CASYM Steel Orchestra Joins Pan Classics

Recently New York's 2006 Panorama Champions held their annual 'Carols and Steel' concert. Click on link to see why they are one of North America's best. Click for to see full performances

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Special NY Panyard DVD 2005 Available

New York - 2005 was a year marked by historic highs and tragic lows for the Pan community. On panorama night, the late great Clive Bradley made history by achieving a feat never before accomplished. The bands for which he arranged placed first and second. Sadly, the joy would later turn to grief with the tragic news of his passing less than three months later.

Basement Recordings Productions presents NY Panyards 2005 which includes the final panyard recordings of Master Arranger Clive Bradley. Also included on this 2-Disc DVD set are arrangements by Pelham Goddard, Yohan Popwell, Arddin Herbert, Brian "Bean" Griffith, and Freddie Harris, III & Andy Akiho. The arrangements are performed by Pantonic, D'Radoes, Sonatas, CASYM, Marsicans, Crossfire and Sesame Flyers.

As an added bonus, this double-DVD package includes on the second disc, an exclusive one hour-long sit-down interview with Clive Bradley, Pelham Goddard and Yohan Popwell, and provides insight into the minds of these accomplished arrangers. The interview is historical, prophetic, educational and at times emotionally gut-wrenching, as we listen to and experience the humor, knowledge and fascinating episodes in the life of Clive Bradley that the master himself shares with us. That it takes place only a few weeks before Mr. Bradley pulls of one of his career's greatest musical feats, make this interview all the more remarkable. It takes place at Basement Recordings studios where almost every prominent, notable - or soon to be - steelband music figure has graced.

NY PANYARDS 2005 is part of the continuing series of stellar video and audio recordings by Basement Productions that provide a historical, educational and cultural perspective - without diminishing the entertainment value and musical integrity of the performers and performances.

NY Panyards is ideally suited for music educators, students, ethnomusicologists, music libraries, fine music collectors, historians and steelpan enthusiasts who are looking to experience authentic, passionate steelband performances without compromise as endorsed, validated, created and performed by the masters.

NY Panyards 2005 captures the spirit, pressure, fire and joy, and creative genius born out of the necessity of panorama competition, as can only be experienced within the sacred refuge of the steelbands and steelpan musicians - the "panyard". Basement Recordings again captures the sonic and visual components of the performances with unmatched clarity and fidelity, bringing the viewing and listening audience into the bowels of the New York panyards in a manner that allows you the reality of tasting and 'living' the panyard atmosphere and experience.

Indeed, it is a remarkable people who consistently overcome outside despair and hostility with the unique ability to conquer and transform their environment into a musical oasis (the panyard). The NY Panyard 2005 DVD again showcases a true working cultural melting pot, as we view and listen to the results of an open invitation that is extended to and readily accepted by, people of all ages and backgrounds, religions, nationalities and social status - to join the New York Steelbands in their annual arduous journey towards this (illogical, to some) musical summit called panorama.

That New York's Panyards can continue to produce musical gems that are of equal value in stature to the works of the Armstrongs, Bachs, Brahms, Ellingtons, Chopins, Gordon Parks, Monets, Picassos, Rembrandts and Beethovens (in terms that they can transform such an unfriendly milieu) is a testament to the timeless human spirit to engage, overcome and conquer, and enrich their time and space - to make better the human condition through the arts.

This DVD is a must for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of one of the greatest social, cultural and musical phenomena of the 20^th century, in addition as to why the steelband artform is currently sweeping the globe.

Click here to order your copy of NY Panyards 2005.

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Meyer Levin Annual Winter Concert Artists Play to Packed House

Steelbands, Chorus, Musicians & Dancers put on Gala Event

New York - The Performing Arts Center at Meyer Levin's Junior High School I.S. 285 was transformed into a musical mecca for the educational institution's annual Winter Concert. Located in Brooklyn, New York, Meyer Levin's student body put on an event chock full of music and dance. A program displaying the talents of the Mixed Chorus, Senior Concert Band, Sixth Grade Chorus, dancers, and steelbands from the school's sixth, seventh and eighth grades, along with the Higher Levin Steel Orchestra - played to an auditorium with standing room only. Proud mamas and papas, along with family, friends and well-wishers had turned out in force for this particular calendar event. The Master and Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening were principal Edward Gentile and assistant principal Denise Holder (pictured), respectively. The former would return in the unadvertised role of surprise vocalist later on in the program.

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Main Orchestra, Classes I, II delight Christmas Crowd

Carols & Classics at CASYM's Christmas Concert

New York - CASYM (Caribbean American Sports & Cultural Youth Movement, Inc.) hosted more than three hours of great entertainment for the season under the leadership of long-time arranger Arddin Herbert, with their third Annual Christmas "Carols & Classics" Concert at the Brooklyn Museum, in Brooklyn, New York. For those who were savvy enough to put the weekend event in their calendar, they came out winners all the way. As one attendee was overheard commenting after the show "I didn't intend to come. I was not coming at all. But I am so glad I made the effort! It was fantastic!" The lady in question was merely giving voice to what surely must have been on the lips and in the minds of others who took in the concert. full story

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CASYM's Jewels Shine

Third Annual "Carols and Classics" at the Brooklyn Museum

New York - CASYM Steel Orchestra has a special relationship with New York City. For over twenty-three years CASYM has provided academic and cultural youth activities to the New York metropolitan area with particular emphasis on the Crown Heights, Flatbush and East Flatbush areas. Moreover, the organization has a very special relationship with the thousands of young people, parents and supporters who have been associated with this institution. full story

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Update - Patrick Arnold on Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2007

Update - Patrick Arnold on Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2007

Trinidad and Tobago - With various rumors still flying around, it fell to When Steel Talks (WST) to get an accurate update on the Panorama 2007 situation which keeps evolving. Late last evening, president of Pan Trinbago, Patrick Arnold, cleared the air on the governing body's stand on the matter. full story

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Patrick Arnold Speaks On 2007 Panorama and More

Patrick Arnold Speaks On 2007 Panorama and More

Global - When Steel Talks (WST) caught up with Patrick Arnold, the president of Pan Trinbago - the governing organization of all maters related to steelpan in Trinidad and Tobago - as he discussed the special plans for the 2007 panorama and carnival. In addition, Mr. Arnold shares his views on the recent removal of the steelpan image from the soon-to-be-launched air carrier, Caribbean Airlines.

The 2007 steelband panorama semi-finals will be held at the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS) in Port-of-Spain and the finals will be held at Skinner Park, San Fernando. The latter was the venue for the 2006 National finals for steel orchestras in the small category. full story

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