Renegades perform at Live Music District Ten-time National Panorama champion BP Renegades Steel Orchestra delighted patrons turning out at Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook, on April 22, for the steelpan edition of the Live Music District produced by the Trinidad and Tobago Music Company (MusicTT). MusicTT is a division of the Creative Company of Trinidad and Tobago (CreativeTT) which falls under the Trade and Industry Ministry. Under the music direction of Duvone Stewart, the orchestra satisfied the appetite of scores of music lovers with scintillating sounds on steel. Moments later, entertainer Oscar B (Oscar Benjamin) joined the celebrated steelband to offer his brand of vocal magic. It was a perfect afternoon for entertainment. Overcast weather conditions just around 4pm provided the ideal cover from the sun for culture lovers who turned out for this open-air event. Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez, trade minister Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon, government Senator Nigel De Freitas and legendary steelpan pioneer Anthony Williams were among the dignitaries in attendance. Jeanelle Frontin, general manager at MusicTT said the LMD concept is becoming a staple globally and this country could not be left behind, citing it was a great avenue to constitute a well-knit music industry. Under the plan, music indigenous to T&T and the region will be featured, she said. “Around the world, in every country, on every continent, over 20 of these exists. They are called Music Cities aka Live Music Districts. Governments in collaboration with stakeholders set up a designated area where live music is seen as ‘must be played’. Everywhere there is a space…they engage artistes…they engage existing venues. They even, sometimes, create new spaces to ensure that no matter where you go, people can actually experience what the music of the territory maybe,” Frontin said. Under the initiative, which is part sponsored by government, persons will see live entertainment at restaurants and other locations regularly. “An economical and strategic way to do it is to engage existing infrastructures. So, we are talking bars, lounges, hotels, clubs, places that already have restaurants especially…places that are already mandated to have activity happening,” she explained. Frontin continued, “There is no territory, culture, city in the world that’s ever going to be like another one. Some places actually built from scratch, these designated areas and amphitheatres of some kind so that people can come.” The Dr Keith Rowley-led government hopes to diversify the economy through this project which is not merely seen as a platform to showcase entertainers, but to development performers that will constitute a thriving entertainment sector.
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