Exodus goes for a ‘three-peat’

COMPETITIVE and unpredictable. This is how pan arrangers are describing this year’s National Panorama finals, as 16 of the best bands in TT, (eight each from both medium and large,) take the stage tonight at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Defending Champions Sagicor Exodus have remained positive about keeping their title. As a matter of fact they are aiming for a “three-peat,” something that has never happened in Panorama.

But other arrangers are saying the competition will be tough. BP Renegades’ Arranger Jit Samaroo told Newsday no one could predict the outcome, as all the bands were sounding good. Samaroo said it all depended on the tune chosen, with the inclusion of the retro tunes.  “Personally I prefer the recent tunes, but we are confident about the competition,” said Samaroo. Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, leaders in the semi-final round are certain of victory, having pulled to play last tonight.

Phase II Arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe recalled the years 1987 and 1988, when the band played last and placed first in both instances. “The players are very confident and their spirits are high. I am sure the judges will be happy with our performance,” said Boogsie. Defending champs for the medium category Excellent Stores Silver Stars placed fourth in the semi-finals, but are still hoping to win the competition. Silver Stars arranger Edwin Pouchet told Newsday the band made a big jump in the preliminaries from 11th place to fourth and was confident about retaining their title.

Order of Appearance
MEDIUM CATEGORY
1.CLICO Sforzata - Dingolay (Winston Bailey “The Shadow)
2. Tokyo - All is Yours (Onika Bostic)
3. Sangre Grande Cordettes - The Will (Scrunter)
4. Parry’s Pan School - Panman want de best (Natalie Yorke)
5. Arima Angel Harps - Rainorama (Aldwyn Roberts “Kitchener”)
6. NLCB Buccaneers - From Beyond (The Original De Fosto)
7. Excellent Stores Silver Stars - Frenzy (Denyse Plummer)
8. HCL Valley Harps - From Beyond (The Original De Fosto)

LARGE CATEGORY
1. TCL Group Skiffle Bunch - Pan Night and Day ( Aldwyn Roberts “Kitchener”)
2. Sagicor Exodus - From Beyond (The Original De Fosto)
3. BWIA Invaders - Say Say (Timothy Watkins “Baron”)
4. Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars - Free Up (Christopher Herbert “Tambu”)
5. BPTT Renegades - From Beyond (The Original De Fosto)
6. WITCO Desperadoes - Action (Emmanuel Sinnette “Oba”)
7. RBTT Redemption Sound Setters - From Beyond (The Original De Fosto)
8. Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove- Trini Gone Wild (Colin Lucas)