August 2010 will be a busy month for the steelpan and Pan Trinbago as the governing body observes Steelband Month “Total Local.”  The celebration, in commemoration of the 18^th Anniversary of the declaration of the Steelpan as the National Musical Instrument of Trinidad & Tobago, will be observed with a number of planned activities throughout the twin islands.

The “month” will commence with an Interfaith Service at the Trinity Cathedral on Sunday July 25^th at 11:00 a.m. with the blessing of the steelbands’ flags.  Several other events including an Awards Ceremony in recognition of individuals who have made sterling contributions to the development of the steelband movement is carded for Saturday August 14^th at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA). Funds generated from this gala affair will go towards the Sydney Gollop Benefit Fund.

The next day, Sunday 15^th August is earmarked for the Sports and Family Day. This will be held at the Trinidad & Tobago Prison Service Recreational, Sports and Cultural Club Sports Complex from 9:00 a.m.

Also on the itinerary are Health Fairs at various venues throughout the country, Steelband Community Concerts, the Re-dedication of the Foundation Stone, a ‘Back-in-Times Party’ and ‘Bad-John Day.’  Bad-John Day, aka ‘defenders of de pan’ will be held at the Trinidad All Stars Pan Theatre, Duke Street, Port of Spain, on Thursday 19^th August. This day is dedicated to those heroes who fought and risked life and limb to protect steelband turf and the instrument against hostility to reach where it is today.  “Heroes” or their survivors would meet and relate their stories.

Young panists will have their day on Saturday 21^st August as junior steelbands demonstrate their skills while making the statement that the “future of Pan is in good hands.”  The proposed venue is the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima. Starting time is 9:00 a.m.

Various other shows are planned in collaboration with the Emancipation Support Committee, Laventille Festival Committee and the Arima Regional Corporation i.e. Emancipation Pan Parades, the Laventille Steelband Festival and Arima Fest, respectively.