greenidge’s double seconds, the rays seeming to hit every point on Deanery Grounds, the Moods of Pan venue - and bathing the instrument in an ethereal glow. Indeed, Robert’s grace and what appears as an effortless command of the instrument often conceals the depth of his musicianship. Robert Greenidge is one of the best players to have ever honored the instrument.

Web Posted - Wednesday April 28, 2021
When Steel Talks

Remembering the legendary steelband leader George “Sonny” Goddard on his Birthday

Remembering leader, author, organizer, activist, historian and Hummingbird Gold Medal awardee - the late George “Sonny” Goddard on his birthday, April 28.

Steelband performers in Trinidad and Tobago (steeldrum’s birthplace) since 1950, have been represented by three organizations: the Steelbands Association, the National Association of Trinidad and Tobago Steelbandsmen (NATTS), and (now) Pan Trinbago.

One man served as the head of all three. George “Sonny” Goddard (1924-1988).

He is the only president of any of the three organizations to be re-elected to the post, not once, but (at least) ten times!

Leave message in forum

Web Posted - Tuesday April 27, 2021
LoveFM

Scouts of Belize Receive Steel Pan Instruments

Belize, C.A. - Today the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) donated fifty thousand dollars to the Belize Scouts Association and Foundation. The funds will be used to purchase instruments for the creation of a steel pan band. The handing-over ceremony took place this afternoon at the new home of scouting “the Sir Colville N Young Building” named after the Governor-General of Belize. The President of the Scouting Association Fernando Oliva spoke about how his dream has become reality.

Web Posted - Monday April 26, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Ray Holman - 50 Years of Panorama and Counting - UpClose!

A WST Exclusive

Global - In this exclusive video Ray also shares his expectations for this year and the future. Fifty years plus later, Ray looks back on what he considers the successes, improvements, shortcomings and disappointments of the greatest instrumental music competition on the planet.

Web Posted - Monday April 26, 2021
When Steel Talks

Toward A Sustainable Steelband Model

by Andre Moses

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “The entertainment industry in a relatively small economy like Trinidad and Tobago probably cannot generate the level of turnover to support 100-plus steelbands as year round organisations, and generate the level of funding needed for their sustainability, so the scope of the steelband business portfolio has to be more creative and broader-based. The issue is now that oil and gas are increasing becoming a part of our history, how can we strategize and organise to make the steelband industry an integral component of our future well-being?”

Web Posted - Sunday April 25, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Bionic Fever | Metro | Brooklyn, New York, USA

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Metro Steel Orchestra performing an Alston Jack- & Hilary Borneo-arrangement of "Bionic Fever".

Web Posted - Sunday April 25, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Crossfire Steel Orchestra - “Total Praise” | Khuent Rose - Arranger

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Crossfire Steel Orchestra’s performance of the all-time favorite “Total Praise” at the Gospelypso 2010 concert.

Web Posted - Friday April 23, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot - - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

“In The Rainforest” – An Unforgettable Steelband Experience

by Mark Loquan

Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra performs “In the Rainforest” at the 2000 World Steelband Festival

Global - "The final night was magical, the players were relaxed before the performance, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe [composer and arranger of ‘In the Rainforest’] was calm and cool. We walked on to the grounds where the band was set up and it was as if nothing else mattered but the music in that moment. Time was frozen. The crowd was silent. The exuberant Ben Jackson as conductor guided the players who were performing as one unit with pure precision, to experience a classical piece of genius by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. We could hear the sounds of birds, hear the rustle in the trees, experience the temperament of the wind blowing through the trees, and feel the life and moods of the rainforest first hand as if we were actually there. Then in the finale, just when one thought the song had come to a climatic end, the band stopped, with “Boogsie” soloing effortlessly, only to have the band join in to bring the performance to a resounding end.------ Mark Loquan

Web Posted - Thursday April 22, 2021
When Steel Talks

Celebrating the Birthday of Ray Holman

Celebrating the Birthday of Arranger Ray Holman through his music - “Sapna (The Dream),” performed by the world-renowned Skiffle Steel Orchestra at the 2013 Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama finals.

Leave message & greetings

Web Posted - Thursday April 22, 2021
When Steel Talks

Happy Birthday to  Ray Holman - April 22

When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, composer, arranger and performing artist Ray Holman.

Leave message & greetings

Web Posted - Thursday April 22, 2021
When Steel Talks

Earth Song - Michael Jackson - The Codrington Pan Family Steelpan Cover

Global - The Codrington Pan Family rendered a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song.”  A short film from Jackson's best-selling single earned Michael the Doris Day Music Award from the Humane Society’s Genesis Awards.

The urgent need to address the issues facing the planet and all that inhabit it were on the forefront of Michael’s mind when he created this song and short film; issues that are even more urgent today.

