Checking in with Dr. B.

Michael G Kernahan was born in 1947 in Palo Seco Trinidad and Tobago. He moved from Palo Seco to Manzanilla and later to St. James in the north of the island of Trinidad. In St. James, Michael joined the famous Tripoli Steel Orchestra, later touring with them through the Caribbean and to Expo ‘67 in Montreal, Canada. The orchestra performed with success returning the next year to perform at the 1968 “Man and his World”. Liberace, the late world famous pianist, heard the orchestra and contracted them to tour with him. After the Liberace tour, Michael and the orchestra continued to tour and gather accolades across the United States including being nominated for a Grammy record under Warner Brothers, “The Esso Trinidad Steelband”. On the orchestra’s return to Trinidad, Michael continued performing with the band, utilizing his technical and artistic talents with the country’s top artists and delving into the art of steelpan making and tuning. Later Michael and a few of the members of Tripoli returned to the United States and eventually became the “21st Century Steelband” based in Michigan and later in Miami, again receiving standing ovations at all their performances. Michael Kernahan taking the role of captain, tuner, arranger and performer. 

Michael Kernahan has won kudos across the world for the beautiful sound produced by his instruments. He is in demand to build and tune steel pans for groups across the United States and the Caribbean. He received a Florida Folk Heritage Award in 2005 and continues to share his art, talent and music with the world.

https://dos.fl.gov/cultural/programs/florida-folklife-program/apprenticeship-program/apprenticeship-publications/michael-kernahan-a-life-in-pan/

https://exchange.prx.org/pieces/217488?m=false

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc1TfaXMlPI

https://www.npr.org/2005/03/04/3042000/liberace-the-trinidad-tripoli-steelband

https://dos.fl.gov/cultural/programs/florida-folklife-program/florida-folklife-40th-anniversary/the-stories-that-speak-for-us/michael-kernahan/

https://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts-culture/kendall-musician-mike-kernahan-brought-steel-pan-music-to-the-world-11146179/

https://historymiami.org/south-florida-folklife-center/artist-in-residence-programs/21st-century-steel-band/

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Born in the beautiful islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Shenelle has incorporated her culture within her mathematics classroom and research. She merges mathematics and music within her lessons, which transforms her classroom into a unique experience. She has been teaching since 2013 and is now gifted certified in Georgia and College Board certified in AP Precalculus and AP Statistics. Since then, she has been “Teacher of the Year” three times and was the recipient of the “Florida’s Best and Brightest” Grant.

Currently, she is a doctoral student in Georgia State University’s Teaching and Learning PhD program, with a research interest in The Impact of Using Virtual Reality as an Experiential Learning Tool in Mathematics Education. She holds a Masters degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Florida and two Bachelor’s degrees, in Mathematics and Music, from Florida Memorial University, where she was the valedictorian of her graduating class.

She has contributed to the music education field within Trinidad and Tobago, by organizing festivals and workshops, in which youth of her nation are exposed to international music experts. This gained her program the prestigious Hummingbird Medal (Gold) which is one of the highest culture awards within her country.

Such success in the music education field has inspired her to expand her national contributions to mathematics education. She has decided to use her passion for culture, music, and mathematics to make future contributions to the Ethnomathematics field. Her ultimate goal is to transform mathematics classroom, to a more relatable and culturally inclusive space, where students can find their identity and voice within mathematics.

Shenelle speaks about using music, culture and technology as a teaching tool for higher level mathematics; creation of new content using virtual reality to develop experiential learners; her doctoral journey at Georgia State University; balancing all aspects of life; the inspiration and support of family and bringing excitement and joy into high school mathematics.

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Born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Carlon Lyons began his musical journey at age 9 at the Southern Marines Steel Band Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago, under the director Mr. Malamo Joseph.
Carlon’s first performance was in 1994 at the National Panorama Competition held in Trinidad yearly. His love for the art form grew and he began taking part in competitions and events. In 1997 he placed 1st in the “Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival” Steel Pan Solo Category playing Chopin’s Nocturne in E♭major (Op. 9 No. 2). 
Carlon later joined the Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra focusing on the steel pan with his new musical family. After completing his Secondary School education, he was awarded a scholarship to Florida Memorial University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree under the direction of Dr. Dawn K Batson. He left his home to go on to become a musician, educator and performer. 

