Phase II youth band coming

INTERNATIONALLY renowned trumpeter Etienne Charles and singer-songwriter-producer Angela Hunte are listed to appear at a fund-raiser event at Phase II Pan Groove pan yard on May 19. And of course Hadco Phase II featuring ace pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe are also on the playbill, as well as popular rapso group 3canal featuring Wendell Manwarren, Stanton Kewley and Roger Roberts.

This was revealed at a conference held to update the media regarding the partnership and sponsorship of Phase II Pan Groove and Hadco Ltd yesterday at the latter’s conference facility in San Juan.

John Hadad, co-CEO of Hadco, in his welcome address, said that over the last 26 years his company has been involved in a number of CSR initiatives, citing their support of breast cancer awareness, school programmes, arts and the culture of TT.

“Our collaboration with Phase II is a significant part of that, because Phase II and pan represent a very large part and what is endemic to TT. The panyard itself represents something that is very important, community wise, as it provides a very important avenue for the expression of people’s feelings and emotions, as well as their musical talent.”

Speaking about the commitment Hadco made with the band almost three years ago, he said: “We Hadco would continue to do so, especially in these trying times for all of us, but in spite of that, we think that, that collaboration is more important to us.” Hadad then paid tribute to former band manager Errol Skerritt who had a stroke last year, before welcoming its new manager, former Mayor and scholarship winner from Pan Trinbago, Keron Valentine.

Valentine in his own remarks, briefly outlined a vision for the band that he said will now be known as Hadco Phase II. Stating that in four years, the band will celebrate its 50th anniversary, on review, Valentine said through the years, Boogsie has always had the vision of preserving his legacy and that of Phase II. But to evolve successfully they must have the youth for continuity.

Valentine said: “It is something Boogsie is very passionate about so we will be embarking upon a youth band. We are currently speaking to schools in the catchment area of St James, Woodbrook, Newtown and environs and we will put out a music programme where steel pan will be the main instrument.

Valentine also spoke of the creation of an entertainment hub at the pan yard. He said: “We are about to create a musical and cultural village at Phase II and so, we are currently in the process of renovating and upgrading the pan yard space.”

That entertainment hub is another initiative of the band, as well as the upgrade of the fleet of instruments, hence the reason for the May 19 all-inclusive fund-raiser.

While Valentine predicts the event is going to be a bumper one that includes a Hunte collaboration with Boogsie and Phase II, Hadad has labeled the event a “Pan/Brass Soca Jam Down”.

He said they are catering for some 1,200 patrons and quipped: “One thing is certain. You cannot break the bar,” before stating that it starts at 7 pm with show time at 8 pm.