Listen to The Codrington Pan Family′s performance.

Web Posted - Tuesday April 20, 2021
When Steel Talks

Alston Jack - Renowned Steelband Arranger & Composer

An Exclusive Interview

Global - “I was nine years old. When I was twelve years old, I started to arrange for a band, the Tobago All Stars, the same band that I started with when I was nine years old. That’s three years later. I was arranging for the same band and took them to competition. That was in 1962... I came to the United States in 1969, with the Desperadoes Steel Band. The government of Trinidad and Tobago gave us, all the band members a scholarship to do music at the Third Street Music School in Manhattan.”  -- Alston Jack

Learn who the late Alston Jack was through an exclusive interview with the man himself.

Web Posted - Sunday April 18, 2021
When Steel Talks

Condolences to the family and friends of Alston Jack

Global - When Steel Talks extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Alston Jack aka “Lil Jack” on his passing on April 17, 2021.

Leave a message in the forum

Web Posted - Sunday April 18, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

Despers USA Steel Orchestra - “Hear Oh Lord” | Wilfred Kieal, Sr - Arranger

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Despers USA Steel Orchestra’s performance of the all-time favorite “Hear Oh Lord” at the Gospelypso 2010 concert.

Listen and watch

Web Posted - Sunday April 18, 2021
When Steel Talks

Meet Malikiya Bando - Trinidad & Tobago

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -“I also want to encourage our female pan players to take care of their health and mental wellness because a lot of the success that is enjoyed by our fraternity is because of the roles that we play in management/administration, section leaders and taking care of others in the pan yards, in addition to our responsibilities in the home, relationships or careers...

“...the lack of respect that is given to us by the wider national community is disappointing. Even though music is a part of everyday life, citizens still do not recognise how much discipline and talent are needed to learn and perform. Steelpan has given so much wealth and merriment to other communities of persons; why can’t some of these work with us to improve our livelihood?...” -- Malikiya Bando

She is young, gifted and wise beyond her years. She sees the way forward. In addition she is a valued member of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra and Caribbean Steelpan Connextion. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - musician Malikiya Bando shares her experiences, views, reflections and dreams on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.

Web Posted - Saturday April 17, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Danica Livingston - Trinidad & Tobago

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - A pan-lifer she is, beginning from day one. Her DNA spells PAN from front to back and back to front. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Danica Livingston shares thoughts for the way forward from both a philosophical and practical perspective, along with her insight, passion for the life and culture.

Web Posted - Wednesday April 14, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Dr. Arielle A. Chase Blair - Brooklyn, New York

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Brooklyn, New York, USA - She brings uncommon intellect, diplomacy, sensitivity and foresight to the steelpan music arena. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - captain, panist, performing artist and (Doctor of Pharmacy) Arielle Chase shares her views on Pan, culture and desires for the steelpan art form, and more.

Web Posted - Tuesday April 13, 2021
When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience

A Musical Tribute to the late Martin “Dougie” Douglas - “Why Should I Feel Discouraged? (His Eye is on the Sparrow)” | Khuent Rose  & Damany James | Brooklyn, New York, USA

Brooklyn, New York, USA - A musical tribute to the late Martin “Dougie” Douglas by musician standouts Khuent Rose and Damany James.

Web Posted - Sunday April 11, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Home Going Service for Mr. Martin “Dougie” Douglas

by When Steel Talks

Brooklyn, New York, USA - From Martin Douglas' memoriam: For over two decades Mr. Douglas was a leader in Brooklyn’s steelband scene, playing his music everywhere he went, mentoring generations of young players and keeping the steelpan music a vibrant part of New York’s cultural life. He was the founder of Crossfire Steel Orchestra, a steel band admired across the city and beyond, and president of the United States Steelband Association.

Web Posted - Friday April 9, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Dr. Geraldine Connor (Educator, Theatre Director, Musician, Composer, Performer, Panist & Arranger) - In Her Own Words

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Global - She was one of the pioneers who had huge dreams, tremendous respect and expectations for the steelpan instrument. Moreover, she applied her immense talents into the art form. She lit the torch, and pointed out which way was up. Through her few posts she told us about her accomplishments, gave us history, guidance and much encouragement. Notes and thoughts for the WST family from the legendary and iconic Dr. Connor.

