Page 13 - ARUBA TODAY

A13
Friday 25 august 2017

At Paseo Herencia Mall:

An Ebullient Tribute to Aruba’s “Steel Pan Man” Edgar Connor

Manager Vashni Wix were Padu.
delighted to welcome Aru- Paseo Herencia Mall has
ba’s “Father of Culture,” long been dedicated to
Padu Lampe, composer the mission of introducing
and musician, who is the vacationers and visitors
namesake of the mall’s to the shopping center to
central focus, the Plaza island culture and the ac-
complishments of its peo-

PALM BEACH - Manage- dream to see our father’s ple in various endeavors,
ment of Paseo Herencia image alongside those athletic, intellectual and
Shopping Mall was very of Aruba’s elder states- social. “We have always
pleased to join with the men, which are depicted made it a policy of sharing
Connor brothers, Lee and on the back wall of the these great moments with
Nico recently, in an ebul- Edgar Connor Amphithe- visitors from other coun-
lient tribute to their father, ater, named for our dad,” tries,” confirmed Mrs. Piet-
James Edgar Connor, the expressed Lee. “We feel it ersz-Camacho, “we have
man who brought steel pan was very appropriate to observed they enjoy them
music to Aruba. make it part of their grand as much as we do. We try
10th anniversary celebra- to make every visit to the
The music and unique in- tion.” mall an opportunity to be-
strument that creates it The artist Maritza Erasmus, come acquainted with our
originated from Trinidad who carved the other re- rich history and accom-
and Tobago. When Edgar liefs that adorn the stands, plishments. It is with great
Connor migrated to Aruba, was commissioned to cre- pride that we unveil this im-
he introduced the art to a ate Connor’s portrait. It age of Edgar Connor, who
community that embraced was unveiled on Friday has contributed so greatly
it with fervor. He was a mu- evening in the presence of to our island’s culture, right
sician, teacher, artist of his widow, Gloria Thomas- next to that of Bernadina
creating the instruments, Connor and his sons, Eu- Growell, Aruba’s “Mother
and founder of “Aruba In- gene Jones, Lee & Nico of Culture.” We hope visi-
vaders” a revered steel Connor as well as many tors and locals will come to
pan orchestra. His enthusi- very respected members see the art and learn about
asm for the musical genre of the musical and cultural these special people.”q
and influence left a lasting community, including Stan- popular group. One of the
impression on Aruba’s cul- ley Dabian of the Aruba original members of Edgar
ture. Department of Culture. As- Connor’s band, Frankie Ar-
Edgar Connor was born sisting in the unveiling was rindel, was honored by Lee
in 1939 and passed away also Wesley Connor, Lee’s and Nico for the inspiration
in 1996. His sons, Lee and son, who also continues he provided, and his dedi-
Nico, continued his lega- the family tradition of steel cation to the art.
cy, becoming noteworthy pan artistry. NTG-NLG Dance Troupe
steel pan musicians; they The evening’s program also performed traditional
produced several CD’s featured a rich array of and carnival choreogra-
and have performed in performances, including phy to the sweet sounds
endless concerts. the new Invaders band, led of steel pan. Paseo Her-
“Ever since Paseo Heren- by Lee and Nico, as well encia General Manager
cia opened their doors ten as a several numbers from Valerie Pieterz-Camacho
years ago, it has been our Bito & the Boys, another
and Marketing & Events