Cardinal Calypso Breaking the mold

There's something about Stanford's Cardinal culture, young intellectuals giving the impression they don't take themselves too seriously, but with a standard of performance that reveals a strong dedication and commitment to excellence.

I dropped into Toyon Hall this evening to catch about four tunes of the CARDINAL CALYPSO SPRING SHOW, Discolypso, and left there really stimulated and impressed with the group's performance. I would have stayed longer but I couldn't figure out the parking situation. So I stole a few minutes in a 'service' designated spot and sneaked in to catch the show.
The approach was innovative if not creative, and with a colorful variety that captured the audience's attention. The pan program and repertoire here has really grown from the early days of 'Under the Sea". Looking forward to their future performances. These guys are breaking the mold.
Follow Cardinal Calypso here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardinal-Calypso/106620806083662

Shabang Opens Outdoor Season at Sam's

We're back at Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay on Sunday May 1, 1-5pm for the opening of the outdoor music season. Come join us on the patio; or take a walk on the beach as you enjoy the sounds of Shabang's steelpans.

Best and Bruce at Whole Foods San Rafael

Come check us out at Whole Foods San Rafael, 1-4pm Saturday April 30. Acoustic trio: pans and traps. Weather looks good. Should be a lot of fun!

Cardinal Calypso Spring Show

Ever heard disco on steeldrums?? Here's your chance to get a taste!
Come start the weekend with a delightful and diverse set of music! You can hear everything from traditional pan pieces from Trinidad to pop songs of the decades to original pieces performed live for the first time!

	Friday, May 6 · 7:00pm - 8:00pm
	Toyon Hall 455 Arguello Way, Stanford, CA 94305

here's the link to the event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116693941746526

Phil Hawkins at Armando's in Martinez

Hello folks,
I'd like to invite you to spend this Friday evening with us at a
very cool venue in Martinez, THAT'S RIGHT MARTINEZ Armando's.
(website <http://armandosmartinez.com/> ) 
It's a great room run by people who really care about presenting quality music
with great sound, atmosphere and of course.
I'll be joined by:
Michelle Hawkins - flute, vocals
Greg Rahn - keys
Marc VW - bass
Derek Rolando - percussion
Brian Andres - drums
We may also have some special guests sitting in. 
To get there; head straight up 680 to the last exit (before the bridge)
and turn left into Martinez.
We'll be playing most of the tunes from "Sugarcane Suite"
along with some classic material from "H2O". 
The cost is $10 and the show starts at 8pm. 
Thanks and I hope to see some of you there . . . should be a great hang
(MUCH better than working on taxes). 

Stanford's Cardinal Calypso

Cardinal Calypso is Stanford University's steelpan ensemble. Founded in 2005, it may be seen anywhere around the greater Stanford campus, causing wanton happiness and general excitement.
Check out where they're beating on campus:
http://stanford.edu/group/calypso/cgi-bin/

CARNIVAL STORY (aka TRINIDAD CARNIVAL)

'Panhandlers' is de ting...

Great show last night put on by the SF Panhandlers at their new CD release concert entitled “Pan is de ting”. The house was sold out, and the band was phenomenal. After singing one of his original tunes with the band 11-time Grammy Award winner Tony Lindsay remarked: “I should re-record this tune with this band.” I don’t think the Panhandlers and their Youth Brigade are conscious of just how good they are; and the fact that the band’s director Jim Munzenrider is approaching legend status with his latest production. In fact, let’s just dub him Jim “The Legend” Munzenrider.

Personally, I had a whale of a time sitting in on a couple of tunes including ‘three’ offerings of ‘Pan is de ting’, backed up by a 9-year-old vocalist named Maddie who matched me word for word with the lyrics. Then she broke off and took a pan solo before returning for the last verse. Amazing pipes. This kid might be the future of calypso.

The amazing Michael Spiro supervised a tight engine room with Mat Germano on drums and the dreadlocked Newton Martin on Iron.

All in all, this show was a blast. I think I heard Jim mention an upcoming concert with Robert Greenidge in December. I ain’ missin’ dat.

Panhandlers’ CDs can be purchased at www.csmsteeldrums.com, or catch them on Facebook as: Panhandlers Steel Drum Band.

2011 Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival Registration NOW OPEN.

