The annual event, named after its founder, the legendary Ellie Mannette, will take place in Morgantown, WV from July 12-18. The festival, part educational workshops, part performance, will feature world-class artists like Andy Narell, Jeff Narell, Ray Holman, and a masterclass with Mannette himself.
The event, run by Dave Longfellow, has become a benchmark example for other festivals, showcasing what can happen when all elements of the pan world come together for one event. Masterclasses and lectures will focus on a variety of topics, including improvisation, educational tips and a running course through the event on steel pan building, run by Keith Moone of Mannette Instruments.
Three bands will perform, all assembled from attendees. Each band will represent a different level with beginning, intermediate and advanced represented. The advanced group will perform Andy Narell’s latest 2015 Panorama piece, “Pan Magic,” along with other arrangements of equal difficulty.
The cost for admission is $350 for students and $500 for adults. More information on registration, hotel accommodations and location of the event can be found at www.festivalofsteel.org/home.html.