Web Posted - Tuesday April 7, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Rudolph Commissiong - a pioneer of steelband music - Arranger & Captain of Esso Dixie Stars - UpClose!

by Rudolph Commissiong

Rudy Commissiong, captain of Esso Dixie Stars is on left. Steve Dupres - at centre - was the arranger and player of the “Echophones” made by [Herman] “Rock” Johnston, who's at right in picture - photo © Lawford Dupres

Global - "One day during rehearsals I took a break and walked through the terrace, which was part of the building at the back and side of the nightclub to a bar, which I thought was part of the hotel, and called Casey’s Bar. There were about half a dozen white men drinking and talking. I ordered a beer. The bartender stood there rather frozen, then one of the men who I assumed knew who I was told the bartender something about the band. The bartender then said: “OK, but you will have to take it with you. You can’t drink it here....” That was very degrading and something that lived with me for a long time. ------- Rudolph Commissiong

Web Posted - Tuesday April 6, 2021
When Steel Talks

Meet Angela Howard - Brooklyn, New York

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

New York, USA -“Aside from my love of the instrument, I think it is important to preserve our culture in perpetuity. All too often, we are so overly influenced by ʽwestern culture’ that we are willing to leave our own ways behind. I don’t want Pan or Caribbean culture to be like those extinct languages lamented only after they are lost altogether. We bring our stories and history to life through our culture. It is our responsibility to document and preserve in our own voices, as opposed to having someone else interpret it for us.” -- Angela Howard

She is indeed a woman in pan - Pan daughter, wife, mother and fan. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist and veteran pan mom Angela Howard shares her experiences, views, reflections and expectations on Pan, culture, and the steelpan art form overall.

Web Posted - Tuesday April 6, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Jamettes... Steelband Essentials

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

by Barbara Sealy Rhoden

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Her roots are in the gayelle. Around 1881, it was the place where stick fighters met and fought, especially in the capital, Port of Spain. There she supported and cared for her fighting batonnair man. Resourcefully, she carried pelau, rum, bandages as well as bottles and stones in her pretty basket. These supplies, she used to attend to her fighting man or King as he was often called. So when the stick fighting era was over, she transferred her skills and dedication to the men of the steelbands during the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s.

Web Posted - Monday April 5, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Koruri Hanato of Japan

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Japan - She is a panist, arranger and leader of Panple Steel Orchestra in Japan. And she is a member of the famed Trinidad All Stars. In an exclusive interview, Koruri Hanato shares her immeasurable joy and love of Panorama, the steelpan instrument, its music and culture on When Steel Talks.

Web Posted - Sunday April 4, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Shannon Mc David - Trinidad & Tobago

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - She is a scholar, an intellect, a serious practitioner of the performing arts. This, in addition to being a budding scientist and of course a panist, who knows a thing or two about winning Panorama performances - as a member of both the 2009 & 2010 champions Silver Stars Steel Orchestra - and the 2018 Renegades Steel Orchestra. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Shannon Mc David shares her feelings, experiences, expectations and passion for the steelpan instrument, its music, the art form and more.

Web Posted - Sunday April 4, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Rudolph Charles - Thirty-Six Years Later, Steelband Leader Still Exceptional

by When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -   From Rudolph Charles' memoriam: He led his community and band with a togetherness that could only have been achieved by love and total commitment to the cause.

Web Posted - Sunday April 4, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Miranda Martin - Trinidad & Tobago

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Miranda has traveled the world over as a member of the legendary Desperadoes Steel Orchestra. She embodies all the characteristics of a great panist - talent, intellect, discipline, and sacrifice. She is most proud of the lives she has touched through her years of playing pan. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Miranda Martin of Trinidad and Tobago shares how the steelpan instrument has impacted her life.

Web Posted - Saturday April 3, 2021
When Steel Talks

Ralph MacDonald - WST Exclusive Interview - on the Legendary Rudolph Charles

The legendary Rudolph Charles

Global - In this part of the When Steel Talks exclusive interview with Grammy award-winning producer and song writer, Ralph MacDonald - he speaks on the brilliance of the legendary leader of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, Rudolph Charles.

Web Posted - Friday April 2, 2021
When Steel Talks

Marvin Gaye - Calypso Blues - To take me back to Trinidad

A Tribute to The Great Nat “King” Cole

Global - The late great Marvin Gaye sings Calypso Blues written by Nat “King” Cole as a tribute to him on the “A Tribute to The Great Nat King Cole” 1965 album.

Web Posted - Thursday April 1, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Meet Sunity Maharaj of Trinidad and Tobago

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - She is one the foremost critical thinkers of our time - always bringing a sober and honest voice to the conversation. An ardent supporter of Trinidad and Tobago arts and culture - Sunity Maharaj speaks on women, Pan, and the way forward in an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks.

Web Posted - Thursday April 1, 2021
When Steel Talks - Reboot

Rudolph Charles remains... The Baddest Desperado

by Dalton Narine

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Thirty-six years ago, Laventille’s Rudolph Charles shuffled off this mortal coil and went out in style - a glam funeral service, his soul encased in the Chariot pans he invented and three religions vying for meager props at his rites on the banks of the Caroni - as an age of innocence was nearing its own death.

Steelpan Music Headlines

When Steel Talks breaking stories

Global - Important stories from all over the world.
Read, Watch and Listen