Diversity and Inclusion Multicultural Celebration at Pizza Pizza head office in Mississauga.
The staff had a world of fun learning to play the steelpan
Do you know a youth between the ages of 8 - 16, who would like to learn to play the steelpan?
Sign them up for a special opportunity to be selected for a FREE five 60 minute morning virtual sessions with me!
During March Break, we are offering an opportunity for three students to virtually learn to play the steelpan.
Knowledge of music is not required.
This is an introduction to the lead steelpan whereby students will become familiar with the notes, technique, scales and a simple song.
Instruments, sticks, and stands will be provided on loan for each student.
Sessions will run from March 14th - March 18th from 11am-12pm.
Program open to students who reside in the Greater Toronto Area.
Parents of selected participants will be contacted regarding acceptance as well as the instrument and its use.
Students will be taught by Suzette Vidale, one of Toronto's leading female steelpan soloists.
(Read more about Suzette here)
This initiative is sponsored by Black Music Month.
#marchbreak #steelpan #gta #gtaprograms #kidsprogram #virtuallearning #musicforkids #toronto #scarborough #etobicoke #northyork #eastyork
It gives me such great pleasure to perform on one of the most special days in the lives of couples, their wedding.
For the past two year, many people have had to postpone numerous times and/or as well reduce the number of guests to accomodate restrictions. Through it all, I have been honoured to be the steelpan soloist at these memorable events. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your day!
During steelpan performances and workshops, I always try to make them educational, fun and as well spotlight the local and international contributions.
Canada
@afropansteelband legacy shirts
Pan Soul Vibrations by Jesse Andrews (pan poetry)
PanMan by Tarquin Lougheide (book)
The E-Pan invented by Salmon Cupid (article)
Carnival Guides: @torontocarnival.ca
Photos:
Pan Round the Neck band
Pan Alive @ontsteelpanassociation
9 bass
Trinidad & Tobago @tourismcultureandarts
Spider Web pan by steelpan innovator Anthony Williams (approx 1950's)
Renegades!: The Story of BP Renegades Steel Orchestra by @kim.n.johnson (book)
Trinidad All Stars: From Tabanca To Rain (cd)
If Yuh Iron Good You Is King by Kim Johnson (book)
Steelpan figurines: wire bending artisans
Barbados
@thencfbarbados
Ping Pong by Janet Stoute (book)
Japan
Panmag by Yukari Onishi (magazine)
France
Calypsociation Steelband: Made it (cd)
USA
Jumbie Jam Steel Drum
Trini To the Bone on steelpan but have you ever heard the calypso Jean and Dina on harmonica?
Black History Month celebration @cityofto @torontopfr Mary McCormick Centre.
Thanks to @its_toy_toy, #frankforde & #kennethslater for bringing the vibes.
Shout out to @elbatonapparel
#toronto #ontario #trinidad #tobago #steelpan #djembe #harmonica #calypso #soca
#bhm #blackhistorymonth
#steelpanintoronto #torontosteelpan
Shout out to @panmanonduty for inviting me to participate in Chunes From Chunesville which showcased on February 12th. The song I performed was Tender by Patrice Roberts.
Excited to be invited to participate in Chunes From Chunesville - Valentines Day Edition
The online event features international pannists.
In conjunction with Fragments of Epic Memory, the AGO is hosting a series of steel pan performances in Walker Court. We spoke to Toronto-based steel pannists Earl La Pierre and Suzette Vidale to learn about this important piece of Trinidadian history.
Fragments of Epic Memory, the AGO’s major exhibition centred on the art and legacy of the Caribbean, has been open to the public for the past couple of weeks. If you’ve visited the Gallery on a Saturday afternoon, you may have heard the distinctive sounds of steel pans being played in Walker Court, alongside British-Trinidadian artist Zak Ové’s breathtaking installation sculpture Moko Jumbie (2021). The AGO invited two of Toronto’s most well-known steel pannists for a limited run of performances, adding a musical and deeper cultural tie to Fragments. Both accomplished musicians, educators and leaders in Toronto’s steel pan community, Earl La Pierre Jr. and Suzette Vidale have been sharing their musical stylings in the city and abroad for decades.
The steel pan was born out of resistance in 1930s Trinidad and Tobago; many believing its exact birthplace is the capital city of Port of Spain. When French planters arrived in Trinidad in the 1700s, they brought with them enslaved people from West Africa. It is said that these enslaved people, barred from participating in Carnival with their enslavers, used sticks and bamboo to make percussion instruments (like the tamboo bamboo) to play during their own version of Carnival, only to have these instruments banned by their enslavers quickly thereafter. Eventually, in the post-emancipation years, formerly enslaved people continued to invent musical instruments. Discarded metal objects like dust bins and car parts were turned into instruments by street musicians. Enter the oil drum in 1934; hammered, polished and tuned to play. “Oil drums,” explains Vidale, “had a greater surface area to accommodate more [music] notes and produce more sounds.” Indeed, the steel pan has endured in years since then, expanding well beyond the shores of Caribbean islands. To learn more about their careers and the steel pan in Toronto, we asked La Pierre and Vidale a few questions.
