Songshine Open Mic celebrates the UN’s declaration of World Steelpan Day, and Pan Trinbago’s Pan Month on Thursday, with its next featured guest Derron Ellies.
Ellies is an accomplished pannist, a with a certificate in Music from UWI’s Centre for Creative & Festival Arts, who has worked alongside the cream of local talent. He has shared the stage with greats such as Black Stalin, Mighty Sparrow, David Rudder and Mighty Shadow.
He has also taken his talent to foreign shores, including tours of India (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore); China (Shanghai); the Caribbean (Jamaica, St Maarten, Aruba, Martinique); and, the United States of America (Baltimore, New York, New Orleans).
Show producer Gillian Moor says, “Derron has been a Songshine supporter since its early days in the early 2000’s. We knew we just had to celebrate the international recognition of the steelband, so it was the perfect opportunity to feature Derron’s unique and beautiful style.”
As always, Songshine will also put the spotlight on emerging talent. The first segment of the show is an open mic session, and all are welcome to sing, play instruments, read or recite their original works.