Flatbush Panyards
William Farrington | New York, United States
Photographer: William Farrington
Exhibit Title: Flatbush Panyards
Location: New York, United States
The sounds of steelpan ringing out on hot summer nights over the bustle of Flatbush is a familiar sound. It came here with Trinidadian immigrants and established a hold in Flatbush and Crown Heights. The music’s roots lie in resisting colonial laws banning drumming in Trinidad. Indepence brought respect for the artform there, however, pannists here are facing new challenges.
Panyards are set up in empty lots rented for a few months in the summer. Men like Martin Douglas, founder of Crossfire Steel and Tony Joseph of Metro Steel pass their knowledge to a new generation of players, mostly youths and instill the discipline it takes to compete.
A real estate boom has created a neighborhood in transition. One consequence is the open spaces are now being developed, leaving bands no place to practice and fundraise. It reached a crisis level this past summer Metro Steel, Crossfire Steel, and most bands in this album were were unable to return locations in this album photographed in 2013 and 2014.
I began photographing the steelpan bands as a journalist several years ago and was moved by what i saw and heard. It is amazing to witness complicated arrangements come together as the young players master their parts, and the explosion of energy on panorama night. I try to capture the atmosphere of those night and a little of the music in the pictures.
wfnyphoto@hotmail.com
Make Comment/View Comments
