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Last night, the Brooklyn Museum came alive with the thunder and finesse of steelpan as New York’s finest orchestras battled for Panorama glory. But before the stage lights hit and the scores rolled in, I had the pleasure of soaking up the real magic—on the drag.
For those unfamiliar, the drag is where the Steelband orchestras warm up, tune up, and vibe out before hitting the stage. It’s where the soul of Panorama pulses loudest. After years away from attending these competitions, standing among the pans again felt like a homecoming. The energy was electric, the musicians focused, and there was music. Pure joy.
I also had the pleasure of meeting video blogger Trish, aka I Am Living My Life, whose passion for Caribbean culture radiates through every frame she captures. And in a moment that felt both historic and heartwarming, I connected with Vanessa Headley—arranger for Metro Steel Orchestra, WACK Radio Steelpan host, and co-winner of Trinidad’s Small Conventional Bands category earlier this year. Metro Steel Orchestra has many young players, not seasoned veterans like most bands. Vanessa’s presence marked a milestone: she’s the first female arranger to compete in New York Panorama. Her tune of choice, The Greatest Bend Over, was bold, brilliant, and beautifully executed.
But let’s talk results. The hype on the drag wasn’t with Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra (PESO)—and maybe that’s why their performance hit like a revelation. With André White’s masterful arrangement of “Too Own Way” by Voice, PESO stunned the crowd and judges alike, clinching first place and their second consecutive title. It was a performance that reminded us: steelpan is as much about precision as it is about passion.
Here is the list of bands that participated:
- D’Radoes Steel Orchestra – Jamtown
- Despers USA Steel Orchestra – The Greatest Bend Over (Yung Bredda)
- Harmony Music Makers – Pan and Soca (Olatunji)
- Metro Steel Orchestra – The Greatest Bend Over (Yung Bredda)
- PanAlley Steel Orchestra – Too Own Way (Voice)
- Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra - Too Own Way (Voice)
- Philly Pan Stars Steel Orchestra – Bet Meh (Machel Montano)
- Steel Sensation – Too Own Way (Voice)
? Panorama 2025 Results Recap:
| Name of Band 1. Pan Evolution Steel Orch. 2. Philly Pan Stars 3. PanAlley Steel Orch. (tie) 3. D'Radoes Steel Orch. (tie) |
Name of Arranger André White Roger Greenidge Marc Brooks Terrence "BJ" Marcelle |
Tune of Choice Too Own Way (Voice) Bet Meh (MM Monk) Too Own Way (Voice) Jamtown (Coutain) |
Congratulations to the entire team at Pan Evolution. Your performance was a masterclass in musical storytelling, and you earned your win. The song "Too Own Way" has never sounded better. Until next time, keep the pan ringing and the culture strong.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: WIADCA NYC Panorama Competition 2025
Venue: Brooklyn Museum, NYC
Origin: Brooklyn, NYC, USA
Genre: Steelband Music ?
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