Pan Fantasy says no to New York Panorama
HECK NO They WON’T GO
According to Stats Canada, fewer Canadians aren’t travelling much to the United States this year including Pan Fantasy, Canada’s top Steel Drum orchestra who have decided to give next summers. Mammoth New York Caribbean streetCarnival, a pass. The festival including its New York Panorama is the largest steelpan competition in North America. This annual steelband competition takes place in Brooklyn, New York every year during Carnival Week. The Panorama competition brings together participants from all around the world to compete against each other for the title of Champions held annually over Labour Day weekend in Brooklyn, is one of North America's largest Caribbean cultural celebrations. The Panorama steelpan competition is held at the Brooklyn Museum grounds. The outdoor contest brings together top steelbands from across the region and diaspora, showcasing the rhythm, precision, and power of pan music—a hallmark of Caribbean identity. On Labour Day Monday, Eastern Parkway transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour and sound during the grand parade. Masqueraders in elaborate costumes representing various Caribbean nations dance through the streets to the infectious beats of soca, calypso, reggae, and chutney music. Floats, DJs, and live performers keep the energy high, celebrating the diversity and unity of Caribbean cultures. Organized by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), the weeklong festivities also include youth programs, cultural showcases, and smaller community events. Pan music and a huge carnival holiday parade promote heritage and pride while drawing over a million spectators each year. “No, we wont be going, we have competed in years gone by” explained bandleader Wendy Jones. ”Certainly the politics of the day is one of the reasons we aren’t going to New York. “We considered New York and New Orleans but there is whole issue getting band instruments across the border,(a stumbling block).
Statistics Canada reports a significant decline in Canadian travel to the United States, driven by political tensions stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and controversial remarks about Canada, as well as economic factors like a weaker Canadian dollar and a shift in travel preferences toward destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and domestic locations. Founded over 30 years ago, Pan Fantasy has grown from a community band into a world trravelingcultural institution. the band provides year-round music education, mentorship, and performance opportunities to youth and aspiring pannists. Pan Fantasy performs in band competitions and was the grand winner of last year/s Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Pan Aliv contest. The band will be performing this weekend GOSPEL PRAISE ON STEEL - 2025 SATURDAY MAY 17, 2025 12th Annual - Gospel Praise on Steel Location: Global Kingdom Ministries 1250 Markham Rd. Scarborough Time: Doors: 5:00pm - Showtime: 6:00pm
Pan Fantasy may not travel to New York but it has plans to tour Spain in the near future!
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