Founder and Pan Director Herman ‘Cupid’ Francis was honoured Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Nite of Pan in Carnival City, Little Bay.
Started in 2004, the show has become a staple on the annual festival calendar.
Long time member of the Volpanics Steel Orchestra, Ingrid Osborne read a special message to acknowledge Francis contribution to the art form and the development of the annual event.
Osborne said the tribute was on behalf of the Volpanics, and the steel orchestras at the St. Augustine Primary, Brades Primary, Lookout Primary and the Junior Steel Orchestra at the Montserrat Secondary School.
“Your commitment and hard work has had a profound impact on so many lives,” Osborne stated. She thanked him for “fostering a musical legacy in our society.”
Along with the kinds words Francis received a a laundry hamper filled with gifts.
Following the event, the musical director said he has been wondering how to make the 20th Nite of Pan special and had no idea that they were planning to celebrate him.
This was a scaled back version of the usual event, given the momentous year. However, the lack of a ferry and a tougher economic climate deterred the usual visit from a regional steel orchestra to be the guest performers.
Radio personality Basil Chambers was the evening’s MC. The event featured performances by a combined steel orchestra from Brades Primary, St. Augustine and Lookout Primary School. There was also renditions from the Montserrat Secondary Steel Orchestra, the Volpanics and Genysis.
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Panache, Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra Dianntonics from Trinidad & Tobago
