All Stars Panyard

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As the guide book says, "When Christopher Columbus discovered Trinidad he stumbled into a party, and the locals have been partying ever since." It is in fact home to one of the biggest parties in the world- Carnival! And is also the birthplace of both calypso and steel pan music. So in order to experience this aspect of Trinidad's culture we went to a panyard for an impromptu steel drum concert. But not just any panyard, we went to the All Stars Panyard, probably one of the most famous steel bands here in Trinidad. The All Stars travel all over the world, playing the big concert halls. And they are also the 6 time winners of the Panorama Competition here in Trinidad (which is the big steel pan competition at Carnival) and have won many other numerous other awards.

Now the steel pan music that is played here is not like anything else you have ever heard. In fact, the first time we heard pan music was in Grenada when the youth pan band was practicing Bach's 4th symphony for carnival. It sounded like an orchestra and almost made me cry. Who could have ever thought that the music I was listening to could come out of a steel drum? Although I quickly learned that you achieve the sound of a cello or clarinet or oboe by combining the different steel drums together, creating harmony. And the Steel Bands here are made up of 40-50 people who play over 100 steel drums at once. The music that comes out is intoxicating- fun and loud and energetic. You can't help but jump up and start dancing along.

Although there is nothing like listening to pan music live, we did find these videos of the All Stars playing at Panorama 2007 on youtube that you can check out. The web address is:

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Photos

All Stars Panyard
Who knew steel drums could sound like this?!?!

Pan Music
Can't you just feel the rhythem!

Steel Drums
Intoxicating- makes you want to jump up and dance!

Rockin' Out
Rockin' out with the All Stars!

Awards and Trophys
Just some of the awards and trophys that the All Stars won.