AGOinsider: How did you get your start as a steel pannist?
La Pierre: I started playing because it's in my blood, although I never liked pan when I was growing up. My dad [Earl La Pierre Sr.] was very instrumental in bringing the steel pan to Canada’s Caribbean communities in the 1960s. I started when I was around 14 or 15 years old but I regret not starting earlier. I was asked to perform at an assembly because my dad's band was also going to be performing at my school. As I got older, I developed my style that mixes R&B, Hip Hop and Reggae. From there, it was on!
Vidale: In 1993, my mother encouraged me to play. I wasn’t interested at first, but a good friend named Monifa Colthurst invited me to an Afropan Steelband rehearsal. I remember it as the first time I really saw steel pans up close. They were illustrious and they pulled me in closer. Once I heard the sounds and felt the vibes, I was hooked.
AGOinsider: How have you seen Toronto’s steel pan community evolve throughout your career, especially as the instrument and its sound have become more widespread?
La Pierre: From what I can remember when I started playing, there were only a few steel bands in Toronto: Afropan, Silhouettes, Metro Tones, Pan Masters, Taspo and The Lions Club. There were only a handful of pan makers, like Earle Wong, Tommy Crichlow and Ed Peters. Now, there are many steel bands and pan makers across GTA. It's more commonly recognized in Toronto. We even have schools that offer steel pan courses.
Vidale: Toronto is a melting pot and you can see that reflected within the bands. There’s more diversity. In some bands, more than half of the pannists are women. Pannists are getting younger as the years go by.
Toronto’s steel pan community was originally closely associated with Caribana. In the decades since Caribana’s inception in 1967, I have seen steel bands and pannists participate in diverse events, ranging from non-Caribbean cultural festivals to Pride, and international film festivals.
As audiences listen to the various steel bands around the city, they realize that many of the stereotypes they hold of steel bands and steel pannists aren’t based on reality. Many times, they might expect to see a male player and hear calypso and reggae but are often shocked to see a female player and hear classical music, R&B, Hip Hop or other cultural pieces from various parts of the world.
Aside from seeing the steel pan being incorporated into educational institutions at all levels, my most favourite shift is the inclusion of the instrument as a wellness tool. I have had some of the greatest moments connecting with our city’s most vulnerable citizens. I am always learning from others while doing steel pan workshops for the homeless, at-risk youth as well as marginalized women who have been abused or experienced trauma.
AGOinsider: What goes into preparing for solo and group steel pan performances? Do you prefer to improvise or play a setlist?
La Pierre: That’s a difficult choice because they are so different! I’ll say that it doesn't matter if it's for solo or group performance, practice is the most important thing. I have been doing more solo performances lately so I try to learn the song. Not just how to play it, but understanding what the song is about and what the original songwriter is trying to convey. I try to bring the feeling of the original song into my rendition.
Vidale: Depending on the event, you may have new pieces to learn if there is a specific theme For International Women’s Day, for example, I would perform inspirational songs about female empowerment. I try to have a diverse repertoire so I can easily add to the atmosphere of the event I’m performing at. I generally know what I would like to play, but once I arrive in a space, I take my cues from the audience. Sometimes, you completely change your set.
AGOinsider: Why do you think the steel pan has endured as such a strong part of Caribbean culture, even beyond its roots in Trinidad and Tobago?
La Pierre: Trinidad and Tobago have so much culture for such a small island. Calypso, Soca Pan and Mas, our culture is so infectious it makes you want to see, feel, touch and learn more! The steel pan is now worldwide. It’s truly fascinating to see how other cultures have embraced it!
Vidale: The steel pan was born out of necessity. The spirit of the drum is the heartbeat of its people. The steel pan and its community are inclusive, allowing for friendships to form through music, transcending race, religion, gender and borders.
Time your next visit to the Gallery so you can also enjoy one of La Pierre and Vidale’s performances. The dates and times are listed here and stay tuned for more interactive programming with Fragments of Epic Memory. Read about how the AGO’s Montgomery Collection of Caribbean Photographs came to be here.
Source: https://ago.ca/agoinsider/instrument-cultural-resistance
Join musicians Earl La Pierre Jr. and Suzette Vidale for live steel pan performances in Walker Court. Originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century, these hammered, shiny metal pans are an icon of musical energy found in the streets, festivals and now cultural and educational institutions.
