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Thursday 1 augusT 2019

Honor to Connor Steelband Celebration is on its way

PALM BEACH — The third edition of Honor to Connor Steel-
band Celebration is planned for Sunday, August 18th at
Paseo Herencia Mall. Keep this date reserved for a spec-
tacular event where steelband legend Mr. Edgar Connor
is honored for his pioneer work in music. This is a celebra-
tion of Aruba’s music and artists.

The Paseo Herencia Mall has given tribute to father Con-
nor in their Amphitheatre in 2007 and in 2017 this hap-
pened again in their Walk of Stars. The mall put the names
of all the local stellar athletes, artists and entertainers in
a spot to be admired by thousands of visitors and by the
local community in general, being a role model for all.
The team of Sweet Pan Music consist of Nico Connor and
Lee Connor, sons of the legend. Paula Engelen and Zaira
Orman from the mall and Tico Kock and Ronwayne Kock
from Touch of Steel participate too. Steelpan music has
a rich history and Connor’s sons cherish the value of this
typical music by continuing their father’s legacy. Quiver
Quips Steel Orchestra, The Aruba Invaders Steel Orches-
tra 2nd y 3rd generation, N.L.G. Dancers accompany-
ing Nico Connor, Wesley Connor standing by his father
Lee Connor and Carnaruba with their majestic costumes
complete the event presentation. Four persons that dedi-
cated to the steelpan music of Aruba are being honored,
who they are will be kept a secret until the event night.

Steelpan Story
Connor’s sons are professional steel pan players these
days and learnt it all from their father who was one of the
pioneering steelpan players on the island. Steelpans (also
known as steel drums or pans, and sometimes, collec-
tively with other musicians, as a steel band or orchestra)
is a musical instrument originating from Trinidad and To-
bago. Steel pan musicians are called pannists. Steelpans
are built using sheet metal with a thickness between 0.8
and 1.5 mm (1⁄32 and 1⁄16 in). Historically, steelpans have
been built from used oil barrels, just like James Edgar Con-
nor did. q