Panyard Experience (8.00 pm to 12 midnight)

For the music enthusiast and for those who want a true taste of “trini culture” this tour offers a novel approach to appreciating the pulse of our people. The venue is alive with an atmosphere that will take you back in time to the origin of the steelband.

The steelband can be said to be a development of the Tamboo Bamboo band. Many decades ago a ban was placed on the beating of drums during the carnival celebrations. Then something happened. On Carnival Monday morning – Jour Ouvert 1937, a band from New Town swept into the city. Paying tribute to the then current film hit, the banner proudly proclaimed, Alexander’s Ragtime Band … a mass of jubilant humanity reacted ecstatically to its ample rhythm and noise. All sorts of improvised percussion instruments had been co-opted by the band, buckets, dustbins, pitch-oil pans, soap boxes, motorcar hubs and other noise making devices.

The discarded 55 gal oil drum gave birth to a new musical culture – the steel pan – the only acoustic musical instrument developed in the 20th century. From this evolved the melodious sounds of the present day steel orchestra with pans ranging from the highs of the tenor to the lows of the bass.

The tour visits traditional pan yards that are alive with activity since the bands will be practicing for the very prestigious “Panorama “ competition – the pinacle of achievement for the steelpan fraternity. The experience includes our local rum punch, beers, fruit juices or soft refreshments, a short history of the evolution of the steel pan, a scintillating performance by the resident steelband, maybe even an opportunity for hands-on experience on the pan. To complete the experience we will also visit one or two “mas-camps” where costumes for the two-day carnival parade can be viewed and purchased.

Includes: A/C transport, guide, refreshments.
Cost: US$60.00 per person.
Minimum: 20 persons