Earl La Pierre Jr., known as ESP (Extraordinary Steel Pannist), came onto the scene in 1987, when he started playing with Afropan Steel Orchestra. Four years later, he started playing as a soloist, and he’s now one of Toronto’s premiere steel pannists. Earl is currently manager of Canada’s #1 steelband, Afropan Steelband, and a founding member of Pan Arts Network (PAN), dedicated to showcasing the steel pan artform on larger concert stages. He’s played at major events like Caribana, Snowflakes on Steel, Autumn Leaves on Steel, du Maurier Jazz Festival and Pan Jazz, and he has played with world-renowned pannists such as Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Ray Holman and his father, Earl La Pierre Sr.
Suzette Vidale is an innovative steelpan artist. With roots in Trinidad, the home of the steelpan, Suzette has incorporated the rich and vibrant cultures of Toronto into her diverse repertoire. As an ambassador of steelpan, she has introduced many people to this instrument, its history, and its unique sound through educational workshops and performances. Her love of working with children lets her merge craft with education, and teach with a focus on cooperation and team building through the steelpan. Wholeheartedly passionate about her pride in the steelpan, Suzette shares her craft with people from all walks of life and welcomes everyone to join her on her journey of "educating, entertaining and inspiring."
The pandemic halted in-person events of all kinds, but it isn’t stopping the University of Toronto community from celebrating Black History Month.
February is packed with online events, ranging from a discussion of Afrofuturism and the world-building of Wakanda to U of T’s marquee Black History Month Luncheon, which is celebrating its 19th year.
Here's a snapshot of what’s taking place virtually across U of T’s three campuses this month.
Click to see BHM listings.
PHOTO
Drummer Suzette Vidale performs during last year's Black History Month Luncheon – one of many Black History Month events at U of T that will be held virtually this year.
Photo credit: Johnny Guatto.
Article by: Geoffrey Vendeville & Yanan Wang - U of T News
Source: https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/news/hack-thons-wakanda-u-t-celebrates-black-history-month-virtual-events
“We Will Rise Together” is the signature song for our project “Songs For Humanity”. It praises the power of people and beckons everyone to join together and become a beacon of hope for the future. ~Waleed Abdulhamid
Honoured to be a part of this project.
Best listened with speakers or earphones.
The steelpan community has lost a great man. He was a cultural ambassador who made, recorded, played, and taught the steelpan and created carnival costumes too. He was a friendly person always willing to come out to play for schools and community.
I remember the day I met Jerry. It was a Sunday afternoon and I went to Harbourfront to enjoy one of their many summer festivals. I had just finished watching a performance on the main stage and as I was leaving I heard the faint sound of the steelpan. I looked around and did not see where the music was coming from but was determined to find it.
I crossed the bridge and continued walking until I saw a little hill and on it was a small man playing two steelpans. I smiled and walked right over to him. Without saying anything he presented his sticks to me to play his instrument. I had never played a double-tenor steelpan before however I created a rhythm. “You play pan?”, he said. “Not this one”, I said. ”Tenor”.
From them he invited me to perform on gigs with him, Tunka, Jeff and sometimes Ken.
I enjoyed it as it was different to performing with a steelband whereby you have a set repertoire. Every gig I would learn new songs like Cherry Pink, And I Love Her, and have the opportunity to add my own songs.
We played at beautiful weddings out of the city, extravagant birthday bashes on the beach, elementary schools, holiday events and even for cultural celebrations.
Every gig I learned a little more about Jerry. He told me about performing in Bermuda and being invited to play at the Regal Constellation Hotel by the Airport for a few weeks and it ended up turning into a few years. Those were some juicy stories. I will cherish those conversations.
My mother reminded me about Jerry Jerome at Caravan back in the 80’s. As a child, I attended an annual week-long multicultural celebration called Caravan. You could purchase a “passport” and visit different pavilions in various neighbourhoods around the city showcasing cultures of the world in a show. I remember attending the Trinidad and Tobago pavilion “Port of Spain”. Upon arrival, you would be immersed in the smells, sites, and sounds of the Caribbean. The food was always amazing, the costumes were brilliant hues, and the entertainment was always fun. Calypso, limbo, and steelpan. My mother mentioned he always sang “The Big Bamboo” song for the audience. I do not remember him personally but I find it pretty amazing that decades later we would share time, space, and music.
Last September I had the opportunity, to play my last gig with Jerry.
I remember watching him play. He was looking off into the distance for the longest time as if in deep thought. Funny thing is that he kept playing his pan -his hands knew exactly where to go. Notes were flying and he didn’t once make a mistake. Months after I was told he was sick.
