We get a sneak peek at Trinidad’s impressive steel bands practicing for Panorama on a whistle stop tour of the fabulous PanYards in Port of Spain.
Dramatic orchestration, dynamic arrangements executed with breathtaking precision is the only way to describe the magnificent spectacle of hundreds of musicians practicing for Trinidad Panorama.
A musical fight between the world’s best steel bands from a small Caribbean island that created the steel pan and the world’s most prestigious competition for steel percussion orchestras
Some bands we listened to from the street craning our necks to see through the fence. Others like Exodus were having breaks which coincided with our fleeting visit. At Renegades, we were able to enter their PanYard awe struck by the grandiosity of their purpose built outdoor spaces that showcase the importance of pan culture to the rest of the world.
On to Saturday Panorama and we dress up to join thousands of steel pan lovers at Queens Park Savannah to behold the bands practicing on the drag as they line up for their 10 minute chance at the world title.
We ensconce ourselves in the North Stand and party as we watch and listen A sea of players young and old, the tumbling of the bass pans and the deep chattering voices of the cellos and tenor basses behind the sweet tenor melodies trilling with gasp inducing runs. Fireworks, stilt walkers and a drone show made this an even more memorable occasion.
My personal highlight was Starlift playing a blissful arrangement Pan in A Minor. Click to view Starlift practicing on the drag on YouTube.
Inspiration!
This is Trinidad culture at its best and I’m proud to say this is our culture and made us feel welcomed home!
It’s so hot here and lovely to go out at night wearing the skimpiest of clothing to keep as cool as possible in the 27-30 degree evening temperatures.
And the food is divine. We’ve had roti, doubles, bake and shark, delicious salads, channa, aloo and rice, buss up shot washed down with rum cocktails. Mmmm! Delicious.
