With a thrilling performance in Pleasantville on Thursday night, the 2011 Panorama South/Central Single Pan Bands defending champions, Self Help Marines, sounded a warning to their competitors that they intend to keep the title this year. The Marabella band was among ten traditional steelbands competing for top honours before judges and scores of pan fanatics at the Pleasantville Community Grounds, San Fernando. Among those who came with a vengeance to dethrone the defending band were La Romaine Super Vibes, Rio Claro Koskeros, Highlighters, Pan Revival and New Age Trendsetters.
The semifinal round of the Single Pan Bands competition takes place on February 11 at Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima. Bringing up the rear, in position number ten, Self Help Marines, woke up the audience with a stirring rendition of Lennox Picou's Get Up and Dance. Arranged by Jason Baptiste, the song was executed with the rhythm section and frontline pans in sync with each other. The young players created an exciting spectacle as they jumped, wined and jammed behind their pans. The audience lapped up their performance. Another crowd pleaser, Fyzabad 4th Dimension, chose Merchant's Umbayao in its attempt to secure a place in the finals. The band, which topped the 2011 Siparia Pan-on-the-Move Competition, executed a sweet and smooth performance.
Chorus and hooklines were vocalised by the players as they chipped on the spot behind their pans. One of the few remaining traditional Pan-Round-the-Neck steelbands, Jah Roots, had patrons dancing around the ground to their selection of Andre Tanker's Ben Lion. A large family of pannists, led by Jesse Lessey, Jah Roots received hearty cheers from supporters in appreciation of their offering. Newcomers to the competition, Ste Madeleine's own Kings Row Retro Riddim Steel Orchestra, gave a creditable debut performance.
Playing with a slow tempo, the band delivered a groovy rendition of Lord Inventor's Run Yuh Run. Results for this edition of the competition are scheduled to be released on Tuesday. The preliminary round of the single pan competition continues today at the Cyd Gray Stadium, Roxborough, Tobago, from 1 pm.