THE SWEET SOUNDS from the steel pan and the rhythmic beats from the tuk band were enough to whip the crowd into a frenzy at the Everything Bajan Evening Of Pan.
Those who gathered on the damp grounds two Saturdays ago at the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) headquarters, George Street, St Michael, enjoyed the evening of local music, despite the light showers.
Combermere School Steel Orchestra was well received as the opening act. One pan lover was overheard saying: “These little children talented.”
Emcee for the evening, calypsonian Smokey Burke kept things flowing steadily while he showed his musical versatility between acts.
Fire breather Pedro Phenomenal Arthur elicited gasps as he smothered fire with his tongue and reignited the smoking sticks with kerosene from his mouth.
The Darryl Jordan Secondary School Steel Orchestra had a sweet set and the energy of the evening shot up a notch when past Parkinson Secondary School student and saxophonist Mylon Clarke joined them to serenade the crowd with his musical magic.
Organiser of the evening, DLP general secretary George Pilgrim encouraged all Barbadians to take part in the celebrations this year, reminding those here and visiting to cast aside any political differences.
“We want people to celebrate with us this year. We can’t and don’t lay claim to 50, so we want those here to celebrate the moment,’ he explained. “There is only one Barbados and one 50; you should set aside those political differences at least for this year.” (MR)