In 2006 Carlon was offered a job as a Steel pan music teacher during the summer break at the ‘Sol Fest Performance program’ held in Key West, Florida. In Key West he performed at local bars, clubs and hotels, The Inn at Key West, The Island Dog, Sloppy Joe and Irish Kevins to name a few. He also played at Mallory Square as a street performer.
After completing his degree, he moved to North Broward and worked as DJ and musician at the Mardi Gras Casino for many years. He retired as a DJ and returned to Trinidad to live and become a businessman and entrepreneur.

In 2017, he started his company Carlon Lyons Music Group, where he teaches and produces music to anyone with a desire for music education and performance.

Carlon Lyons https://carlonlyonsmusicgroup.com/ speaks about his many experiences and the people and entities that  have influenced his journey.
Southern Marines Steel Orchestra https://www.facebook.com/p/Southern-Marines-Steel-Orchestra-100063570849663/
Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra https://www.facebook.com/Skiffle/
All Stars Steel Orchestra Curry Tabasco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xg_Z0IWNGk
Union Clayton Bay Secondary School https://www.facebook.com/p/Union-Claxton-Bay-Secondary-100084515713264/
Orville Wolsey
Florida Memorial University
Nora Revelin Steel Your Heart Band https://keysweekly.com/42/steel-your-heart-pan-band-embraces-goombay-festival-vibe/
George Victory https://www.keysnews.com/paradise/george-victory-key-west-is-like-trinidad-without-the-mountains/article_6997c5b0-856d-11ee-aa1c-f3b8413dd9ad.html
Sol Fest https://solfestfl.com/
Trinweld Inc. https://trinweldinc.com/
YTEPP Limited https://www.ytepp.edu.tt/

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With two hit shows currently on the air and 7 films having been released in the last ten years on television, Sherrese Moise is one of the most successful and influential producers working in the film and television industry today. Sherrese was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and works in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Sherrese, launched her company as the Managing Director & Producer of SM Elevation LLC, a film, television and event consulting company. As a consulting producer, Sherrese continues to serve as producer for Bobbcat Films in a role she has maintained over the past 10 years, an Event Manager for American Black film festival for the past 21 years and Talent Logistics Producer for the past 20 years. Sherrese is currently the supervising producer for episodes of the reality docu series “Love and Hip Hop (Atlanta) (VH1), “ Couples Retreat” (VH1); and Girls Cruise (VH1). She was also the Supervising Producer on Bobbcat Films TV series “ Last Call” and “ Mann and Wife” Bounce TV. Sherrese’s television film producing credits include the 2024 Hallmark Movie “ Sense and Sensibility”, “Life Size 2” (Disney), “Bad Dad Rehab”, Girlfriends Getaway and Girlfriends Getaway 2, and episodes of “ Rickey Smiley for Real” for TV One network.  Sherrese’s films have a combined theatrical and digital revenue of over 25 million dollars.
In her role of Supervising producer, she has a specialty in producing content filmed in international filming locations as a Unit producer who cultivates, maintains and promotes international production relationships with several film commissions, business vendors and production companies. Sherrese has been instrumental in several productions being produced and filmed in the Caribbean, South America, South Africa and the Middle East.
 In addition to her producing credits, Sherrese has worked on over 500 Award shows and television specials in the past 20 years as a Talent Flow Stage Manager, her credits include Grammys, Emmys, PBS - Grammy Salute to legends, A Capitol Hill 4th and Memorial Day Specials, CBS- Stand up to Cancer, Netflix-Hilarity for Charity, NAACP Awards, Emmys, ESPYS, People Choice Awards, BET Hip Hop and Black girls rock, BET Awards and Soul Train Awards to name a few.
Her passion for education and service over the years has remained consistent and in 2022, Sherrese graduated TEXAS A&M LAW SCHOOL and has recently incorporated legal consultancy into her strategic entertainment business focusing in Intellectual Property related to special projects . Her clients include celebrities, Film Commissions and International tourism authorities, international businesses, and US and Middle East based entertainment and non-profit organizations.
Sherrese speaks about the importance of volunteering, mentorship and living a life of integrity.
Lions Club https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-approach/club-locator
Roger M Bobb http://www.bobbcatfilms.com/roger-m-bobb/
Scott Sternburg https://www.ssprods.com/about
Texas A&M University School of Law https://law.tamu.edu/
https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/sense-and-sensibility

