On August 27, the intimate stage at Kafe Blue pulsed with the adage “Music is Love,” as ten distinguished musicians gathered for Pan by Storm, a stirring tribute to the late Ken “Professor” Philmore. The evening became both a celebration of his music and a reminder of his towering legacy in the steelpan world.
Five leading pannists took the spotlight: Jimmy Phillip, playing his uniquely designed, ultra-short-skirt tenor pan; Johann Chuckaree; Darren Sheppard; Duvone Stewart on tenor; and Dennis Smith on double seconds. They were joined by guitarist Dean Williams, bassist Russell Durity, keyboardist Wayne Guerra, percussionist Kenneth Clarke and drummer Richard Joseph, whose combined energy engulfed the room in waves of sound.
Philmore, remembered as a well-respected, larger-than-life pannist and the first to earn the informal title “Professor of Pan,” created the signature tune Pan by Storm with Fonclaire Steel Orchestra. It remains one of the most beloved Panorama pieces ever written—and served as the evening’s unifying anthem.
Produced by Gary Cardinez and Diane Duprey as part of the 11th Pan in D’ Kafe series, the event was hosted by Carl and Carol Jacobs.
Each performance drew a line back to Professor, with many musicians sharing personal memories. The tribute also extended to the late Mark Loquan, a composer who collaborated closely with Philmore. Condolences were offered to Loquan’s widow, Patricia, who attended alongside Professor’s sisters Antoinette and Gail Philmore, veteran announcer Sharon Pitt, Dr Anton Cumberbatch, Mark Guerra—a frequent collaborator of Professor—and other friends.
Professor’s widow, Sophia, was visibly moved by the outpouring. The night’s most poignant moments came from Darren Sheppard, now Fonclaire’s CEO, arranger and music director, who has been widely seen as Philmore’s successor.
Before performing his solo, Sheppard surprised the audience by revealing: “Ironically, today’s my birthday.”
Vocal coach Glenda Collens responded by serenading him, and he received a spontaneous gift from the crowd.
Across a 19-tune set list, the storm gathered force. Guest artiste Duvone Stewart electrified the room with Pan in A Minor, another Philmore-produced favourite.
The climax came when all ten musicians joined for Pan by Storm, directed and performed by Stewart, which brought patrons to their feet, cheering and calling for more.
Philmore’s family and friends expressed deep satisfaction with the show, a sentiment echoed by the capacity crowd. Sound engineer Marcus Sammy kept the audio crisp throughout the night, and organisers Cardinez and the Jacobs thanked attendees and praised the young servers who helped make the evening seamless.
What began as a tribute ended as a celebration—a living testament to “Professor” Philmore’s enduring influence on pan, and to the community of artistes keeping his spirit alive.
