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D'Pan Ting Now Start
Posted: Friday, January 9, 2004

by Peter Blood, Guardian TT

Among the talking points at Friday evening's "D'Pan Ting Now Start" was the absence of bpTT Renegades, in whose yard the event was held. It was produced by Pan Trinbago as a "clash" of some of the top regional steel orchestras. Many a patron and fan expressed dismay at the absence of the nine-time national Panorama champion.

One of the excuses offered by the many Renegades members in attendance was the band not having practised recently.

Much to the delight of panatics, the three orchestras performing - Exodus, Witco desperadoes, NLCB Fonclaire - more than proved adequate for the occasion.

Fonclaire invoked memories of yesteryear, back to the '70s, when the premier South/Central band ruled the roost at regular pan jamborees and blockoramas with its extensive repertoire. On Friday, Fonclaire played them all, from retro favourites to calypso, reggae and even hip hop.

Unlike Fonclaire, both Desperadoes and Exodus were deprived of sounding their best by some shoddy sound engineering. In Despers' case, the front line pans were louder than the rest of the orchestra, while the system seemed to favour Exodus' drummer and percussion section. But both bands managed to give their southern rival a good run for their money through enticing tune selections.

Seen among the huge turnout were Public Utilities Minister Pennelope Beckles, Tidco chief Dr Brian Harry, Grammy Award winner Ralph MacDonald and his Trinidad-born wife Greer, Signature Collection jeweller Gillian Bishop, music adjudicator Joslynne Sealey, past Pan Trinbago president Owen Serrette and Dr David Picou.

The preliminary elimination round of competition for the 2004 Panorama competition is about to begin in panyards nationwide with the national semi-final scheduled for February 8, in the Queen's Park Savannah.

Pan Trinbago should take a well deserved bow for Friday's gig, as it was truly a thing of joy and great music. Making guest appearances were Shadow, De Fosto and Steve Sealey.



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