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Gerard Boucaud is a highly skilled and experienced professional with over two decades of experience in audit, information technology consulting, and music. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Gerard has a master’s degree in business administration, a bachelor’s degree in music, and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems.
Gerard has been involved with music for many years as a performer, arranger, teacher, and conductor. He has toured Europe, the Caribbean, and North America as a performer with various steelpan orchestras and ensembles. He has prepared musical arrangements for and worked with organizations and groups such as Trinity College Pan Ensemble, Arima Senior Comprehensive, Bishop Anstey High School, MAST Academy, Florida Memorial Steelband, Trinidad All Stars, Bowling Green State University, and Melo Groove Steel Orchestra.
Gerard’s interest in using the Steelpan for the teaching of music led him to work with
institutions such as Miami Dade County Public Schools and the College of Science, Technology, and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago where he developed and taught academic programs in Music Business, Music Theory, Music History and Ensemble Performance. He has conducted workshops and training sessions on the methodology for teaching and arranging music for the Steelpan and has been responsible for academic operations, business planning and budgets for various programs, including HAVEN Academy and Melo Groove Steelband Academy.
Gerard pursues various professional interests outside of music. He is a Realtor, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer. Outside of his professional interests he is an avid traveler.

Gerard speaks about  balance in work, in life, in giving and in receiving. He also touches on the joys and hardships of travel and on entrepreneurship.

Trinidad Carnival https://visittrinidad.tt
How to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
Melo Groove Steelband Academy https://youtu.be/gFC6LgCgGaY?si=7k-Jg280z6nwr_yf

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Leon Foster Thomas is a gifted international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso. His music is a blend of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own.

Critics laud him as “the next big thing on his instrument”, “...an enthralling improvisor...” (All About Jazz); “...masterful with impeccable musicianship” (When Steel Talks); and “a benevolent wizard” (Venice Magazine).

Leon’s deft and ambitious command of the steel pan has transcended beyond the instrument’s novel stereotype to being featured at world stages such as New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts (Miami), Moscow International House of Music, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Perm International Jazz Festival (Russia), Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, International Festival of Contemporary Culture (Kazakhstan), and Pittsburgh Jazz Live International Festival. He has also worked with artists such as: Hugh Masekela, Randy Brecker, John Daversa, Sammy Figueroa, Vince Mendoza, Richard Smallwood, Ky-Mani Marley, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Dolly Parton, Igor Butman, John Beasley, and many more.

March 2023 marked the release of Calasanitus, the album by Leon Foster Thomas. As one of the leading steel pan jazz virtuosos in the world, Foster has gained global recognition via a plethora of accolades including winning both the solo and duet competitions at the World Steelband Music Festival, as well as releasing a series of critically acclaimed albums, most recently Metamorphosis on respected label Ropadope Records. Now he is set to showcase his inimitable talent once again, with a new body of recorded work that encapsulates the intricacy, energy, and sonic brilliance that Leon Foster Thomas creates on his instrument of choice. The new album Calasanitus, described as a book of songs dedicated to his dear mother, Hillouise Calasanitus Foster, showcases a unique blend of Caribbean influence and spirit evolving from Foster’s Trinidadian heritage, combined with dexterous and innovative jazz complexity. The compositions generate an unmistakable vibe born out of the traditions of the West Indies and seamlessly incorporate the discipline and sensibilities of modern jazz music alongside this. The result is a sound that is beautifully calming and vitally energetic in equal measure.

Leon has a Bachelor of Music degree from Florida Memorial University and a Master of Music degree at Florida International University. He is currently working on his Ph.D. at Royal Holloway University of London researching Caribbean Jazz in the Anglophone and Francophone Caribbean. He continues to perform at festivals and concerts around the world, as well as conducting lectures and master classes at various educational and cultural institutions.