Thank you Jerry for the love and light that you shared with us. You laid a path for those that came behind and for that we will always be grateful.
If you would like to use any photos without the watermark, kindly send me a message through the contact page.
August 11th is World Steelpan Day
Take some time to learn about the history, development or what’s happening in steelpan around the world. Listen to some steelpan, and wish a pannist or pan lover “Happy World Steelpan Day”.
WHAT AN HONOUR, I WON!!!
Special THANKS to those that nominated me for the ByBlacks.com 2019 People's Choice Awards - Best Black Canadian Musician for 2019! As well, CONGRATULATIONS to all of the winners in the other categories. SHOUT OUT to the nominees in my category.
There were so many heartfelt messages from people who have been a part of and seen the journey of my work with the steelpan. I have great pride in using this instrument as a tool to "ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE & INSPIRE" people from all walks of life.
SHOUT OUT to my family & friends, always being there to give love, a helping hand, and pushing me to give my best always. The pan community, you all show encouragement and it is always appreciated. To my supporters, you all continue to show up at my events and invite me to be a part of your lives.
I am forever grateful.
THANK YOU to ByBlacks.com for creating these awards and honouring Black Canadians who are pursuing their passions to make a difference!
We’re marking Black History Month with family-friendly activities that highlight the artistic, social, scientific and political contributions being made by Black Creatives in North America.
This February, the AGO is celebrating Black History Month with enlightening, fun-filled family programming as part of a month of Family Sundays: A Celebration of Black Creatives. Bring your whole family to participate in tours, hear in-gallery spoken word performances and the sounds of a steel pan, write poetry, read books focused on Black Canadians and make art in The Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre, inspired by the first Black female astronaut.
Shifting focus away from the historical to the contemporary, the AGO has curated an assortment of captivating performances and interactive family activities highlighting the artistic, social, scientific and political contributions currently being made by Black creatives in North America.
Using their unique lenses to respond to various works in the AGO Collection, three emerging Toronto-based spoken word artists will be delivering live performances in-gallery. Poet and Tkaronto Community healer Jayda Marley, singer/songwriter I.M.F., and up-and-coming artist Glyphs will alternate performances each Sunday giving you a new, poetic spin on some of their favourite artworks currently on view.
Bring the kids and head to the Weston Family Learning Centre and blast into the stratosphere with a craft activity inspired by the monumental work of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black female astronaut. Kids of all ages can create planets or stars with shiny papers, silver tape, foil and other intergalactic materials, all while learning about Dr. Jemison’s important legacy.
How about a relaxing stroll through the Gallery while being serenaded by the calming sounds of steel pan? Originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century, the hammered, shiny metal pans are an icon of Caribbean music and culture. In-gallery performances featuring steel pannist Suzette Vidale will be happening at 2 and 3 pm every Sunday.
Then head down to the Concourse level for Where is Home – a family-focused mix-and-match found poetry activity featuring words inspired by artist Sandra Brewster’s exhibition, Blur. You’ll be encouraged to use random words to construct poems that reflect the ideas of home, togetherness and community. Once you’ve exhausted your creative energy, head to our kids’ reading corner and discover a selection of educational children’s books curated by University of Toronto student, Becks Lafranc.
Come and celebrate Family Sundays: A Celebration of Black Creatives with us all February long!
Family Sunday festivities, admission to the AGO Collection and all special exhibitions are always free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 and under.
Be sure to follow me on instagram @SteelpanWithSuzette
Happy 6th anniversary to Mar & Ben! Thank you for making me a part of your dream wedding!
Looking forward to performing at your 10th, 25th & 50th wedding anniversary! LOVE WINS AGAIN!
Special thanks to Priscilla for allowing me to honour her and her guests with my music!
Who knew how popular weddings would be in October! SHOUT OUT to the clients I met at the Peel Bridal show this past March. Looking forward to performing for all of you & your guests this month! SHOUT OUT to my PHENOMENAL team who EXECUTED -last quarter of the year and weddings are in full effect!
#femalesteelpannist #womaninsteel #womaninpan #femalepansoloist #torontosteelpan #torontopan #canadasteelpan #steelpancanada #steelpantoronto #torontosteelpan
Proceeds from this annual event go towards building a home in St. Lucia for a disadvantaged family.
SHOUT OUT to all who helped make this day possible, sponsors Rod Hanna from @travelstlucia, Laura from @chairmansreserveofficial, @jameazuberi, the organization St. Lucian Youth in Canada @slutoronto
#stluciatorontoassociation @chairmansreserve758 #KLCEasternCarribeanFreightLinesLtd
#golfwithfrank #golfingforacause #slta #steelpanwithsuzette #FrankFordeGolfTournament #steelpansaturdays #steelpan
