Press Release: PanoGrama Entertainment
After months of delays due to COVID-19 restrictions, Tobagonian Keishaun Julien finally received his opportunity to perform for the annual Sons of Steel concert. Julien, who stormed to victory at the 2021 edition of PanoGrama with Professor’s Pan by Storm, touched down in Canada last month, July.
He left no notes untouched in displaying his musical prowess at Sons of Steel: One Evolution, as the headliner.
“It felt great to finally perform in Canada”, Julien said. “I had no doubts about the trip. I knew from the start that COVID-19 restrictions may have impacted the timeline and it was just a matter of time before it was possible. I am grateful for the opportunity to build my network further, connect with Canadian fans, and enjoy the sights of Canada as well as the Caribana celebrations.”
Julien closed the show with a medley of tunes, starting with Hotel California by the Eagles and ended with Mash Up by Blaxx. He performed after the likes of T&T’s Earl Brooks, Canadian Trenyce Sweeney and other notable steelpannists. Former T&T Consul General Mr. Michael Lashley and President of the Ontario Steelpan Association Terrence Wilson were in attendance, along with Julien’s friends and family members who flew from the US to watch him perform. Canadian pan enthusiasts were also out in their numbers.
The organizer, Earl La Pierre Jr., was very pleased to finally host Julien, as part of his sponsorship agreement.
“Keishaun showed Toronto why he is a PanoGrama champion. He wowed the audience with his skills and if they could have had their way, he would have come back for an encore! Also, there are so many talented pannists around the world, and I am thankful for PanoGrama, through which we were able to meet and see some of the undiscovered musical talents. I look forward to working with Nevin and his team again in the future.”
The Sons of Steel concert was first hosted in Canada in 2012 and was created around the sons of legendary pannist Earl la Pierre Snr., Olujimi La Pierre, Noel La Pierre, and Earl La Pierre Jr. It also made it to the shores of Trinidad and Tobago over the years and has featured notable pannists such as Duvone Stewart and the late Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore.
CEO/Founder of PanoGrama, Nevin Roach, was extremely satisfied with La Pierre Jr.’s hosting.
Roach said “Earl is top tier. He did an amazing job hosting Keishaun and executing a quality show. Later this year, the 2022 PanoGrama winner will travel to the Bahamas to work with kids and perform, and I hope to provide more of these opportunities to upcoming steelpannists in the future.”
With Canada in the books, Julien shifts his focus to the upcoming Tobago Carnival in October. He is expected to be in high demand.