Written by Ted Goslin
The 2014 Virginia Beach Panorama, Caribbean Music Fest, was an international event this year as the St. Croix Rising Stars Steel Orchestra from the Virgin Islands took home this year’s grand prix, wowing the crowd with a strong performance that included the song High Mas by David Rudder.
The event was adjudicated by legendary arranger Ray Holman, Tom Miller of Pan Ramajay and Cliff Alexis, director of the Northern Illinois University Steel Orchestra. Bands were judged based on Execution, Arrangement, Musicality and Performance, among others. The elementary and middle school adjudicators for the event were renowned tuners and arrangers Yuko Asada and Emily Lemmerman.
Both nights of the event were headlined by Pan virtuoso, Victor Provost, who is known for his Bebop infused playing style that incorporates a modern approach with island roots. During his performance, Provost was joined by percussionist Bobby Thomas Jr., vocalist Rudy Faulkner and the Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra.
