The jovial and melodic sound of the steel pan has always been a staple element in not only Caribbean culture but of Carnival festivities all together. In celebration of the musical tradition, Miami Broward One Carnival presents their annual Panorama Steel Band competition on Friday, October 9, 2015 at Central Broward Regional Park from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

This year, Miami Broward One Carnival celebrates 31 years of celebration along with Antigua’s 60 years of Carnival. The list of bands competing for the coveted title of 2015 Miami Broward Carnival Steel Band of the Year includes: Silvers Stars USA Steel Orchestra, Sticks “N" Tones, Karibbean Knights, Pantastic Steel, Tamboo Bamboo, Resurrection Steel.

Reigning Panorama Band of the Year, Pantastik, looks to keep their coveted title at this year’s competition. Founded in 2009, the young band serves as a musical educational learning center and experience in Opa-Locka, Miami. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfB1JD1C6Lc

“Pan is the rhythm that fuels the lifeblood that flows through the heart of Carnival”, says Dexter Bleasdell, Steelband Coordinator.

Panorama continues to be a music lover favorite, bringing both old heads and the younger Caribbean-American pan-lovers together for a day of melodic, rhythmic and peaceful music. Not only the national instrument of the birthplace of Carnival, Trinidad & Tobago, the steel pan holds great historical significance in the world of music. The steel pan is the only new instrument invented in the 20th Century.

“Since its inception this instrument has taken the world by storm, with its range and melody. Like Reggae this is a music of and from the people “ghetto people," as they strive and try to establish a culture that is truly their own, hence the ownership that is placed on the music from calypso, to Soca to Pan. We choose to share it with the world,” states Miami Broward Carnival Executive Director Sydney Roberts.

Although a part of the Carnival experience for many years, the first Panorama was not held in T&T until 1963. In Miami, steel bands were always a part of Carnival, where bands traveled from Orlando and even from New York to participate in the city’s Carnival festivities. The host committee is committed to preserving this rich Caribbean tradition within the blueprint of #MiamiBrowardCarnival.

In addition to the soothing sounds of the competing steel bands, the night’s festivities will include a Kings, Queens and Individuals costume competition. Participants will be judged on pageantry, portrayal and creativity while attendees can catch a glimpse of the masquerade festivities at Miami Broward Carnival on Sunday, October 11.

The 2015 Miami Broward Carnival is made possible with the support of Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

Miami Broward Carnival Signature Events for 2015:

Sunday, October 4, 2015
Event: Miami Broward Jr. Carnival
Location: Central Broward Regional Park (3700 NW 11th Pl, Lauderhill, FL 33311)
Time: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission: $10(on-line & select South Florida Caribbean outlets)
Park Fee: $1.50

Friday, October 9, 2015
Event: Miami Broward Carnival Kings/Queens/Individuals and Panorama
Location: Central Broward Regional Park (3700 NW 11th Pl, Lauderhill, FL 33311)
Time: 3 p.m.-11 p.m.
Admission: $15 advance tickets-(on-line & select South Florida Caribbean outlets)

Saturday,October 10, 2015
Event: Miami Broward Carnival Official J’Ouvert
Location: Central Broward Regional Park (3700 NW 11th Pl, Lauderhill, FL 33311)
Time: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Admission: $20 advance tickets (on-line & select South Florida Caribbean outlets)

Sunday, October 11, 2015
Event: Miami Broward Carnival Parade of Bands and Concert
Location: Miami-Dade Fairgrounds (10901 Southwest 24 Street, Miami, FL 33165)
Time: 11 a.m. -11 p.m.
Admission- $27 online

For more information visit www.miamibrowardcarnival.com or call 305.653.1877