Desperadoes’ musical tribute to the late prime minister Patrick Manning did not start at the appointed 8 pm time on Friday; however, it was well worth the wait for steelpan lovers.
Patrons were treated to the scintillating sound of steel from six steel orchestras under tents at Desperadoes’ panyard on Frederick Street.
Some of the bands had a longer journey coming from the South—San City Steel Symphony from San Fernando, Diatonic Steel Orchestra from Siparia and Fusion Steel Orchestra from Marabella.
UTT Suave Steel Ensemble, Newtown Playboys Steel Symphony and Valley Harps Steel Orchestra did not have to travel as far to the venue.
It was the third event of Desperadoes, which is hosting the series of concerts, aptly titled Nine Fridays, in honour and celebration of the life of Patrick Manning, beginning on July 8.
Many of the bands had a mix of youthful members and seniors and while each had their own unique style of music, the effect on the audience was the same, having young and old dancing and swaying to good music from various genres.
Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz said pan was a way to reduce crime.
He said National Security Minister Edmund Dillon should invest more in the youth of the nation and culture.
Diaz said instead of youths taking part in gang warfare, they could be encouraged in positive pursuits such as playing pan.
He said the organisation had pan programmes and camps for the youths but it was experiencing “serious problems” with funding.