Pan Trinbago’s Pan in D Country Side 2015 was fantastic. All participants and patrons agreed that it was one of the best. In this, the last such event for 2015, a number of steelbands volunteered to give their services free of charge, to raise funds to assist three icons of the South/Central region in attaining greater mobility.
Out of the bands wishing to participate, only seven were selected. The programme started at about 4 pm with radio I95.5 fm streaming live from Rio Claro. The president, Keith Diaz and councillor R Nagassar of the Rio Claro Regional Corporation welcomed everyone.
Fusion Steel, with vocals and their youthful vibration, kicked things off, followed by Hatters Steel Orchestra. Then came New Age Trendsetters Steel, led by Glenford Sobers, one of the awardees, followed by host band Rio Claro Koskeros Steel led by another awardee—who both gave sterling accounts of themselves.
Also featured was the Showstoppers Tassa Group who had everyone on their feet. The Friends of Pan Trinbago, a group of volunteers working together to assist the organisation then made cash presentations of $1,000 to each of the three icons.
Receiving envelopes were honourees Glenford Sobers and Kenny Pascal. Chairman of South/Central David Balbosa, received on behalf Lennox “Sam” Fortune, who was in hospital at the time. Contributions were taken and the crowd gave generously towards defraying the cost of automated wheelchairs.
Supernovas Steel Orchestra followed by Witco Desperadoes, left nothing to chance as they rendered hit after hit. Following was San City Steel Symphony, who treated the crowd to the power of brass and steel.
The programme closed off with Fusion Steel performing to near midnight, leaving a satisfied crowd. South Central Region collected over $4,000 towards our goal of $90,000 for wheelchairs. What an outpouring of love it was.
The Tenor Pan raffle donated by the president and the Pan Case from South/Central region was drawn on November 11. The winner was Neil Lesaldo of Sheet 66. Pan Trinbago expresses thanks for all the support received. May everyone have an enjoyable Christmas and a bright, prosperous 2016 as steelbands continue to prepare for Panorama and Carnival.
Judging from the looks of the Rio Claro crowd on November 7, it brings to mind a line from a Curtis Mayfield song that says: “Many think that we have blown it, but they too, will soon admit, there’s still a lot of love amongst us” as we keep on keeping on. Bless! Continue to support the steelband movement as we move ahead.
Michael L Joseph
Public Relations Officer, Pan Trinbago Inc