Pan Jazz 2010 is a sell-out at Lincoln Center
By MISANI
Special to the AmNews

Well, if you missed Pan Jazz 2010 on Saturday, June 19, you missed one of the major Caribbean multidisciplinary events for National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Everybody was there for the sold-out sixth annual extrava- ganza that took over Lincoln Center in New York City from late in the afternoon ’til almost midnight.
From the Atrium, the site of the Taste of the Caribbean Fes- tival, to the Frederick P. Rose Hall, this was the venue for the extraordinary music concert that featured the Trinidad- born, U.S.-based, multi-talented bandleader/trumpet player Eti- enne Charles with his extraor- dinary band: Ben Williams (bass), Brennan Temple (Drums), Jacques Schwartz-Bart (sax), as well as several Shango drum- mers and a brilliant rhythm
section. They were all there, lavishly
entertaining the audience on a stage with a bigger-than-life set and costumes of the design genius from Trinidad & Toba- go, the reigning MAS king, the popular, widely acclaimed Brian MacFarlane (who I will be interviewing in the near future). This was major!
And the queen. The exqui- site Wendy Fitzwilliams, the former Miss Trinidad & Toba- go Universe/Miss Universe, hosted the event. Well, “Mamayo,” this was the icing on the cake.
There were also the Positive Force dancers portraying mythical folklore characters (Papa Bois, La Diablesse, the Douens) of Trinidad & Tobago, bringing to life Charles’ char- acters from his latest album, “Folklore” (2009). 3 Canal 1, the popular Trinidadian Rapso genre artists, also did their
thing, stretching splendidly to cross over into the jazz genre for this amazing show, pro- duced by Abstract Entertain- ment Inc.: Ralph K. Ramsey, CEO/founder; Wayne Henry, managing partner; and Daryl Ramsey, VP/creative director.
And then, the centerpiece attraction, the steel pans— Trinidad & Tobago’s innova- tive musical instrument of the 20th century. In the hands of the phenomenal, young pan- nists Leon Foster Thomas, Andre White and Freddy Har- ris III, it was quite an out-of- body experience. The music was so sweet, I thought I had died, gone to paradise and been sent back to Rose Hall to document this enchanting, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Yes! These new generations of pannists from Trinidad & Tobago are beyond fierce. They are all super-talented artists of the highest caliber. And Leon Foster Thomas! Through his playing, he was transformed into one of the mythical char- acters—the spirit of the pans. It’s as if when he plays, he becomes one with the steel pans before the audience’s eyes. His artistry is unrivaled. His playing style riveting. And his stage personality domi- nant. He is absolutely charm- ing and works intensely hard at his craft, both as a musician and composer, yet makes it look so effortless.
He is also very creative, as reflected in a publicity photo of him seated on a stool with his steel pan beside him against
the backdrop of the blue, sparkling waters and greenery of Trinidad & Tobago. Talk about a picture postcard, and you have it. Thomas is a power- ful force on the steel pans, and he, along with Harris and White, brilliantly hold the next generation legacy of Trinidad’s pans in their hands. (I will be interviewing Thomas, Harris and White in the near future.)
The crowd loved every moment of Pan Jazz 2010. Fes- tively attired for the occasion, the multi-generational Pan Jazz aficionados kept pouring into Rose Hall, so much so, in fact, that I gladly gave up my press seats to accommodate some paying patrons who had traveled all the way from Trinidad, Nigeria and New Jer- sey for this festive occasion. Lincoln Center had become Mecca, and everyone could see with their own eyes that the Caribbean community, a pas- sionate sweeping force similar to the great wave of immigrants from the islands to America in the ’40s, is supportive of their culture and their artists.
Adding their support were a virtual who’s who of the Caribbean community, includ- ing: Dr. Harold Robertson, con- sul general of Trinidad & Toba- go; as well as the other con- sulates, Yolanda Lezama, presi- dent of the West Indian Ameri- can Day Carnival Association (WIADCA); Jean Alexander, president of the Caribbean American Center of N.Y. and a WIADCA executive; Sandra Bell; Margo Jordan, photogra-pher; and Carl Fay and Michelle Rodney, publishers of the Carib News, just to mention a few, as well as yours truly, executive director of the Inter- national Caribbean American Diaspora (ICAD) Film, Theatre & Literary Festival, Inc.
There were also sponsor rep- resentatives of Pan Jazz in attendance, including a Moet Hennessy executive (Sybil Chester), Allan’s Bakery, Sugar Cane, Tropical Paradise, Negril Village, Spoon Bread, Heineken, Trinidad & Tobago Marketing Challenges International, as well an executive from Caribbean Airlines, the official airlines of Pan Jazz, which con- tinues in the U.K, in the fall.

