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New York Steelbands Honored at 2005
West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) Award Ceremony

New York -  Steelpan musicians were wined and dined in the rotunda at the world-famous Brooklyn Museum as  representatives from the New York steelband panorama participants were on hand to receive their prizes and  accolades at the annual West Indian Day Caribbean American (WIADCA) award ceremony.   In attendance along with the pan participants/representatives, were the WIADCA executive board members, local politicians and Brooklyn carnival mas representatives.

WIADCA president Yolanda Lezama-Clark with Pantonic Steel Orchestra

The event provides one of the few opportunities for the New York steelpan music fraternity  to come together outside of the pressures and highly competitive nature of steelband music panorama activities.

This year's panorama winner Pantonic Steel Orchestra performed at the event.  Pantonic returned to its championship tradition after placing and uncustomary 12th last year, after their 2003 championship.  Their reversal in fortunes represents the largest turnaround in New York steelband panorama history.

New York is the home of the largest and best steelbands in the world outside of the home and originators of the steelpan - Trinidad and Tobago.  The steelpan instrument has gained world-wide acceptance in addition to experiencing a huge surge in popularity recently in North America.

-From The News Desk of  -  When Steel Talks- 11-20-05 -- All Photos - R. Pope - C. Phillips

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