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Laventille to Brooklyn, A Phenomenal People - A Great Day for the Steelpan and Community

Laventille Pan Family Reunion 2014

A When Steel Talks Exclusive

Brooklyn, New York, USA  - On a balmy Brooklyn Summer night some two thousand-plus miles away from its namesake (Laventille) - D’Radoes Steel Orchestra held its 2nd annual ‘Laventille Pan Family Reunion’ Day in its panyard. The packed yard was a reminder of the love, special bond between a people, and strength of the community spirit of the people of Laventille all over the world.

Weeks before the event the word was out. “Ay, the Laventille Reunion comin’ up soon. Don’t forget.” And as it got to mere days before the buzz got stronger.  One could not escape the calling hum - as everyone remotely connected with Laventille that you might have bumped into in Brooklyn, seemed to be reminding you of the event and their expectation to seeing you there as you were “family.”

Philadelphia Pan Stars Steel Orchestra
Philadelphia Pan Stars

People came together in droves, ‘dressed to the nines’ (many already kitted out in the 2014 Desperadoes/Tokyo commemorative shirts made just for this event) to recall old times, celebrate the achievements and successes of Laventille citizens, renew old friendships and most of all - to remember and reaffirm their greatness, both to themselves and to the outside world through Pan. Philadelphia Pan Stars, Despers USA and the host D’Radoes Steel Orchestra were on hand for musical performances.

The citizens of Laventille have been successful in every discipline, occupation and professional pursuit. There is no shortage of successful musicians, doctors, lawyers, educators and scientists among many others out of Laventille, but none have left so indelible a mark on the world like the community’s global achievements in Pan and the steelpan art form.

John-john Trinidad

From the world-renowned legendary Desperadoes Steel Orchestra of Laventille to their Brooklyn off-shoots - Despers USA, Pantonic and D’Radoes steel orchestras - they have garnered the respect of the world. In addition, former and current Desperadoes players can be found in every corner of the world leading the musical charge for the acceptance and growth of the instrument. And then there is Tokyo Steel Orchestra from John John in Laventille. Tokyo was founded in the early 1940’s and is regarded historically as one of the great steel orchestras of Trinidad and Tobago.

Birain Herbert - Artist
Artist extraordinaire Brian Herbert

As early as 3:00 in the afternoon, folks had already started to trickle in. This is when WST (When Steel Talks) caught artist Brian Herbert in the panyard putting the final strokes on two of his works of art commissioned especially for the Laventille reunion event. From Herbert’s hands, coming to life, were paintings of the iconic Clive Bradley and the Hills of Laventille - both emblazoned on the walls of the D’Radoes Steel Orchestra pan yard in Brooklyn, New York.

Visitors can now check out these paintings and other Pan art work during the month-long preparation for the 2014 Panorama. D’Radoes pan yard is located at 80-39 Chase Court (between Ralph Avenue and E. 83rd Street, near Foster Avenue), Brooklyn, New York.

Steelpan Art work by Brian Herbert

Indeed the pan instrument is deeply woven into the fabric of the Laventille society and through this symbiotic relationship they have achieved incredible heights. However in recent years Laventille has experienced hard times, as many of society’s ills have rent the stitches that held the community together. Record levels of emigration created a void and disconnect that has not been filled. These ties are greatly needed again. The reunion effort could not have come at a better time as it can have a  very positive effect on the Laventille community.

It was a great day in Brooklyn for “Pan,” Community and Laventille.  True greatness and validation starts from within. Big-up to D’Radoes Steel Orchestra for their initiative.


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