For further information about Pan Jazz, visit the website www.panjazz.com as well as the Pan Jazz newsletter: www.pan- jazz.com/news/may10.htm.
To contact the “Caribbean Lingo!” series, which pays tribute to Caribbean Diaspora artists and artforms of the highest cal- iber, please e-mail our team at Caribbeanlingo@gmail.com.

Ira Sullivan, Joe Donato, Dante Luciani, Jeff Zavac, Andy Harlow, and Roberto Rodriquez are just a few of the stellar artists who've wowed audiences at Miami Wings. With no cover nor drink minimum, Miami Wings is the place to be on Thursdays.

The Russians Came!

Russian jazz keyboardist, Natalia Smirnova and her fellow countryman, drummer Oleg Butman are just two of the recent surprises who graced the stage and wowed an enthusiatic crowd at Miami Wings.

You never know who will show up, and that's beauty of the Live Thursday Jazz Jams at Miami Wings. The family-style restaurant in Cutler Bay, Miami known for it's succulent chicken wings, ribs, conch fritters, sandwiches, beer, wine, and soft drinks is now the hot spot for straight ahead jazz. With no cover charge or minimum drink requirement, Miami Wings offers an atmoshpere where folks can relax and enjoy some top notch entertainment.

Anchored by a core group that includes alto saxophonist Steve Kirkland, drummer Mike Cohen, bassist Joe Yeargin, guitarist Brian Russell, and keyboardist Ryan Ellis, the "Wings Band" routinely delivers show-stopping performances reminiscent of an authentic New York City jazz club. Many of the standards are eloquently improvised and there's always someone lurking among the audience, with instrument in hand, eagerly awaiting to join the ensemble.

All competent musicians and vocalists are welcome, and one by one, week after week, the surprises flow. Recently, a pair of Russian musicians appeared. keyboardist Natalia Smirnova and drummer Oleg Butman brought the house down teaming with the locals for a rendition of "All the Things You Are." The joint really got jumping when no fewer than ten musicains crammed the small stage. Joining the party were University of Miami music professor/artist Dante Luciani, and steel drum great Leon Foster Thomas, among others.

Butman who's been performing since 1984 and Smirnova since 2000 are originally from Moscow, Russia and were in Miami for a short visit. The duo, who soaked up every second of their experience has several recorded compostions and promised to make a return trip to Miami Wings.

With a well established gig, and continuos exposure, Miami Wings is truly a gem within the city that's appreciated by locals and visitor's alike.

Miami Wings Events:

Thursday Night Jazz Jams (9:00pm - Midnight)

Caribbean Night on Saturdays (9:00pm - 2:00am)

Address: 19401 South Dixie Highway, Cutler Bay, Miami, Florida. Phone: 305-253-7778

Website: www.miami-wings.com

Leon "Foster" Thomas won the solo category of the World Steelband Music Festival on Saturday night, dethroning defending champion Sophia Subero, who ended up in fourth place.

Playing his own composition, "Me and the Storm", Foster, a Trinidadian representing Florida Memorial College (FMC)in the United States, who is studying for his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music, scored 282 points.

He was 15 points ahead of his closest challenger, Alfred Harris, another FMC student, who played "Mystery" composed by Errol Garner and scored 267 points.

These two tops places were a repeat of last Thursday’s semi-final round of competition at the St James Amphitheatre, when Foster led the field with 274 points, while Harris earned 261 points. Both showed significant improvement in their musical offerings with Foster gaining eight marks and Harris, six.

American Andy Akiho placed third playing the musical selection "Macqueripe."

It was not a good night for defending champion Sophia Subero, of Exodus, who had to settle for fourth place with her challenging performance of "Czardas" in which she combined a single tenor and double tenor pans.

Apart from the soloists competition, Saturday night’s programme also saw keen competition in the ensemble category. A new winner was also named in this category, with the title going to newcomers UWI Festival Ensemble.

Under the direction of Jessel Murray the band scored 549 points playing "Last Year’s Happiness" composed and sung by The Mighty Terror (Fitzgerald Henry) and "Serenade for String" by Tchaikovsky.

Following the decision of joint defending champion Florida Memorial College to sit out this year’s festival, it was left up to the other defending band, Tipica Steel Orchestra to try to hold on to the top spot. However, the band gathered just enough points to settle in fourth place.

Rhapsody Rebirth Steel Orchestra from Arima attracted a great deal of interest when conductor Colin Chambers was so animated he almost fell off the stage. Golden Hands Steel Orchestra, under the direction of Franka Hill earned sustained applause and a standing ovation for its performance of the test piece, so too did Exodus for the Latin dance number "Bailamos".

The focus now shifts to the orchestra category, on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain where 17 local, regional and international bands will try to dethrone reigning champion TCL Group Skiffle Bunch.