Leon Foster Thomas

Leon speaks about his journey in music, his compositions such as:

I Am an Immigrant from his “Calasanitus” album

Musicians such as:

Ron Reid

Ken “Professor” Philmore

Len “Boogsie” Sharpe

Marcus Swartz

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Le`Roi Simmonds is a steel pan artist from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands,

with a Bachelor's Degree in Pop Music from Florida Memorial University, and

a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from New York University. At the age of

ten, Le`Roi started playing the steel pan with the Downstreet

Pandemonium Steel Orchestra. Today, as an adult he specializes in

performance, arranging, and education. Le`Roi presently works for the VI

Superior Court Rising Stars Steel Orchestra as an Instructor/Arranger where

he and his colleagues are always working hard mentoring the youth of the

Virgin Islands using the steel pan, to keep children off the streets and in

school.

With over 20 years of experience, Le`Roi has traveled around the

Caribbean and the United States, winning various awards, such as the

Virginia Panorama Caribbean Festival, Florida Memorial University Research

and Performing Arts Day in Miami, the Music USA Festival in Orlando, and the

Trinidad and Tobago National Junior Steel Band Panorama to name a few.

Some of Simmonds recorded works include steel bands such as the Rising

Stars Youth Steel Orchestra (St. Thomas), E. Benjamin Oliver Steel Owls

(St. Thomas), Florida Memorial Steel Band (Miami), and St. Margaret’s Steel

Orchestra (Trinidad). Le’Roi Simmonds is the Steelpan Director at the University of the Virgin Islands and teaches at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in St. Thomas USVI.

NLCB PanoGrama 2021 | Semis - Leroi Simmonds

https://www.facebook.com/reel/844649540642994

Le’Roi speaks about:

Pan in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI)

Musicians - Leon “Foster” Thomas, Collins Peters, Melton Mustafa,

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Freddy Harris III - Music is Life checks in with Dr. B

“Freddy Harris III is an award-winning musician and music producer. He first made a name for himself as a steelpan player for orchestras and artists. He is the son of popular Trinidadian guitarist, Freddie Harris Jr, and has been playing in groups as a steelpan player since the age of just six, winning many awards for his musical skills.

He was born in New York City in 1980 and moved with his parents to Trinidad & Tobago that same year. He received early musical training from his father - guitarist and arranger for Harry Belafonte who also toured with Ashford & Simpson, Peter Tosh, The Mighty Sparrow, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba.  

Freddy began playing the steel pan at the age of four. At six, he moved to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and began playing with Rising Stars Steel Orchestra. In 1990 he returned to the US and continued to develop his musical skills. He placed 1st in the 1993 Miami Florida Carnival Pan Solo Competition, 3rd in the 1995 Baltimore Maryland Carnival Pan Solo Competition and performed at the Manhattan Center. 

In 1998 Freddy graduated as the valedictorian from New York City Repertory Company High School and received a full scholarship from Something Positive, Inc. to attend Florida Memorial University (FMU). At FMU he co-arranged under the direction of Dr. Dawn K. Batson, Director of the FMU Steel Orchestra, later going on to tour with them as their Ambassador. He came 2nd at the Trinidad & Tobago World Steel Orchestra Classics Solo and performed for President Bill Clinton that same year. He has gone on to perform at countless festivals and venues worldwide, including the NAACP 94th Annual Convention Gospel Extravaganza, The Elephant room in Austin, Texas, B.B. King’s in New York, Lincoln Center, and even a private house party for Jerry Seinfield. BET’s 106 & Park, Good Morning America and MTV’s TRL are just a few of the television shows on which this professional musician has featured. 

Freddy is the owner & arranger of steel orchestra ‘Steel-X-Plosion USA,’ with whom he competed in the New York Panorama. Freddy is also the first steelpan player to hit over a million views on YouTube for his rendition of “Flight of The Bumblebee.”

These days you can find Freddy producing, engineering and performing alongside top-name artists. Some of the names he has worked with include Ski Mask The Slump God, Timberland, and Melanie Fiona. He is also known as FH3 beats and has released a number of Steel drum sample packs with Splice.com, as well as original tracks. In 2019, he released 12 steel drum albums and 5 in 2020. He is currently planning to release more music under both Freddy Harris III and FH3 beats, produced and engineered by himself at the famous Steel Xplosion Studios.”

www.panonthenet.com/tnt/2012/arrangers/ny/freddy-harris-3.htm accessed 4 August 2023

Freddy Harris III speaks about:

Trap Music

His journey in music

The influence of his father - Freddy Harris Jr.

