Panorama 2008 launches on Sunday 20th July

Sunday 13th July, 2008 -- Grenada's Panorama 2008 will kick off on Sunday July 20th 2008 with a "Panorama Launch" scheduled for the Tanteen Netball Courts at 4.30 pm.

The feature attraction at the launch will the the annual Rhythm Section Competition. Each steelband will be allowed a total of three minutes to perform on stage using a maximum of ten percussionists. At stake will be a first prize of EC$2,500, second prize of EC$1,500 and a third prize of EC$1,000. Unplaced competitors will receive an appearance fee of EC$800.00 each.

Todate, seven senior bands have confirmed their participation at Panorama 2008 and as such will be required to participate in the Rhythm Section Competition. They are, defending Rhythm Section Champions, Republic Bank Angel Harps, defending senior panorama champions, Cable & Wireless Commancheros, Courts New Dimension, Suzuki Pan Wizards, Pan Lovers, Grand Roy Pan Angels and West Side Symphony of Florida.

Also appearing at the Panorama Launch will be the junior steel orchestras who have confirmed their participation in this year's junior panorama. The bands participating are Grand Roy Pan Angels, Republic Bank Angel Harps, Wiz Kids and defending Junior Champs Cable & Wireless Commancheros.

In addition to the Rhythm Section competition, all senior bands will be playing a snippet of their panorama selection plus two local songs while the junior bands will also play a snippet of their panorama song plus one local song.

The draw for appearance at the Panorama Launch will take place on Tuesday 16th.