The announcement of the PAN IN THE DMV story was well received at January's General Meeting. The guest speaker, Mr. Roland Barnes, explained the reason for undertaking the project as a necessity to document a historical record of the area's contribution to the development of the voice of the steel drum in the tri state area.

Many pannists and pan lovers tuned in a participated in the discussion that followed Roland’s address. The audience expressed their appreciation to Mr. Barnes for his decision to undertake the much-needed endeavor. There was a suggestion that the website article should be expanded to include contributions of other individual members of the movement in the area, as well as stories about several of the Steelband shows such as the Baltimore Panorama, the DC Pan Jamboree, and the Virginia Beach Panorama.

There was some nostalgia about the fact that there is no longer a PMSO Pan Jamboree, which led to several folks suggesting that a revival be considered. This suggestion was well received, and this led the president to suggest that the External Outreach Committee could collaborate with community partners to design the next best way to bring a Steelband centric replacement event for the area. Several partners have expressed interest. 

There was also a discussion pertaining to the current approach to how we present, with some younger members pointing out that our method of communication is not reaching the youth, something the Communications Committee is taking a close look at. Also, it was pointed out that regarding Steelband, we must look at the market it serves, not just the immigrant Caribbean market, but the market in the US.

The Guest Speaker segment of the General meeting has proven to be a viable catalyst to bring more interest to the organization, so the Association welcomes any suggestions for speakers or topics the members think would be helpful. Please email us at info@ttadc.org

SEEING WITHOUT SIGHT

 Our Guest speaker for the evening will be Ms. Alyscia Cunningham, a multitalented daughter of Trinidad & Tobago. She is an Author, Film Director, Photographer, Speaker and Enterpreneur. Her work focuses on changing the dialogue around beauty standards for women through documentary film and unaltered photography.  She will be speaking from that point of view, with special focus on her film SEEING WITHOUT SIGHT which premiers at AFI Silver Theatre on Sunday 16th February 2025.

Thanks to the generous support of Fat and the Moon, Eco Lips, and Ceramedx, the first 100 guests who purchase tickets will receive swag bags with natural, non-toxic, and cruelty-free products. These bags are valued at $30—well above the general admission ticket price of $20. It’s more than worth the value, so grab your tickets while they last!

 Reception with Small Bites
Kick off the evening at 5:30 PM with a light reception featuring delicious small bites provided by Crown Bakery—the only Trinidadian bakery in the DC metro area—the event will kick off at 5:30 PM with a light reception featuring delicious small bites.

THE ALONZOBASH PODCAST

The AlonzoBash Podcast ️and its host AlonzoBash are the perfect vehicles for navigating a diverse range of topics impacting the Caribbean community and beyond - from music, relationships, politics, community activism, immigration, entrepreneurship, and more - in a straightforward yet engaging approach.

With more than 15 years of media experience, AlonzoBash has honed his interviewing chops and developed a knack for drawing his guests into genuine, insightful conversations.

There's something for everyone - tune in weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

View this interview with current  TTADC President -  CLICK  HERE       

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