Last Sunday's musical presentation featuring reigning Under-21 National Junior Panorama champions Success Stars Pan Sounds held at Queen's Hall, St Ann's, Port-of-Spain, was not just another pan show; it was a scintillating music event. Ideally titled Beyond the Stars, the production, conceived by officials of the youth steel orchestra, was a clear reminder of why the band proudly held the title of champion, but more significantly, it underscored the fact that steelpan music has real vibes. The artistically gifted Morvant/ Laventille youths accurately communicated this having found their comfort zone while in the spotlight and delivered superb entertainment to lusty applause and fervent cheers.
Brilliantly played caressing notes on steel filled the ears of the small, attentive, but no doubt lively audience from the young and dynamic cast. They showcased a repertoire rich with present-day chart-topping pop and soca music hits, as well as other genres current and past from international entertainers such as Bruno Mars, Jackson Five, Whitney Houston, Handel Messiah, and the Original De Fosto (Winston Scarborough). The turnout failed to dampen the spirit of these young entertainers under the music direction of Mickiel Gabriel, Gerelle Forbes and guest conductor Marcus Ash. The pannists, along with their musical friends were fiery during their respective spotlight appearances at the concert that was made for television.
The line-up of guest artistes included steelpan soloist Noel La Pierre, the University of the West Indies Ensemble, St Margaret's Boys Steel Orchestra, Explainer (Winston Henry) and the Prizgar Land Folk Performers all of whom contributed nicely to sustaining the programme's integrity. Gabriel, speaking through the programme's foreword, noted the fact that since he was asked to revive the band-starting with its appearance and ultimate victory at the Sanfest competition in the Pan Ensemble category in 2010, to this year's National Junior Panorama win-there had been a general improvement in the grades of students.
Forbes, on the other hand, drove home the point that pannists with Success Stars Pan Sounds had an innate thirst for music knowledge complemented by a desire to experience the various facets of the performing world, too. She said: "What more can teachers ask for, as it makes the process easier. What I love the most about this bunch are their individual personalities and the band's unity personality." Success Stars Pan Sounds gave the audience a lot more than just its penchant for music excellence and showmanship.
Patrons experienced the love that abounds within the band when tenor pan section leader Brenton Joseph was presented with a cake for his 15th birthday. Citing that the concert was held on the day of his birth, and in lieu that he had to sacrifice all other activities due to the demands of the concert, the band celebrated him publicly. Joseph was unclear what to do when the announcement was made. He blushed at first, and then placed the palms of his hands over his face in an effort to hide his expression, before stepping from behind his trademark instrument to receive his gift from band percussionist and national volleyball athlete Akim Bushe.
The audience erupted in laughter to Joseph's initial reaction and applauded the open display of affection. There is no doubt that Beyond the Stars saw pannists attached to Success Stars Pan Sounds take the steelband music concert experience to another exciting level which undoubtedly left those privileged to receive the well thought of offerings mesmerised. But with all that quality music-making, there is a question that begs an answer from the band. Were members covertly taking dance lessons at Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon's "wining university" leading up to the show or were they demonstrating a natural Trinbagonian response to sweet pulsating soca music?
Well, either way the band sent the audience into a state of frenzy while executing spicy dance moves during a soca medley that included David Rudder's Oil and Music; Chris Garcia's Chutney Bacchanal, Stalin's (Dr Leroy Calliste) Party and Benjai's (Rodney Le Blanc) Trini. Concert sponsors should take comfort in knowing that their investment in these youths was not in vein, citing that the presentation which was not oversubscribed, was held to raise funds towards the purchase of new instruments.