Steelbands are already in competition mode for the 2016 Panorama competition with most bands already selecting their tune of choice. Some bands are also located at new venues, including Desperadoes, West Stars, Woodbrook Playboyz and the new Newtown Playboys.
Last weekend, Desperadoes began its trek from the band’s “spiritual” home on Laventille Hill to Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain, at the old Greyfriar’s Church site.
Originally located on Tragarete Road, Newtown, Woodbrook Playboyz is now temporarily housed on Nizam Street, St James, and Newtown Playboys was recently launched on Tragarete Road. West Stars, a band managed by former Phase II Pan Groove manager Peter Aleong, has moved from its Jamaat al Muslimeen site and is being accommodated next to Starlift Steel Orchestra on Mucurapo Road Extension.
There have also been changes as far as Panorama arrangers go with Desperadoes’ Robbie Greenidge now arranging for Starlift and Clive Zanda, formerly of Siparia Deltones, replacing him at Desperadoes. Foreign-based Earl La Pierre is arranging for Harmonites, while young Earl Brooks Jnr will arrange for Sforzata.
One other significant change reported this week is that of Petrotrin ending its sponsorship of Woodbrook’s Phase II Pan Groove. The popular Woodbrook band is now sponsored by Hadco. History could be made at next year’s Panorama competition with the entry of the first all-female steel orchestra to compete in the 43-year-old competition.
Based in Malick, Platinum Steel Orchestra, led by Lauren Pierre and Jenna James, will make its debut playing Blue Boy’s Unknown Band, also arranged by a female musician, veteran pan player Natasha Joseph.
In the Christmas spirit
Pulse was given the royal treatment last week when he attended two Christmas-styled events, though one was actually the launch of a 2016 Carnival fete. On Saturday, I attended the all-inclusive fund-raiser at Wayne Johnson’s expansive Carmel Valley Estate in the hills of Moka, Maraval.
Despite challenges with power outages, once the generator kicked in, fun was had by all, dancing the night away to the strains of Los MDEos parang band and the G Sharp Band.
The fun continued on Sunday when Paragon Sports & Cultural Club launched its Ultimate Seaside Soca 2016 fete at its Cocorite clubhouse. Drinks were reasonably priced and a sumptuous Christmas lunch was served.
Calypsonian Poser, Los Cantantes Festivos parang group and DJ Cardo entertained guests.