Pan Trinbago's experiment of using the Pleasantville Community Centre grounds for the South-Central region single-pan band preliminaries is being hailed as a resounding success. Chairman of the Pan Trinbago South Central Region Elton Bain said it was a footprint his organisation would like to use in the future. He said the ambience provided with the bleachers, the $40 entrance fee and the community-oriented venue all added to a "nice turnout" of pan lovers on Sunday evening.
During the half-time break in the competition, patrons were entertained by the Siparia Rhythm Section, which later joined Kaizen Fusion Steel Orchestra, led by Darren Sheppard, and the house DJ for an after-pan party which ended well after midnight. Bain said in the recent past, since the competition moved out of Skinner Park, Coffee Street became the venue for this pre-Carnival event. "Coffee Street did not generate any revenue, so in an effort to be self-sufficient and give back to the bands, we decided to use this enclosed area and I must say it was very successful." Sunday evening's competition saw ten bands compete for a place in the semi-final round which is scheduled to take place on February 26, at a venue to be announced.
Among the competing bands were Shades In Steel, Pan Revival, Fyzabad 4th Dimension, New Age Trendsetters, Highlighters, St Thomas Silver Stars, Rio Claro Koskeros, La Romaine Super Vibes, Jah Roots and Self Help Marines. By far the most popular tune on Sunday evening was Benjai's Trini, which was played by at least three bands. Other bands chose some vintage selections such as Lord Kitchener's Mas In May, Mighty Sparrow's Drunk and Disorderly, Denise Plummer's Nah Leaving, and Iwer George's Nah Do That. Fay Ann Lyons' Alvarez' Tell No Lies, Destra Garcia's Rewind, and Len Boogsie Sharpe's Do Something For Pan, completed the tunes chosen by the single-pan bands. Four bands from each of the regions-Tobago, North, East and South/Central-will advance to the semi-final round.