2010 Festival faculty members (L-R): Ray Holman, Michael Spiro, Jim Munzenrider. March 21, 2011 Dear Harry, Registration is now open for the 2011 Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival. A registration application can be filled out and submitted online here. Faculty Line up (to date) Along with Pan Ramajay members, Tom Miller, Alan Lightner, and Jim Munzenrider, we are very pleased to have Ray Holman joining us again in 2011 along with Pan Jumbie's, Don Prorak and Rocky Mountain Steel Bands, director, Rick Henson. We look forward to another great week of new steel band music. Festival rates for 2011. TUITION RATES Full Session Participant - $525.00 | Half Day Participant - $200.00 (9 AM- 12 PM ONLY-LIMITED ENROLLMENT) APPLICATION FEES (non-refundable) $50.00 New Full Session registrants | $25.00 Returning Full Session (of 2010) & All Half Day registrants. INSTRUMENT RENTAL The instrument rental fee is for participants opting to use a festival provided instrument only. Applicants are highly encouraged to bring their own instruments if possible. Rental Fee: Full Session $75.00 | Half Day Session $35.00 HOUSING AND MEAL OPTIONS RESIDENCE HALL OPTION University Residence Hall accommodations are available this year. The residence halls are ideally located two blocks from the festival venue. All rooms have shared bathroom facilities and AC. Single Room is $330.00 and a Double Room is $260.00. Check in time is 3 PM, Sunday, July 17. HOTEL OPTION A group rate of $79.00 per night (plus tax) for a King or Double is available at the Marriott Courtyard Denver Southwest/Lakewood. PLEASE NOTE: This property is not the same as the 2010 host hotel and is 9 miles from the festival venue. Booking may be done at www.marriott.com/denlk with group code DUSDUSB for a double or DUSDUSA for a king. MEAL PLAN OPTION A comprehensive Meal Plan option is available for residence hall guests for dining in the residence hall dining rooms. This plan covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, beginning with breakfast on July 18 through dinner July 22. Cost: $150.00 Please mark your calendar for July 17-22, 2011! We look forward to seeing you in Denver this July! Get more information as it becomes available by visiting our site www.ramajaypanfest.com

Pan Ramajay's, Alan Lightner and Tom Miller. Festival participants perform in the finale concert. Faculty member, Don Prorak with Ray Holman. Rick Henson of Rocky Mountain Steel Bands.

CONTACT US

POB 101922 Denver CO 80250

A message from pan tuner Joe Kelly

I took the last 8 months off from producing pans so that I could begin to learn the art of being a father. From time to time she is louder than a hundred hammers...but I'm having a blast! I missed hammering, but the opportunity to spend so much time with Anya was a true blessing. I'm excited to let everyone know that I resumed crafting my instruments this week. My workshop is now in San Rafael, CA. Take advantage of my discounts on tunings through the month of March: 1-3 instruments = $75/instrument (reg. $125), 4+ instruments = $55/instrument.
Feel free to email me or call 415-672-3846 to set up an appointment. Pass the news on to your
friends and colleagues and enjoy the attached photo, she's beautiful.
take care,
Joe Kelly

Harry Best and Dexter Bruce Pan Duo at Tiki Tom's

Harry Best and Dexter Bruce do a steelpan duo at Tiki Tom's (925) 932-9202 · 1535 Olympic Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; 6:30-9:30pm. Come enjoy tropical food, drinks and music. Spring is here!

New Spring classes in San Rafael

Learn the magic of making music on Caribbean steel drums. Have fun with the basics of sticking and melody making. Enjoy playing favorites like Yellow Bird, Marianne, Jamaica Farewell, Lion King and more. Beginners will be jamming’ instantly with the easy play-by-note method. Intermediate students will expand their skills and repertoire. We supply the drums,
just come ready to have fun!!!
Instructor Harry Best, a native of St. Lucia, Harry is a seasoned steel drum instructor and performer.
Wednesdays April 20—May 25
Fee: $100 Resident/$105 Non Resident
Beginning Class
6:00 PM—7:00 PM Class Code 16103
Intermediate Class
7:00 PM—8:00 PM Class Code 16104
Pickleweed Park Community Center Art Room
Pickleweed Community Center
50 Canal Street
San Rafael, California 94901
(415)485-3077

