Part of this essay was previously presented at the Trinidad and Tobago Folk Arts Institute’s symposium on Lord Kitchener at Medgar Evers College (City University of New York), January, 2009.   Calypso-Happy A United Nations survey published in 2013 found Trinbagonians to be the happiest people in the Caribbean.[i] The findings attributed this feeling of… … Continue reading Shadow, Kitchener and the License to Leggo! | Shadowlingo →

PanTrinbago is a cultural organization which was incorporated by Act of Parliament, 5 of 1986. It formerly operated and was registered as a Union representing the interest of steelpan players. The general membership of the steelband Movement decided that it would better serve their interests in the development and promotion of the steelband, to become … Continue reading A link to Pan Trinbago’ website →

Listening to those classic panorama tunes of yesteryear by Solo Harmonites , Desperadoes , All Stars  and others set me thinking. There have been significant changes in the style of panorama music and arrangements over the decades , and  after some thought, I've drawn a couple conclusions Feel free to agree or disagree. My first … Continue reading Panorama arrangements, Then and Now. →

(Courtesy Gypsy Jazz UK) Fitzroy Coleman - Jazz Guitarist Fizroy Coleman, 76, was born in Alfredo Street, Woodbrook. His father, a steamroller driver, played the guitar for amusement, but did not want young Fitzroy to touch his prized instrument. So, he improvised one by nailing a flat pan to a piece of wood and stringing … Continue reading Remembering Fitzroy Coleman, a legendary Trinidadian jazz guitarist. →