WeBeat Festival in St. James, Trinidad - The sounds of steelpan resonate in St. James over the next couple of days during the annual WeBeat festival
Come Sunday June 9, three of the original St. James steelbands, Scrunters Pan Groove, St. James Tripolians and Power Stars, will come together under the banner “Small But Large”, at the St. James Park & Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James, from 6:30 p.m.
The free concert, “Small But Large”, is an initiative of Keith Simpson, Manager of St. James Tripolians, who decided to stage this event as a gift to the people of St. James and also in the memory of Earl Crosby, first President of the St. James CIC and Chairman of the WeBeat St. James Live Committee.
Simpson say: “We may be considered Small Bands but we are large in our hearts and conviction to ensure (steel) pan remains alive. Although each of the bands is unsponsored, all costs related to the event are being borne by the respective bands. Special thanks go out to Alexis Hope, manager of Scrunters Pan Groove and Gregory Lindsay, manager of Power Stars, for their support.” Power Stars, was last year’s recipient of the St. James Committee WeBeat2018 award.
The other steelpan-related activity is the second edition of the popular “Five A Side” Steelband competition. This event takes place on Thursday June 13, at the same venue. Starting time is 8:00 p.m. Cover charge is T$150.00. The competition was initially staged in 2006 under producer Alvin Daniell with nine finalists including Starlift Junior Band, Siparia Deltones, St. James Tripolians, Scrunters Pan Groove and Codrington Pan Family, who emerged winner.
This year’s competition minus the skit is sponsored by TSTT/bmobile and endorsed by Pan Trinbago Inc. T.C. is produced by the St. James CIC and assisted by Keith Simpson, Pan Trinbago Trustee. The competition is open to both Single Pan Bands and Conventional Bands.
last of the steelpan activity is the Parade along the Western Main Road, St. James, on Saturday June 15, from 7:00 p.m.
by Pan Trinbago Media/Communications
