A multi-media exhibition of Dr. Kim Johnson’s steel pan research entitled “The Audacity of the Creole Imagination” was officially launched at the National Museum at number 117 Frederick Street, Port of Spain last Friday evening. Those in attendance included a small, but vibrant number of pan and art enthusiasts, who were treated to some classic songs by 2009 National Panorama champions, PCS Silver Stars.

Reigning Calypso Monarch, Hollis Liverpool aka Chalkdust, who is the Head of the Academy of Arts and Letters at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, said the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs continues to commit to preserving the culture of steelband and of Trinidad and Tobago. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Ministry and the UTT.

Two schools from north Trinidad and one from east Trinidad won the three titles which were up for grabs at the National Junior Panorama Finals, which took place at the Queen’s Park Savannah yesterday. A total of 32 bands performed before the judges.

In the primary schools category, St. Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School Steel Orchestra from Belmont emerged winners with 423 points playing “Magic Drum” sung by Machel Montano. Coming in second with 419 points were Central Primary Schools Combined Steel Orchestra playing “Template,” while Fabeau Government Primary placed third with 377 points for their rendition of “Stranger” by Shadow. The winners took home $18,000.

Among the secondary schools, it was Woodbrook Secondary Steelband which topped the scores playing “Surrender” sung by Destra to amass 416.5 points, to take home the $27,000 first prize. Bishop Anstey and Trinity East College placed second with 407 points playing “Scratch Attack, followed by El Dorado East Secondary with 406 points playing the same selection.

And in the Under-21 category, St. Augustine Secondary Steel Orchestra took the competition by storm with their rendition of “Pan By Storm” by Ken Professor Philmore, which earned them 455.5 points. Coming in second were former champs, BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra with 449 points playing De Fosto’s “Smooth Sailing,” while St. Margaret’s Boys’/Trinidad All Stars placed third with 448 points for their rendition of “Pan on Fire.”

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CREDITS: Information sourced from results released by the competition’s organizers.
Photo by: TaranRampersad

A combination of youth and experience will take the stage at this Sunday’s Dimanche Gras show to compete for the title of Calypso Monarch 2010. A total of 15 finalists were chosen to challenge reigning Monarch Chalkdust, following the National Calypso Monarch semifinals at Skinner Park in San Fernando last Saturday.

Some hard-hitting selections from both veterans and newcomers contributed to an entertaining show for the hundreds of patrons who attended. Among them were: “A Palace State of Mind” by the Original De Fosto Himself. “A Calypsonian” by Brian London and “Rogue” performed by Selvon “Mr Shak” Noel.

The Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition of the Ministry of Community Development Culture and Gender Affairs held its Annual Traditions of Carnival Competition at Macaulay Park, Dow Village California last Saturday – January 30, 2010.

Winning the top prizes in the competition were the North West Laventille Cultural movement, with 107 points, and coming in second was Siparia Pioneers with 63 points.

North West Laventille Cultural Movement won the categories of Kalinda Song and Dance, Soca Dance, Sailor Dance and Speech Band. Siparia Pioneers cupped the top prize for the Best Calypso Medley, Ole Mas Individuals and Couples, while Malick Folk Performing Company won Pierrot Grenade.

The National Museum, in collaboration with the University of Trinidad and Tobago will officially open a multi-media exhibition of Dr. Kim Johnson’s steel pan research entitled “The Audacity of the Creole Imagination” from 6.30 this evening at number 117 Frederick Street, Port of Spain. Reigning Panorama champs, PCS Silver Stars will perform during the launch.

The exhibition, which will run until February 28, 2010, will showcase photographs, images, sound and DVD’s taken from Johnson’s ongoing oral and pictorial study of the steel pan. Patrons will get various glimpses of his work through this exhibition. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm and on Sunday 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

The Honourable Marlene McDonald, Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, last week, joined the The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in hosting the Tianjin Song and Dance Troupe of China at two exclusive concerts held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) Port of Spain and at the Naparima Bowl in San Fernando. The Troupe also visited Tobago on Friday January 29th at the Signal Hill Secondary School.

