Celebrate World Steelpan Day in Times Square

On Sunday, August 9th, was a busy cultural day throughout New York City, with multiple events across the boroughs, including the Dominican Day Parade, the Machel Montano concert in Central Park and the Steelpan Concert in Times Square.

I had the opportunity to witness a performance on Sunday night in Times Square and it was certainly a unique performance in one of the busiest tourist hotspots of New York City. It was a hot day. NYC was experiencing another heat wave in a summer that is living up to its reputation. In 92 degree weather, anyone would have forgiven you for staying cool, in your air-conditioned apartment instead of going to one of the most people-packed spots in the world. This was not the case for me as I arrived in Times Square.

Right in front of the red steps, fittingly, was a sea of red, white and black flags surrounding a gated area, where a concert by steelpan player was in rare performance.

Photo: Consulate-genera

The steelpan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, transformed in the late 1930’s from metal industrial oil drums into a refined musical instrument after colonial authorities banned traditional drums in public celebrations. Steelpan represents the resilience and creativity of Trinidad and Tobago people which anchors their musical culture as a distinct part of modern history. The steelpan is the only unique acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century. Pan venues, or panyards as they are called, act as communal spaces where people from all over can come together, enjoy music while bridging generational, economic and cultural divides through a universal love of music. It is also a competitive pastime in Trinidad and Tobago, where arrangers earn their respect by competing in the national competition known as Panorama, the only steelpan competition in the world that matters, as I have been told.

I was able to see the end of the performance by the Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra, a Brooklyn-based and extremely respected ensemble. They are back-to-back New York WIADCA Panorama champions and have been a force since 2015. They produced an electric performance with sounds reverberating off the choir of buildings encircling Times Square, instantly told me how much energy was in the area. On such a busy and hot day, it was amazing to see a congregation of the Caribbean-American diaspora, with people dancing, singing, flags waving, and smiles on their faces. Times Square was a great place to host an event like this because of its international and tourist presence. Tourists from Asia, Europe, and all around the world were swinging to the rhythm, stopping to watch and film. Hence, showing the power of steelpan and Caribbean music as a whole, in a city of possibility and dreams.

As New York City continues to show its versatility as a cultural host, some of its most name-brand locations can be transformed into a “panyard” for a day showing the beauty of the city, how it displays diverse sides and remains one of the world’s great cultural cities. Now the next events to look forward to are BlockoMania and, of course, the annual West Indian America Day Parade on September 7th.

What Caribbean event are you anticipating?