Starlift and Friends a blast at Arnos Vale

Pan lovers and supporters of the Starlift Steel Orchestra left the Arnos Vale Playing Field last weekend savouring a night they will long remember.{{more}}

The pan side, celebrating 42 years of existence, gathered last Friday in front of the Michael Findlay pavilion with ‘friends’ for a night of music and camraderie.

With friends including Syl McIntosh, Gideon James, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band Brass Section, Reajahn Baptiste, Sachi Yamada, Ricky Bowman, the Cantemus Choir, The New Kingstown Chorale and others, the patrons and the steel orchestra were set for the night.

The various collaborations, gracefully conducted by Everet Vernon Coombs, rendered music of the season, as well as various genres to classical, soca, pop and reggae beats.

A touching rendition paid tribute to the members of the band who had passed over the years. Some of these stalwarts included Dan Simon and Walton ‘Tanny’ Peters.

Surely, the weeks of preparation for the event paid off, with patrons leaving Arnos Vale truly satisfied and looking forward to another such evening in the not too distant future.

Questions were raised as to whether this event, or others like it, could become an alternative or a complement to the Blues and Rhythm Festival.

The Starlift Steel Orchestra, which over the past 42 years has won 19 panorama titles, will be seeking a 20th win when they return to the carnival competition in 2010.