Fans pick Exodus, Silver Stars in semis

Pan Trinbago set a new record at Sunday’s staging of the national Panorama semi-finals at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, when judging in the competition wrapped up before the stroke of midnight. The presentation of 30 conventional steel orchestras in the categories: small, medium and large, started just after 1 pm and lasted almost 11 hours—ending at 11.58—beating patron expectations.

Judging from the mixed weather patterns and the sometimes slow pace at which a few of the bands took the stage, pan lovers firmly believed they would not have left the Savannah before 12.45 am. However, the pace quickened.

When San Juan-based Pamberi closed the music fare with its rendition of Shadow’s Ecstasy arranged by Cheo Cato, it was 11.58 pm and many patrons were left wondering “what to do next.” In the absence of published results from Pan Trinbago—as they await judging in similar categories in Tobago—the court of public opinion was called to order to preside over and give its verdict on refined performances in the high anticipated large conventional category.

Naturally, they zoomed in on the large conventional bands, which in their view represented the keenest competition on the day’s playbill. And, in their ruling defending champion Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove and arch music rival Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars were not atop the list, but are finalists.

Premium places went to Newtown-based Silver Stars Steel Orchestra and four-time national Panorama champion Sagicor Exodus for their renditions. Silver Stars excited music lovers with its colour rendition of First In Line composed and arranged by Edwin Pouchet, while Sagicor Exodus communicated the mood of T&T with its treatment of Festival Time.

Pelham Goddard arranged and composed the music selection for Exodus.
When Silver Stars took the stage at 9.09 pm the audience rated the band as “the best thing to cross the stage,” in this category. Almost two-and-a-half hours later Exodus delivered its musical wares to the delight of the savannah and received an equal rating. Six-time Panorama “champs” Trinidad All Stars opened the competition for conventional large bands playing Pan Rivalry arranged by Leon “Smooth” Edwards, but Caribbean Airlines Invaders brought its own winning elements too.

Both were given a warm savannah welcome when the appeared on stage with PCS Nitrogen Starlift and Birdsong respectively. Starlift played First In Line and Birdsong’s rendition was Just Right. Being out of the championship spotlight for some time it was all about music redemption for Witco Desperadoes. When nine-time Panorama champion bp Renegades took the stage it was all about tributes and the affection went to legendary arranger/composer Dr Jit Samaroo.

All eyes were on reigning Panorama champion Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove as the band seeks to attain a hattrick in the competition.
Playing Magic Drums composed and arranged by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, the band saw its media attention spiked when Machel Montano joined Boogsie at the front of the band during the performance.