Advice for young musicians

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Thank you for listening.  If you prefer to watch the video, check it out on YouTube.
Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.

I like to look past the sky…. Kareem Thompson is Checking in with Dr. B
Check Dr. B's website https://www.keepyourjoyandrise.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/checkinginwithdrb

Composer, Arranger, Steel pan virtuoso from Brooklyn, NY. Kareem got started with his family band "K.I.T Caribbean Connection" in the mid 90's. He has performed with the likes of Ludacris, Mighty Sparrow, Brian Simpson, Jessy J and is currently touring with jazz saxophonist Elan Trotman & jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles.  Kareem is also a well educated graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. He has performed at a wide range of jazz festivities and events including Tobago Jazz Fest, Springfield Jazz Fest, Pittsburgh Jazz Fest, MTV VMA Awards, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center & many many more.
 
His debut album "PAN ROOTS CULTURE" is available via CDBaby, iTunes, Amazon Music with another on the way.  Check ou Kareem’s “Dream Sessions” on "EIGHT HOURS A DAY" / Dream Sessions #2

https://www.kareemthompsonmusic.com/?fbclid=IwAR2gGL6BntZdk04iGDSi29SxVLbq7z7ZvKXoYT80oA0tqJz98ReMfIy4xmk

Kareem speaks about

Djembe

The Hylanders Steel Orchestra

Edgar “Pops” Fitzgerald and K.I.T Caribbean Connection

Scipio “Sarge” Sergeant

Raf Robertson

Clive Bradley

Berklee College of Music

Pan, Roots, Culture

Dream Sessions

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Immediately after graduating Midwood High School 16, Khuent Rose received a music scholarship to Florida Memorial University under the tutelage of Dr. Dawn Batson. Influenced by Jazz Professor by the late Melton Mustafa and classmates Leon “Foster” Thomas and Freddie Harris III, Rose developed an inimitable style of music. Faculty eventually encouraged other venues better suited for his advanced studies. He returned to NY and was commissioned by Martin Douglas to be the Musical Director of Crossfire Steel Orchestra; he continued his studies at Brooklyn College (Music Composition) under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin Bierman and Dr. Tania Leon. In the Spring of 2010, he graduated majoring in Music Composition with a Minor in English and Philosophy. At Brooklyn College he was able to debut several works during Student Composer concerts, perform in the Jazz and Percussion ensembles, and received the De Los Mederos special award in Composition (inducted by Dr. Leon)

He's been a Preschool teacher, Teaching Artist, Enrichment provider, Counselor , Minister, Comedian, Steelpan tuner and Music Teacher within the NYC school system. He is regularly commissioned by Brooklyn Conservatory Orchestra, NY Botanical Gardens and local politicians to perform and represent the Steelpan community. For over 20 years, he’s consistently been a Church instrumentalist, Musical Director and/or Choir Director. He currently serves as an Episcopal musician at 2 Brooklyn churches. He still finds time to perform with Andre White, Kareem Thompson and Baba Neil Clarke as a steel pannist, accompanist and keyboardist.

Rose has lectured at Medgar Evers, Brooklyn College, The New School, Princeton and City Tech, advocates for the Steelpan community of New York and acts as a consultant to various local and international Steelpan associations.  2023 is his 9th year as Music teacher at the Achievement First Brooklyn High School Charter school in Bedstuy where he teaches Steelpan, Piano, and Music production.  

 His unique form of Khuentertainment is engaging, thought-provoking and unforgettable.

Khuent speaks about his formative years in music and those who influenced him;  his family; the impact of music therapy; resilience in the face of devastation; relationships between band leaders and players; orisha; music as a foundation for the future and music as a tool to refine as opposed to a tool to medicate.

Check out:

www.Khuentertainment.com

https://www.panonthenet.com/tnt/2011/news/oped/krose-do-something-for-pan-eduate-3-28-11.htm

Khuent's influences:

CASYM 

Arddin Herbert 

Dwight DeSilva

Felix Spengler 

Tania León

Crossfire Steel Orchestra

Thank you for listening. If you prefer to watch the video, check it out on YouTube.
Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.

Thank you for listening.  If you prefer to watch the video, check it out on YouTube.
Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.