August is Pan Month and Pan Trinbago Inc, the world's governing steelband organization, is ensuring that it be commemorated with a month of virtual activity. This year's celebration is a double one as it also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the acquisition of the name Pan Trinbago.
The anniversary event will be different from previous years because of the Covid-19 pandemic and attendant restrictions. Cognisant to the reality of the pandemic, Pan Trinbago Inc will hold a series of virtual events, 28 in all, which can be enjoyed from your home.
From August 1 to August 31, the steelpan community will take centre stage with a host of events and topics ranging from Education, Evolution, Economical to Entertainment as well as the publication of a souvenir supplement.
Pan Month commenced on Sunday, August 1 with a beautiful conversation between Pan Trinbago Inc president Beverly Ramsey-Moore and late Desperadoes Steel Orchestra matriarch Ursula Agatha Tudor.
Pan Trinbago Inc Education Officer Marcus Ash serves as moderator for the conversations.
The month's programme includes entertainment segments including "Tune for Tune," a talent show featuring members of the Central and Regional executives; "Pan Verzuz" and Panorama Nostalgia.
"Pan Verzuz" will reprise performances from Pan Trinbago's February 2021 production. The August 2 segment featured CAL Skiffle, with horns, and Tobago's premier RBC Redemption Sound Setters.
The mixture of Large and Medium steelbands is presented every Monday, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the WACK Network.
Tune for Tune schedule:
August 9: Hadco Phase II Pan Groove & NGC Steel Xplosion - 6 p.m.; Republic Bank Exodus & Pamberi - 8 p.m.
August 16: Dixieland & Tropical Angel Harps - 6 p.m.; bpTT Renegades & Curepe Scherzando - 8 p.m.
August 23: Shell Invaders & Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille - 6 p.m.; Desperadoes & Curepe Sforzata - 8 p.m.
August 30: First Citizen Supernovas & Katzenjammers - 6 p.m.; Massy Trinidad All Stars & Couva Joylanders - 8 p.m.