Panhandlers CD release concert April 1

The SF Panhandlers will release their 5th CD at a concert Friday April 1, 7:30pm at the College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Bl. in San Mateo. The title of the CD is 'Pan is de ting' from the tune by the same name written by Harry Best and arranged by Tom Miller. The CD was produced by Jim Munzenrider. The CD features Tony Lindsay, lead singer with Santana; International percussionsist Mike Spiro; the Contra Costa Children's Chorus; and saxaphonist Danny Bittker. Tracks include:

• From the heart - Robert Greenidge
• Plenty Lovin' - Ray Holman
• Pan is de ting - Harry Best arranged by Tom Miller
• Bird of beauty - Stevie Wonder
• If we really want - Ray Holman
• Sonhos - Ivan Lins arranged by Ed Fernandez with solos by Michael McMorrow, Anna Talamo
• Chant - Liam Teague
• Take a wine - Ray Holman
  

Take me out to the ball park

In the spirit of Baseball’s Opening Day: a Song Sheet you can print and play on your pan, ipod, iphone or ipad app.

Harry Best Steelpan Classes Newsletter – Spring’11

New Class Opens in Richmond

A beginners’ steelpan class offered by West Contra Costa Adult Education will start Tuesday March 29 8pm at the Alvardao campus, 5625 Sutter St., Richmond CA 94804.

The class will run for 7 weeks. The fee is $35. See class listing and info at this link:

http://www.wccae.info/dancemusic.html

Beginning and Intermediate Classes in Session in San Rafael

Beginning and intermediate classes are now in their third week at Pickleweed Community Center in San Rafael. Beginners start at 6pm on Wednesdays followed by the Intermediates at 7pm. Classes run through April 6. See flyer attached for more info.

Pan Jose Class to resume

The South Bay Pan Group will resume classes in April following a short break to allow students to travel and celebrate Carnival in Trinidad&Tobago. Call 510 222 1123 for more information on this class.

Intermediate Class Starting in Orinda

A new intermediate class will begin in Orinda and run concurrently with the Beginners’ class for the spring session starting April 11. Intermediates will meet at 6-7pm and Beginners 7-8pm at the Orinda Community Center, 26 Orinda Way in Orinda Ca. Call 925 253 4203 for registration.

CSM Panhandlers in concert April 1, 2011

Don’t miss the CSM Pandlers steelpan CD release concert April 1. The Panhandlers have been the premier steelpan program in the Bay Area for more than 20 years. They are internationally acclaimed. If you have never seen or heard a full steelpan orchestra of more than 20 people you will totally enjoy this performance. The title of the CD is taken from a tune I wrote for the Trinidad And Tobago Carnival entitled ‘Pan is deT’ing’. The Panhandlers recorded the tune for their new CD.

When: Friday, 4/1/ 2011 [7:30pm]

What: In concert with 11-time Grammy winner Tony Lindsay. With special guests: Internationally recognized percussionist Michael Spiro and the Nueva School and North Shoreview Montessori School Steel Drum Bands. The Panhandlers will also be celebrating the release of their 5th CD Pan Is De 'Ting.

Where: College of San Mateo Theater
1700 West Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo

Ticket Info: For advance tickets: Please mail your check payable to: "Panhandlers Steel Drum Band" 3718 Casanova Drive San Mateo, CA 94403 Gen-Admission $15.00 Seniors / students: $13.00 Note: We will hold your tickets at will-call unless you indicate that you want them mailed to you. Ticket booth will open at 6:30pm the day of the show (doors open at 7pm).

Read more about the Panhandlers here:

http://www.csmsteeldrums.com/default.asp

Steelpan for sale

I have one previously owned lead steelpan for sale. It is in excellent condition and well tuned. It’s a Low C tenor voice in the Circle of Fifths pattern and powder-coated in silver. It was a Christmas gift for a young boy who preferred to play guitar. Hardly played on. Comes with free mallets and instruction book. Total package is $800 (plus tax). First come First Served! I can be reached at 510 222 1123.

If you are interested in purchasing a steelpan, let me know how much you are willing to spend and I will do my best to get you the most value for your money.

