Big 5 pan concert ...lots of surprises in store for patrons

It will feature the five top steelbands - Desperadoes, Massy Trinidad All Stars, bpRenegades, Republic Bank Exodus and Phase II in association with Hadco, and the show will be done in remembrance of the late pan aficionado Theodore “Teddy” Guerra.

Each band will begin its repertoire with the event’s theme song, after which they will each perform for 35 minutes, inclusive of their surprise guest performers.

Martin Cain, assistant manager of Desperadoes kept the band’s surprises close to his chest. All he would divulge is that the repertoire, comprising seven selections, will be a touch of class, and a touch of every genre of music from hip hop to classical to calypso.

The band will feature two guest performers. One a young pannist who Cain says is very skilful, and the other, a young vocalist who Cain described as a young star and one of Laventille’s pride and joy.

Given the fact that Carlton “Zanda” Alexander is the arranger of the band, it is expected that the band will do a selection or two of his, in light of the concert format.

Massy Trinidad All Stars’ manager, Nigel Williams said the band decided to be a little different in terms of the repertoire. “It is a more varied mix. Given the change in demographics with so many young persons involved in steelband as players, to attract some young people out there, we have taken a different outlook for the event but maintaining our traditional base, he said.

Like Cain, Williams refused to state the composition of the band’s repertoire. All he would say is, the band will do about five pieces but has prepared an extended repertoire.

“Each piece will be a different genre. We are taking this event seriously and will be adding a little more umph. We are coming out to put on a show,” he said.

But it is definite that the band that will also feature a guest instrumentalist, and will play its winning Panorama song Full Xtreme. Michael Marcano, manager of bpRenegades stated that his band’s repertoire includes a medley of extracts of Jit Samaroo’s Panorama arrangements. He said Renegades will also do Maria by Carlos Santana, Be Strong by Barrington Levy and Jennifer Hudson’s And I’m Telling you that will be vocalised by new local sensation Ariel Cowie.

Marcano said the band is particularly excited about its upcoming performance. “They just can’t wait for Saturday. The fact that is not a competition is not going to change anything. Competition or no competition we always put our best foot forward.” Republic Bank Exodus’ manager, Ainsworth Mohammed said: “Exodus will be doing eight pieces. Pan in A Minor, Air On A G String, a light classic, Jordu and Flying Home, two jazz numbers, Calypso Rising with vocals by Natalie Yorke, a Latin selection Bailamos, Eddie Cumberbatch singing an aria Nessun Dorma, then we will end with The Ganges and the Nile by David Rudder.” The band will include four pieces of brass and its arranger Pelham Goddard on keyboard.

Meanwhile Len “Boogsie” Sharpe of Phase II in association with Hadco is so looking forward to tomorrow. He said: “The vibes are nice in the panyard. We practising a lot to give patrons a good show.” He revealed that guest performers are 3canal doing Talk Yuh Talk, and teenager Antonio Waithe who will sing You Raise Me Up. Also on the repertoire are Sunita, Umbayo and a Sparrow medley.

However, Boogsie said: “You know I am a shy person. Now it have an instrument I want to play.

If I get that brave on the night I will come out with it and give the patrons a nice surprise.” Newsday has been informed that in the spirit of all inclusiveness, members of Pan Trinbago executive have all been specially invited to the show.