Rhythm of the Night: Exploring Pan Yards in Brooklyn

There’s something indescribably magical about experiencing the heartbeat of Caribbean music right in the heart of Brooklyn. I landed in New York just three days before Panorama, the grand steelpan competition, and was eager to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse. Over two nights, I embarked on a pan yard crawl, immersing myself in the music, the community, and the dedication that fuels this incredible tradition.

Weeks, sometimes months, before the first Panorama competition round, band members gather in their designated pan yards to practice. With only one round of competition in New York, some bands start practicing as early as June. While some yards, like the renowned D’Radoes Steel Orchestra, have permanent locations, others utilize temporary spaces, such as school parking lots. These temporary yards are often a unique experience, offering a chance to witness the band’s raw energy in a less formal setting.

Visiting a pan yard offers a unique perspective on Panorama, providing three key advantages:

1. Inside Access to Panorama Preparations: Visiting a pan yard before the competition gives you a first-hand look at the creative process. You'll hear the arrangements evolve, witness the band members refine their performance, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and skill involved. It's like being backstage at a concert, witnessing the magic before it takes to the stage.
2. Connecting with the Community: Many band members live in the communities where they practice. Visiting their yards shows your support and strengthens the sense of community surrounding steelpan music. You can interact with musicians, share in their excitement, and feel the energy that fuels this vibrant tradition.  My own experience was enriched by meeting fellow pan enthusiasts, exchanging stories and enjoying the intimacy of these gatherings—a true testament to the unifying power of music.
3. Supporting the Bands Financially: Every pan yard I visited had bars or food stalls. These concessions are vital for the bands, providing income for instruments, transportation, tuning, and uniforms. Many bands operate with minimal sponsorship, so purchasing a drink or a bite to eat is a direct way to support their efforts. Plus, you might even snag Panorama tickets without the online markups!

 

What to Expect at a Pan Yard

• Nighttime Ritual: Most players work during the day, so practice typically happens at night. Be prepared for late nights, especially as Panorama gets closer.
• Drilling for Perfection: The bands focus on specific parts of their arrangements, often playing through the song at both full tempo and slowed-down tempo. This intensive practice ensures every note is perfect.
• The Buzz Builds: As Panorama approaches, the energy in the pan yards explodes. Expect crowds dancing, singing, and buzzing with excitement, creating a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere.

My Pan Yard Crawl

I aimed to visit as many yards as possible, and over two nights, my visits were strategically planned to create a “pan yard crawl,” maximizing the proximity of venues. Here's a glimpse into my journey:

Night 1 

Metro Steel Orchestra: This reigning Panorama champion, located at 1437 Utica Avenue, was buzzing with activity. I arrived around 9:45 PM to a handful of players, but as the night progressed into a rhythmic frenzy, the crowd grew, captivated by the melodious strains of “Lorraine” and other captivating samples like Mical Teja's "Runaway" built into the arrangement. It was exhilarating to see firsthand how this band, New York's defending Panorama champion, drilled both moderate and slowed tempos to iron out their performance.

 

D’Radoes Steel Orchestra: This iconic band, at 900 East 52nd Street, has a permanent feel, with signage and murals showcasing their history. The crowd was already sizable, and I was thrilled to find a vibrant atmosphere with familiar faces I’d seen earlier at Metro. They were finishing up a run-through when I arrived, and then moved into intensive drills, giving me a chance to hear the song at a slower pace. The blend of songs woven through the arrangement—like “I Feel to Party Tonight” and “Steelband Times”—made for an electric experience. The passion resonating through the crowd was unbeatable as we collectively celebrated the art of steel pan music.

Night 2

Despers USA Steel Orchestra: This band, practicing in a school parking lot at 985 Rockaway Ave, had a unique vibe. The crowd fluctuated, but I was fortunate to catch a full run-through of their arrangement.  Their song selection was "DNA" by Mical Teja.  I was quickly drawn into Despers’ rich tapestry of sound, including snippets of David Rudder’s “Trini to the Bone", the national anthem of Trinidad and Tobago and Benjai's "Trini." They were the only yard I visited with a food stall, serving up delicious stewed chicken and fish.

 

Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra: My final stop was at 1168 Rockaway Avenue, a 10 minute walk from Despers USA. Pan Evolution was the smallest yard I visited, but the band members' passion was huge. They were focused on refining their performance, and I heard them drill the arrangement repeatedly at a slower tempo. Their song selection was "DNA" by Mical Teja as well. Hearing fragments of the national anthem and the lively “Trini to the Bone” served as a reminder of what I experienced at Despers pan yard earlier, providing a glimpse into the vibrant essence of carnival and further enhancing the feeling of a collective cultural journey.

Steel Sensation: Unfortunately, I missed Steel Sensation, at 845 East 96th Street, as they had finished practicing by the time I arrived.

A Final Note

Visiting these pan yards struck a chord deep within me. It's a rewarding way to support these bands, immerse yourself in the vibrant steelpan culture, and get a taste of the magic that unfolds at Panorama. I encourage everyone to visit a pan yard and witness the heart and soul of this incredible tradition. It's a free experience that can leave a lasting impression and reflect the beauty of unity through music. 

To all the bands I visited, thank you for your warmth and for allowing me to document your musical journey. It was truly a pleasure to witness all your hard work pay off on that stage on Panorama night!