The defending champions, Katzenjammers, performed exceptionally well tonight. They are trying to achieve the prestigious hat trick championship. Arima Angel Harps, playing "Fiery," was good, but Katzenjammers created a buzz with their rendition of the Mighty Sparrow's "Lying Excuses." As the show progressed, each band brought their best to the competition. This listener thought they were all winners, but the band that excited those in attendance had the best chance. Then came Pamberi Steel Orchestra...
Pamberi quietly entered the room, set up their instruments, and proceeded to play. They ignited the stadium, and what a wonderful performance! Listening to the band play, I decided then that they would win this competition. Up to that point, they were the only band of players that excited me. It was just an amazing performance.
We believed at this point that Pamberi was out front, and it was up to Curepe Scherzando or the Dixieland Steel Orchestra to win it all. But were we correct, and if not, what was the outcome? After rules delay with Scherzando (too many pans and players), the band delivered a clean and worthy performance of Stalin's "Come with It" arranged by Sheldon Peters, but, in my humble opinion, did not bring the excitement needed to win it all.
The final performance of the night was excellent from Dixieland Steel Orchestra out of Tobago. They played Arrow's "Long Time," arranged by Dante Pantin. It was a superb arrangement and performance matched with the throwback outfits worn by the players. The ending was excellent, and then sounds of the steel bands quieted, and we awaited the results. What happened next...
Well, in the end, the judges' decisions are final, and as we mentioned at the top of our post, Katzenjammers were very good. The judges thought they were the best tonight, and they got by Pan Elders by two points to win the hattrick and keep the trophy and not just the replica. So, what happened to Pamberi? They placed a respectable third, tied with Couva Joylanders. However, they did win the best-dressed Steelband trophy tonight, a consolation to go along with their third-place finish. In my heart, I still believe that Pamberi had the best performance on this night! Congratulations to Katzenjammers but damn, Pamberi should have won! C'est La Vie!
The Results:
01. Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra—281
02. Pan Elders Steel Orchestra—279
03. NGC Couva Joylanders Steel Orchestra—275 (Tie for third place)
03. Pamberi Steel Orchestra—275 (Tie for third place)
05. NGC La Brea Nightingales—272.5
06. Arima Angel Harps—269 (Tie for sixth place)
06. Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille—269 (Tie for sixth place)
08. Dixieland Steel Orchestra—268
09. Sforzata Steel Orchestra—264 (Tie for ninth place)
09. Curepe Scherzando Steel Orchestra—264 (Tie for ninth place)
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: National Medium Conventional Bands Panorama Finals
Produced by: Pan Trinibago
Venue: Parade Grounds, Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago
Origin: Tobago, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelband Music
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