Panorama ‘Keepin’ Pan Alive’ at Lamport Stadium on Friday

By Stephen Weir

The sweet sound of steelpans will fill the air at Lamport Stadium on Carnival Friday as Canada’s leading steel orchestras battle for top honours at Keepin’ Pan Alive, one of the signature events of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

Presented by the Ontario Steelpan Association in partnership with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the annual competition brings together the country’s finest steelband orchestras for an evening of musical excellence, precision and showmanship. Each orchestra performs an original arrangement before a panel of judges, competing for the coveted Pan Alive championship title.

Last year’s championship was captured by Pan Fantasy Steelband, led by Wendy Jones, whose usual dynamic performance earned the band first place.

This year’s competition takes place Friday, July 31, from 7 p.m. until midnight at Lamport Stadium, 1155 King Street West in Toronto. Children under 5 enter free to this ticketed event. For adults?Tickets rangingfrom $0-90 can be purchased through the Ontario Steelpan Association’s website

Lamport Stadium is easily reached by TTC streetcars along King Street West, while those driving can find paid parking in the surrounding Liberty Village and Exhibition Place area.

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