Large bands draw large crowds

From as early as 6.30 pm fans and supporters began assembling at their favourite panyards.

The judges’ first stop was at PCS Silver Stars on Tragarete Road, Woodbrook where Professor Liam Teague had his charges running through his arrangement of “We are Conquerors”, a song composed by Alvin Daniel and Barnett “Preacher” Henry, singer Anslem Douglas was on hand to perform the song.

A quote hanging on a banner in the bar at Silver Stars read, “People come to Panorama to see panorama not to hear; you can stay home and listen to it on the radio. You want to go home with a great memory… Win, lose or draw they will always remember Silver Stars - Edwin Pouchet.” Somehow this set the tone for the evening as the young players in Silver Stars put in a very energetic performance inclusive of dancing and singing. Before Silver Stars’ performance, Gerard Mendez, chairman of the Northern Region of Pan Trinbago, welcomed the audience saying, “Welcome to the embattled Pan Trinbago Large Conventional Bands category. Yes we are embattled but we jamming still.” Mendez also explained that this year the judging at the panyards is unlike other years in that the scores will be given so that the public will know where the bands stand at each stage of the competition.

The second stop was in Mucurapo at MHTL Starlift where arranger Robert Greenidge and his players performed his arrangement of Peter Ram’s “Good Morning”.

Before long the judges’ caravan was fighting to get into Phase 11 Pan Groove yard which was overflowing with fans and supporters. Inside Len Boogsie Sharpe was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the judges.

When he got the judges’ nod the band performed his arrangement of “Red White and Black”. This too was a very energetic performance with players enjoying themselves.

By this time there were thousands of pan music lovers following the judges around to each pan yard.

Caribbean Airline Invaders were at the Queen’s Park Oval car park where they performed Arddin Herbert’s arrangement of the popular “Full Extreme” sung by Ultimate Rejects. Fans who were at the Oval early got a taste of the Ultimate Rejects as they performed the song before they left for the airport.

It was no easy task getting to Desperadoes Steel Orchestra on Frederick Street, but once there the judges heard the defending champions play Carlton “Zanda” Alexander’s arrangement of Peter Ram’s “Good Morning”.

This was a performance worthy of champions and it is going to take quite a lot to dethrone Desperadoes.

It was an easy walk to Massy Trinidad All Stars on Duke Street but it was not as easy to get into the yard which was packed to capacity.

When the judges did make it into the yard it was time to hear All Stars with their rendition of Leon Smooth Edwards’ arrangement of “Full Extreme”.

The arrangement was well executed and the players put on a show, bringing us right back to Edwin Pouchet’s quote.

All Stars are gunning for the top spot once again.