How they placed:

Soloists
1. Leon Foster Thomas USA 282
2. Alfred Harris USA 267
3. Andy Akiho USA 267
4. Sophia Subero Trinidad 266
5. Marc Douglas Trinidad 260
6. Jason Peters Trinidad 258
7. Khuent Rose USA 250
8. Shenelle Abraham Trinidad 250
9. Shiron Cooper Trinidad 250
10. Mia Gormandy Trinidad 246
11. Rozelle-Anne Polydore 246

Ensembles:
1. UWI Festival Ensemble (Trinidad ) 549
2. Exodus (Trinidad) 529
3. Golden Hands (Trinidad) 526
4. Tipica Steel Orchestra (Trinidad) 520
5. Piton Diamonds (St Lucia) 510
6. South East PoS Steel Orchestra 500
7. Tornadoes Steel Orchestra (Trinidad) 480
8. Rhapsody Rebirth Steel Orchestra (Trinidad) 467
9. Tamana Pioneers Steel Orchestra (Trinidad) 464
10. Humming Birds (Trinidad) 444

By Sean Nero
Newsday
Article

Austin, Texas - The 12th annual Inside Out Steelband Festival featured Leon "Foster" Thomas performing his original music last week at the One World Theatre in Austin, Texas.

This event showcased steelbands from McCallum High School, Covington Middle School, and Bowie High School alongside a world-renowned steel drum performer.  Previous years have featured Ray Holman, Liam Teague, Tom Miller, Ras Iginga and Andy Narell.
Leon "Foster" Thomas was chosen as the featured artist for 2009 for his virtuosic ability and strong jazz sensibility. He spent several days in Austin coaching the participating ensembles in preparation for the concert, and sharing with them his experiences as a performer in Trinidad and abroad. 

In addition to Foster's original compositions, last week's concert featured new music from Austin's own pool of talent: CJ Menge - founder of the Inside Out Steel Pan Project, Matt Ehlers - director of the McCallum High School "Knights of Steel", Emily Lemmerman and Darren Dyke - both steeldrum craftsmen, and Josh Lumsden - member of the Covington Middle School steelband.  The program also reflected Trinidadian tradition by including two Panorama pieces and a classical arrangement.

The Inside Out Steel Pan Project is the unifying steelband organization in central Texas, and is dedicated to advocacy and advancement of steel drums in the community.  As a result of its efforts, at least fifteen curricular steelbands exist in Austin schools, four large community bands rehearse weekly, and an annual summer camp is available for children ages 10-18.  Because of Inside Out and its associated programs, Austin has become established as a thriving community and center of contemporary steelband activity.

By Emily Lemmerman

Article

Everything seems to be “in a timing” for Jazz musician Leon “Foster” Thomas - from his chance romance with the steelpan – to his application to university – to his recent performance before United States Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama at Bank Atlantic Center, Florida.

From the age of three, the young Foster was already making his presence felt on the cultural landscape on the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago with the Katumba Drummers led by his late father Loderick “Rollo” Foster.

At age thirteen while still at San Fernando East Junior Secondary School he was invited by his pannist friend, Roger Charles, to share his drumming skills with the Pleasantville Senior Comprehensive School Steelband for the music festival.


Leon ‘Foster’ Thomas (right) at the Callaloo Jazz Concert
with Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore (left)

Leon was on a short visit to Trinidad and took time out to be a guest on WACK Radio 90.1 FM’s “Pan Diaspora” - the monthly interactive feature which lends an ear to persons who contribute towards the promotion of the steelpan as an art form outside of its place of birth – Trinidad and Tobago. He explained to hosts D.J. Heshimu and Hollis Clifton that he could easily have gone to the University of Arizona had it not been for the goodwill of the mother of his close friend and fellow pannist, Khion De Las and that of Dr. Dawn Batson. This enabled him to be the recipient of a scholarship as a drummer to Florida Memorial University in Miami (FMU), Florida.

Prior to his teenage years, Leon revealed that he had no appreciation for pan or classical music. All he cared for was playing African drums. This was until he heard Roger Charles arranging a piece of music for Pleasantville Senior Comprehensive School Steelband. The tune was sung by Calypsonian Baron (Timothy Watkins) entitled “Somebody.” That struck a note in him. It was so mellifluous that whenever the band took a break he (the drummer [Leon]) would grab a pair of sticks and pick the tune on the tenor pan. Thereafter the pan became his numero uno musical instrument.

Foster remembers his late mother, Hillouise Foster, telling him that his father used to play pan with Free French Steel Orchestra but he had never really seen the band or his father perform. This must have been his first influence in pan.

Leon’s panmanship has been influenced by ace pannists Ken “Professor” Philmore, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and the late Clive Bradley. Other local musical arrangers who influenced him include Roger Charles, Darren Sheppard, Ray Holman, Clive and Carlton “Zander” Alexander and Brian “Bean” Griffith. He is ever so grateful to the “Professor” who became his mentor since he heard him play at Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad in 1997 for Pan Ramajay. Foster recalls that “Pro” literally had the audience eating out of his hands. “Nuff respect” to Ken.

