The sixth annual Pan On The Move pan jamboree was held last weekend [July 8/9] at Reedbird Park in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. This year’s participants included the Philadelphia Pan Stars, Harbor Knights Youth Steel Orchestra, Harmony Uprising Steel Orchestra, Pan Jammers Steel Orchestra, Higher Levin Steel Orchestra and defending champs, the St Veronicas Youth Steel Orchestra. Under blue, sunny skies, the attendants were treated to two sessions of music from each band, vying for the Carlos Lezama Challenge Trophy. Although the end result of the competition phase was clearly not what the audience [nor band members] expected, the day itself was fun filled and truly enjoyable. From this and other observers’ point of view, the band that captivated the audience and really played their hearts out, was New York based Higher Levin. Their music was well played and their selections were definitely a crowd pleaser. This band definitely has places to go. Well done Tichard Chapman. The organizers have informed us that next year’s celebration would be a lot different. A few dedicated pannist [myself included] have agreed to step in and assist the committee in promoting this very important event. City officials agree that this event has a huge growth potential and are thus committed to assisting in the 2007 event. I must extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Carl Marez and the staff of the Baltimore Educational and Cultural Institute [www.becinet.org] for the dedication and hard work that was needed to stage this event.
The 2007 event will be held on July 14th & 15th. See you then.