The shows commemorated the Chinese New Year which will be officially celebrated February 14, 2010 - Carnival Sunday in Trinidad and Tobago. China's Ambassador Yang, expressed congratulations to the Troupe for its successful tour of the country, and praised their fine performance which left memorable impression on the local audience, and contributed to the cultural exchanges between China and Trinidad and Tobago.

Almost every year, Chinese cultural troupes visit Trinidad and Tobago. Steel Pan bands and other cultural groups from Trinidad and Tobago have also visited China. This exchange of visits have promoted the cultural interaction between the two countries and increased friendship and understanding of the two peoples.

Once again, the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs is pleased to present the Evolution of the Steelpan and Pan in Art Exhibition at the Fort San Andres Museum South Quay in Port of Spain.

The Exhibition which runs from January 29th to February 27, 2010 features, among other things, Pan Playing Demonstrations as well as live performances from some of the nation’s top Steel Orchestras and Calypsonians during the period. The Exhibition will be closed on Monday February 8, 2010.

This event is designed to provide the premiere space for members of the national community and foreign visitors to share in the Carnival experience and also learn about the evolution of our national instrument - the steelpan.
While the exhibition will feature and display works of art depicting the Pan, including paintings, jewellery and other craft work, visitors to the space can also be a part of the live entertainment segment featured at the Pan Kaiso Limes on Friday February 5th, Sunday 7th and Thursday February 11th from 6:00 pm.

The full schedule for the Exhibition and Pan Kaiso Limes is listed below:

Date Time Activity
Feb.02 – 04, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Pan Exhibition
Feature: Pan Playing
Demonstration

Friday Feb 5,2010 Showtime: 6:00 pm Pan Kaiso After Work Lime Featuring:
• Kelly Green and Harmony
• Anslem Douglas
• De Fosto
• Chucky
• Crazy
• MC – Sheldon John

Feb.06, 2010 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Pan Exhibition
Feature: Pan Playing
Demonstration

Sunday Feb 7, 2010 Doors open at 5:00 pm Pan at the Fort II Showtime: 6:00 pm
Featuring:
• PCS Silver Stars
• Pantastics Steel Orchestra

Monday Feb.08, 2010 CLOSED

Tuesday Feb 9, 2010 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Pan Exhibition
Feature: Pan Playing
Demonstration
Wednesday Feb. 10, 2010 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Pan Exhibition
Feature: Pan Playing
Demonstration
Thursday Feb 11, 2010 Showtime: 6:00 pm After Work Vintage
Lime Featuring:
• Ewart Serrant
• Surpriser
• Brown Boy
• Black Sage
• David Bereaux and
Friends

The Exhibition continues for one week after Carnival from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily


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CREDITS:

- Story by Natalie Walters using information provided by the Culture Division

- Photos courtesy Culture Division

A team from Longdenville, Central Trinidad has won this year’s National Stickfight title, following keen competition in the finals held at Guaracara Park.

The overall winner, known as the Champion Gayelle is managed by Keith Ramsooklal and will take home a total of $16,000. The second place went to Talparo, which is managed by Felix De Four and will walk away with $8,500. In third, taking home $5,500 was Princes Town with manager David Gunness.

In the individual competition entitled “King of the Rock,” Devon Ralph of Talparo emerged victorious taking home a total of $13,000. Placing second was Anthony Bynaille of Longdenville, who will walk away with $8,500, while third place went to Joel Jones of Couva. He will take home $5,500. There was also competition for the best Kandar (the traditional wear of members of each stickfighting group) and this was awarded to Talparo.

The tradition of Stickfighting , which is over 100 years old, is being kept alive by the various Regional Carnival bodies which manage celebrations in communities across Trinidad and Tobago annually.

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CREDITS: Story by Nicola Joseph, using information provided by the National Carnival Commission
Photo by: derick