Isles recognized for contribution to pan music

Pan Player Ken Isles, who was recently declared a cultural ambassador by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has been recognized by the Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers for his contribution to pan music in St Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

The local musician and former postman’s recognition came at a recent function held by the Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers at the University of the West Indies Open Campus.

The Association’s president René Baptiste said that the award was given to Isles because of the level of his involvement with pan music, the length of time he has been a pan soloist, the calibre of his performances, his frequent representation at the national level, his ambassadorial duties and his involvement in Pan Against Crime activities.

Reading Isle’s citation during the function, Baptiste said that Isles is one of the country’s most experienced and versatile pannists.

She noted that in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Isles dominated the pan soloist competitions here and has never been defeated in a solo competition to date.

He has represented SVG in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Barbados, Trinidad, Cuba, St. Kitts and St Croix and was once invited to perform the Venezuelan anthem by the late President Hugo Chavez at a meeting of the Heads of Government in Venezuela.

He has also performed at the world famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York.

During the citation, Baptiste revealed that Isles has played for bands such as Starlift Steel Orchestra, Atrogans, Valley Harps and Twentieth Century. He has played in every section of the local panorama competition and was one of the first persons to incorporate his voice while playing pan.

The award was presented to Isles by lawyer Cecil Blazer Williams.