PANMAN PAT

The legendary "Panman Pat" McNeilly is one of Canada's pioneers in calypso and steelpan. He received a Juno award (1991) and was twice winner of the Calypso Monarch of Canada (1983 and 1985). In 1986, Pat developed the first Steelpan curriculum

as a formal credit course in Grades 9, 10 and 11 at the Etobicoke Board - contributing greatly to

steelpan's popularity in Toronto's school system and continues to consult the Toronto District School Board. In 1995, he received the Trinidad & Tobago Republic Day Award for the promotion of Calypso and Steelband music in Canada. He is a founding member of Calypso Association of Canada (OCPA) in 1982 and more recently held the position of President (2019 – 2021). He is also a founding member of the Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA). Panman Pat is also an inductee of the Pan Pioneer Award (2005). Panman Pat has inspired a whole generation of steelpan players and continues to make his mark as a freelance musician and calypsonian.

panguru47@gmail.com