Presented by the Center for the Performing Arts at Prince George's Community College
Steelpan Heritage Celebration
Four orchestras. One stage. Prince George's County gathers to celebrate the art form that shaped a community, for World Steelpan Heritage Month.
A Community Built Around the Pan
Prince George's County holds one of the most active steelpan communities in the country. Every August, players and orchestras across the region mark World Steelpan Heritage Month by honoring the instrument's Caribbean origins and the discipline it takes to master it.
This year's celebration brings four orchestras to one stage: two youth and adult ensembles rooted right here in Mount Rainier, and two respected guest bands from across the DMV. The afternoon also falls during the Cultural Academy for Excellence's 30th year of arts education in Prince George's County, a milestone that adds extra weight to the occasion.
The Performers
Four steelpan orchestras, four stories, one afternoon of music.
Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO)
PVYSO is the Cultural Academy for Excellence's flagship youth ensemble and has represented Prince George's County on some of the country's biggest stages. The orchestra is a three-time Virginia Beach International PANfest Grand Champion and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Strathmore, and the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Learn more about PVYSO.
PanTones Steel Orchestra
PanTones is the Cultural Academy for Excellence's adult performing ensemble, based in Mount Rainier, Maryland. The orchestra gives grown musicians a home to keep developing on the instrument and to perform steelpan music at a high level alongside CAFE's youth programs.
PanMasters Steel Orchestra
PanMasters Steel Orchestra was established on May 5, 1985, and has spent more than four decades building one of the region's most respected steelpan programs. The orchestra performs under the direction of Captain Carl Cunningham, whose leadership has shaped generations of players in the DMV steelpan community.
Echoes of Pan in Praise
Echoes of Pan in Praise originated in 2005 at National Wesleyan Church, blending steelpan artistry with a spirit of praise and worship. The ensemble brings a distinct voice to the afternoon, showing the range of what steelpan can express beyond the concert stage.
Reserve Your Seat
Tickets are sold exclusively through the Prince George's Community College Box Office.
Standard seating for the full performance, 3:00–5:00 PM.
Requires one accompanying paid adult ticket.
Premium reserved seating and the chance to meet the performers. Limited to 101 seats.
All ticket sales are handled directly by Prince George's Community College.
Center for the Performing Arts
Prince George's Community College · 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20774
Doors open at 2:30 PM. Performance runs 3:00–5:00 PM.
Visit the PGCC Center for the Performing Arts for parking and accessibility information.
Join Us August 22
Four orchestras. One community. An afternoon honoring the art form Prince George's County helped carry forward.
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