In 2002 Leon went to Trinidad to take part in the World Steelband Music Festival (WSMF) in the Soloist Category, and won. He returned to Florida to a rousing welcome as it dawned upon the institution that the world’s number one pannist was a student at FMU. This feat saw the photo of Leon, the victor grace the cover of the school’s music department’s course catalog for the next academic year. This drew immense respect for the pan and the pannist alike. Two years later he won the Duet Category of the WSMF with fellow student Aleah Nicholson.

At his graduation in 2005 he received the “Most Outstanding Student Award” in the music department. He was also instrumental in starting the “Sweet Tuesday Jazz Jam Session” which featured great musicians such as Lou Donaldson, Melton Mustafa, Pewee Ellis, and Ken “Professor” Philmore among others. This open jam session gave the students the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience as well as exposing people on campus to local and international talent.

Leon made time to do gigs whenever possible. On one such occasion at a gospel convention in Orlando, Florida, Foster played the piece entitled “I Believe I Can Fly.” He reminisced the audience being so moved that at the end of his performance there were vast numbers of people queuing up to get his autograph. That opened his eyes to the power of music. During his European tour with the American Gospel Choir people were eager to know what the instrument (pan) was and they thought his hands were moving like lightning. He often found himself having to educate his audience on the history of the instrument. In, lamentation Leon interjects of times, when he informs that the steelpan is native to Trinidad and Tobago, the question which often followed was, “what part of Jamaica is Trinidad ?”

To date Leon has produced one live Jazz album with his band Krossover Jazz and is currently working on his solo album to be released this summer. He has performed at countless jazz festivals, classical concerts and carnivals throughout the Caribbean, the United States and Europe. Foster has performed and worked with world–renowned artistes inclusive of James Moody, Nathan Davis, Mark Whitfield, Billy Taylor, Abraham Laboriel and Melton Mustafa.

As a composer, he wrote a piece for the late Shiron Cooper entitled “Call of the Amerindians” which gave her victory at the twenty–sixth Bi–annual Music Festival in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Again, Michigan’s Oakland University Steelband was the recipient of a grant for him to compose the music for their upcoming CD, “Chamber of Steel.”

Foster is currently the arranger for Miami Pan Symphony Steel Orchestra which has won the Annual Miami Carnival Bomb Competition for the last three years. The band comprises high school and college students of Caribbean descent. His vision for the future is to arrange for a conventional steelband in his native Trinidad as well as continuing to perform and compose.

Whenever he returns to Trinidad for carnival Leon has played for panorama with the following steelbands:
- Phase II Pan Groove twice, including once as their drummer
- Invaders
- Siparia Deltones
- Silver Stars
- Skiffle Bunch
- Courts Laventille Sound Specialist
- Simple Sound of Arima
- Fonclaire



by Hollis Clifton
Pan Diaspora Visionary
Article

The minor categories of the Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Music Festival-Pan is Beautiful XI came off last weekend at the La Joya Complex, Eastern Main Road, St Joseph to the most disappointing audiences seen at any event in recent times.

From the start on Thursday evening to the end on Saturday evening if there were 100 paying patrons things would have been good.

In his opening remarks on Thursday Pan Trinbago's President Patrick Arnold said, "Once again we come together to celebrate the wonders of our instrument, the artistry of the musicians and the skill of the musical directors and arrangers."

He also saw the eleventh edition of Pan is Beautiful as, "An opportunity for our young musicians to demonstrate their appreciation for beautiful music and more than that, for these future maestros of the art to seek to inspire others."

But maybe nobody told Mr Arnold that the hardest thing for any entertainer is to come on stage and perform to an empty hall. Where is the appreciation for his hard work and determination? Three people sitting and judging his performance is not what a music festival is about. Musicians feed off of an audience. This was the National Steelband Music Festival; Pan Trinbago needs to get people to attend these competitions so the musicians would feel the appreciation. Yes they play it with pride but to what end?

Unfortunately the Trinidad and Tobago public missed out on an array of fantastic music composed and arranged by some locals. First there was Carry Codrington's "From Kumasi to La Trinidad" a piece which took the SWMCOL Pan Family to winner's row in the Single Pan Category.

Then there was "Daydream" composed by Leon Foster Thomas for NLCB Fonclaire and another winning song "Message from the Drums" composed by Kenneth Guppy for Stryke Stars as they took the title in the Ensemble Category.

This is not to say that the other songs played by the Single Pan Bands or Ensemble were not up to standard. Tamana Pioneers were excellent with their rendition of Joey Lewis' "Pint O Wine".

Gary Cardinez
Trinidad Express
www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_features