tidings
Corey Connelly
Supporters of the NLCB Bucooneers and RBC Redemption Soundsetters came out in numbers on Sunday night during the preliminary round of judging for Tobago’s big steel bands at the national Panorama competition.
The Buccooneers, who entered the big band category in 2019, performed Leroy “Black Stalin”‘s Calliste’s Bun Dem, in tribute to the late calypso icon.
Organized by Seion Gomez, the youth group gave a smooth performance to the tune as supporters and even some tourists danced and sang along to the music in his garden on Chance Street, Buccoo.
Among those who enjoyed the presentation were Certica Williams-Orr, from the Office of the Chief Secretary, and former independent senator and cultural activist Annette Nicholson-Alfred.
Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore, the organisation’s Tobago regional chairman Salisha James-Martin and other leaders were also present to witness the launch.
From Chance Street, he headed to the Redemption Soundsetters garden in Montgomery Junction, Bethel.
There, the band, fronted by Winston Gordon, played Aaron “Voice” Long Live Soca of St Louis. The piece was arranged by Michael Toby.
Captain Marie Toby said she was overwhelmed by the atmosphere.
“The place was completely outside. There were a lot of people and the customers and the players were very happy with their performance,” she told Newsday.
Toby said the group has been a finalist in the national Panorama competition 13 times.
She said she is patiently waiting for the results, which are expected to be released on Thursday.
