Party-style launch for Panorama 2014

Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz said Friday’s party-style launch of Panorama 2014 was inspired by Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra. For over a decade, the Duke Street-based steelband has been staging a Carnival fete, Soca by the River, in an effort to create a space for steelpan music which has lost its place on the major party circuit during the Carnival season.

Sweet sounds on steel, as well as pulsating soca music from Roy Cape All Stars, filled the Grand Stand of the Queen’s Park Savannah to herald the start of this year’s edition of Panorama. The popular competition is in its 51st year. 

Before Roy Cape’s time in the spotlight, which featured a special guest appearance by Black Stalin (Leroy Calliste), patrons enjoyed performances by Fusion Steel, Steel Xplosion, Freelancers, Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars and reigning National Panorama champion Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove.

Diaz said: “Soca by the River is a good idea and we should support this. So I said okay, if they can do that let’s try and see how our show comes off and next year we will try and see how we can increase it. The launch is to show (fete) promoters that we still have steelbands that can perform in a party. Now they have vocalists in steelbands.”