Eat whatever that is offered to you, that is the only way to know a culture – Anthony Bourdain in “Parts Unknown”
I heard of Anthony Bourdain’s reputation before knowing his latest work “Parts Unknown”. In the series, he traveled to many countries to engage with locals, celebrity or not, to talk about the issues of their homeland in the presence of food. His recent death caused thousands to mourn.
Bourdain famously sat down with President Obama in Vietnam over a $6 bowl of Pho.
One idle evening in our new nest in Providence, Rhode Island, Kevin and I decided to watch one episode of “Parts Unknown” available on Netflix. This time Bourdain goes to Trinidad and Tobago (originally aired June 2017). We were immediately captivated by the multicultural colonial history of the islands and the development of the ‘only instrument invented in 20th century’ aka the Steel Pan.
Professor Stephon Alexander explains the science behind the Steel Pan
Little did I know that Pan Fantasy Steelband , Canada’s top steel band, would be in town merely days later to be part of a comprehensive Pan discussion and a concert! Organized by Brown University’s Development Studies program at the Watson Institute, the panel of scholars and artists covered a wide array of topics surrounding the Steel Pan, from its historical and socio-economical origins, to its migration alongside Trinidadians across borders (Canada in this case), the role of women in the band, and the complicated science behind its acoustics. Besides being grateful for the fact that I could dive into new knowledge, I want to highlight what resonates with me when I listened to Bourdain and the panelists speak about home and culture.
You can bring a piece of home with you even as you move into a new culture, and that’s something you can be proud of. – Wendy Jones “woman in the base” , Co-founder of Pan Fantasy Steelband
Woman in the base aka Wendy Jones
Home in this case can be a musical practice, a language or a national dish. Paraphrasing another musician, “a tradition is nothing without you in it”. All to say that even as we roam the girdled earth to the new and unknown, we are still entitled to practice our own traditions. As we grow, our practice grow and change with us. Just like how women were not originally part of the Steel band culture, they later become an integral part of the culture.
Lastly, I was told that it is very hard to record the sound of Steel Pans so I hereby present you the sketches I made during Pan Fantasy Steelband’s epic concert. Enjoy!
Anthony Bourdain and Pan fantasy Steelband Eat whatever that is offered to you, that is the only way to know a culture - Anthony Bourdain in "Parts Unknown"
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