Pan on the Promenade

BY GABRIEL BLACMANN AND LAQUESHA BAILEY (NYLO INTERNS)

THE Brian Lara Promenade was alive with the sound of pan music when Pan Trinbago hosted an exhibition yesterday. Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz expressed hope the event would promote appreciation for the national instrument and knowledge about its past. When asked about the choice of location, he said, “We realise every person passing by stops to watch...women, children, those on their way to work.”

The exhibition showcased the craftsmanship of pans made here from the early 1950s to present. Previously, the country imported drums but the exhibition highlighted a new variety of patented pans specially made here which Diaz described as “our inventions, made from scratch”. He also explained there is a great difference between regular drums and the new pans which are louder, more powerful and more durable because of the difference in steel used. He gave the example that that the 27-inch drum has the volume of three pans. He hinted of other differences but said, “We can’t reveal all the secrets. Experimentation is going on in T&T right now but there is more to come in the pan world”.

The exhibition was a journey through pan history with special established boards displaying designs by pioneers such as Anthony Williams, Ellie Mannette and Bertie Marshall straight up to present innovators like inventor of the G-Pan, Dr Brian Copeland. Diaz said, “The history should be taught in a great and more effective way in this country. People outside want this (steel pan) more than us.”

The exhibition is hosted annually during Pan Month in August and two more events are scheduled for August 18 at Harris Promenade, San Fernando and August 25 in Arima.