Harry's Upcoming public gigs

• I will be doing a steelpan solo at the Marin Civic Center Farmers’ Market on Sunday March 27, 9-1pm. Come out and say hello.
• I will be performing with a fellow pan musician as a steelpan duo April 2, 6:30-9:30pm at Tiki Tom’s, Olympic Bl. In Walnut Creek. Fun atmosphere with Hawaiian food and tropical drinks. Would love to see you there. You can also find other public performances by my group in the Calendar section at this link: http://www.shabang.us/

Questions? Call me at 510 222 1123; or email harrybest@shabang.us.

www.kakesa.com has everything you need to play beautiful steeldrum music!

Pan Tuner Darren Dyke visiting the Bay Area

Darren Dyke will be in town to do some tuning from Sept 29 thru Oct 5. If you have pans that need a tune-up, please contact him directly at: ddpantuner@mac.com or by phone: 1.512.750.9598.
Also, if you have a spare room looking for a resident, I believe he's trying to hook up some accommodations. Thanks for passing along the word!

Harry Best and Shabang end summer at Sam's

Harry Best and his steel drum trio Shabang will make their final appearance for the summer, Oct. 9 4-8pm, at Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, 4210 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay. The weather is usually fantastic this time of year in HMB. Come join us on the patio; enjoy some of the best seafood on the Bay and Shabang's exciting steel drum music. For more info call 510 222 1123.

Orinda Fall steel drum class now in session

Monday Sept. 20 was the first session of the Orinda Beginning steel drum class. At our beginning class you can learn the magic of making music on Caribbean steel drums.

It's not too late to sign up. You'll have fun with the basics of sticking and melody making. Enjoy playing favorites like Yellow Bird, Jamaica Farewell, Lion King, and more. Beginners welcome. You will be jammin’ in no time.

Drums/pans provided. The class runs through Oct. 25. A second fall session will run from Nov. 1-Dec. 13.

To register, call the Orinda Community Center at 28 Orinda Way, Orinda - (925) 254-2445

Phil Hawkins to release new CD

Phil Hawkins will officially release his new CD, Sugarcane Suite at a concert and party Sun., Oct. 3, 4pm, Mission College (Main Building) 3000 Mission College Blvd.Santa Clara, CA.

The show will feature Phil Hawkins - steel pans, Bob Crawford - keys, Ray Obiedo - guitar, Dave Belove - bass, Paul VW - drums, Michael Spiro - percussion, with special guests Jessica Vautor - vocals, Harry Best - vocals, Michelle Hawkins - vocals.

$5 (FREE w/student ID)

CDs AVAILABLE AT THE SHOW!

2010 Ramajay Pan Fest.

ww.ramajaypanfest.com

http://cwp.marriott.com/denfi/drums/www.biennialoftheamericas.org
http://malletman.biz/main.htm

Highlights The University of Denver, Newman Center for the Arts. Home of the 2010 Ramajay Pan Fest.

Ramajay Pan Fest Group Discounts now available!

The Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival is offering group discounts for groups numbering 3 or more participants. Details are as follows.

Group discount A, a total of 3-4 applicants: $100 off each participant's tuition!
Group discount B, a total of 5-7 applicants: $125 off each participant's tuition!
Group discount C, a total of 8-10 applicants: $150 off each participant's tuition!
Please submit an individual application for each group member and write the appropriate discount code from above after the individuals name. Applications must be returned in the same envelope with the non-refundable $50 application fee for each applicant included. Early Registration ends soon. Take advantage of the discounted early registration tuition until June 11, 2010. Don't delay, enrollment is limited.

Rocky Mountain Steelbands offers evening program.
Evening only classes will be offered by Rick Henson, of Denver's popular Rocky Mountain Steel Bands program. Geared toward the participant with a curiosity for the steel drum that is either unavailable for full day sessions or is just looking for a primer experience. A single daily session will meet after work hours for group ensemble instruction and rehearsal, followed by the Evening Concert or presentation. Classes will meet at the Lamont School of Music, the festival's home site, from 6:15-7:45 PM.

MalletMan named official festival supplier. MalletMan Custom Pan Products will be the exclusive supplier of pan sticks for this year's festival.
All sizes and styles of mallets for steel drum will be available for purchase throughout the week. More information at the MalletMan website.

Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites official festival host hotel.Participants are encouraged to take advantage of special discounted festival room rates at the Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites of Cherry Creek. But hurry, this offer expires on June 20. Click here for more details.