Steel Band Competition

There is nothing sweeter than a steel pan played properly and here on Cayman you’re going to see how it’s truly done. The instrument originated in Trinidad & Tobago but has swept the world with its unique and irresistible energy. These days it’s not just calypso and soca but pop, rock, classical and jazz that benefit from steel pans.

In the early eighties, the steel pan was introduced to Cayman by Earl La Pierre who still runs Cayman School for Pan where he teaches avid youngsters the intricacies of pan playing and arrangement. The steel band competition this year will be held on 11 November at 7.30pm on Harbour Drive. It is expected to attract competitors from most schools in Cayman and even though there were only four bands taking part last year, it is expected that up to six bands will compete for cash prizes totalling $5000.

At last year’s competition thousands of eager steel band lovers crowded the streets of downtown George Town just to get a glimpse of Cayman’s youngsters.

Sponsored by Chevron Texaco, the competition is open to all steel band residents in the Cayman Islands.