By Lincoln DePradine

More than three decades ago, a group of Toronto musicians, with backgrounds rooted in various Caribbean countries, including Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada, came together to form a steel orchestra. They called the band, “Panatics’’.

It’s the 35th anniversary of Panatics Steelband Network and the occasion was marked last Saturday with a gala at Tropicana Community Services in Scarborough.

“What began as a shared passion for the vibrant sounds of the steelpan has grown into a lasting legacy – one built on dedication, creativity and the unifying power of music,’’ Panatics said Saturday’s in the written welcome message in Saturday’s program.

“Tonight, we celebrate not only our journey, but the many hands and hearts that have shaped it – our talented musicians, devoted supporters and cherished community.’’

According to the band’s history, the musical ensemble was founded on April 16, 1991, in North York in an initiative “led by Layne Clarke with community support’’.

Layne and other co-founders of Panatics say the band was established “to provide a positive outlet for local youth’’.

It’s now “proudly based in the Malvern community of Scarborough, where weekly rehearsals are held at the Church of the Nativity, whose generous support provides an interim home for the band’’, they explain. “Guided by a dedicated board of directors, the organization continues to uphold and advance its founding vision.’’

The entertainment at the gala highlighted the versatility of Panatics, including vocals accompanied by pan.

Other performances featured the Panatics Steelband Stageside, Panatics OGs Group, and Panatics Youth Ensemble.

“This anniversary means a lot to us. I am quite happy with the progress the band has made and continues to make,’’ musical director of Panatics, Andrew Jackson, a founding member, told The Caribbean Camera.

LJI reporter

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