The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum presents Foundation Meets Future - a conversation bringing together steelpan arrangers from different generations to reflect on their journeys, the evolution of the arranger's craft, and their vision for the future of the steelpan movement. Joining the discussion are:
Dr. Leon “Smooth” Edwards — legendary arranger, educator and master musician whose career with Trinidad All Stars spans decades. Edwards has led the band to an extraordinary 10 National Panorama victories, from Woman on the Bass in 1980 to his tenth title with Inventor in 2024.
Michelle Huggins-Watts — educator, musician and arranger who made history in 2011 as the first female arranger to win a National Panorama title, leading Valley Harps to victory. Her extensive career in pan has included arranging, performing, adjudicating and educating both locally and internationally.
Representing a new generation is Jovanni Carnavon Gibson, a 19-year-old multi-instrumentalist and one of Trinidad and Tobago’s youngest steelpan arrangers, currently arranging for Bishop Anstey Trinity College East Steel in the 19 & Under category of the National Junior Panorama Competition.
The conversation will be moderated by well-known cultural podcaster Corie Sheppard, as the panel explores the experiences of steelpan arrangers through the ages — what has changed, what has endured, and where the artform goes next.
Join us on
Saturday 26 September 2026 at 10:00 AM
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CARNIVAL MUSEUM
Corner of Duke and Charlotte Streets, Port of Spain
Admission: TTD $100
Call 613-8504 to purchase tickets.
"Carnival in Trinidad offers any individual on the island an opportunity, in the local parlance, to "play yuhself," to find the authentic link between the person and the disguise, which as often as not leaves the face painted but unmasked".
—Milla Riggio, 2004
