August Was A Month Of Caribbean Celebrations
by Denise Harris & Marcia Campbell
On August 13th, 2025, BCASCA proudly celebrated World Steelpan Day at their headquarters on 2174 Harris Ave, Palm Bay, Florida.
World Steelpan Day, inaugurated by the United Nations in 2023 and observed annually on August 11th, honors this unique instrument, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago. The day recognizes the steelpan’s cultural significance, its contribution to diversity, and its role in sustainable development.
The steelpan—also known as the steel drum or simply “pan”—is the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century. Born from discarded oil drums, it has evolved into a versatile instrument capable of performing any genre, from calypso to classical, and remains a central part of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival and cultural identity.
The celebration featured BCASCA’s very own Palm Bay PANATICS Steel Orchestra, led by Anthony Harris, with arrangements by Cedrick Luces, a professional pannist who generously shares his expertise with the group. Together with renowned saxophonist JahD, the evening offered an uplifting fusion of steelpan and saxophone that delighted everyone in attendance. Palm Bay PANATICS performed an inspiring repertoire, ranging from spirituals to calypso, with the Luces–JahD collaboration as the highlight of the night.
This event beautifully set the stage for Trinidad and Tobago’s 63rd Independence celebrations later that month.
On August 30th, 2025, the TNT Independence group hosted a Red, White, and Black Gala at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Activity Center. The evening opened with the U.S. and Trinidad & Tobago national anthems, performed on steelpan by Palm Bay PANATICS members Theresa Anderson and Marsha McSween. Guests, many dressed proudly in the national colors, enjoyed live music by ENHarmonics Steel Band, led by Vern Julian.
The evening also held personal significance for the lead organizer, Catherine Brown, whose birthday coincides with Trinidad and Tobago’s official Independence Day on August 31st. Guests enjoyed delicious Trini cuisine, the Mr. and Ms. TNT Competition, a performance by Soca artist Shawn Nelson, and lively music from popular DJs Papa Noel and DJ Dray, who kept the dance floor packed until midnight.
The following day, Sunday, August 31st, BCASCA continued the Independence festivities with a vibrant celebration at the Judge Majeed Cricket Pavilion in Fred Poppe Regional Park. Despite the rain, the day was filled with music, dancing, costumes, drumming, cultural foods, and, of course, steelpan performances. The event was further honored by the presence of Mr. Bruce Lai, Consul General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Miami, Florida.
Special recognition goes to Becky Snyder and the BCASCA Youth Group Team for their outstanding work in organizing and executing such a joyful and successful celebration.
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