The Brooklyn-based Carlos Lezama Archives & Caribbean Cultural Center (CLACC-C) will host its Annual Youth Pan Fest next Saturday, Aug. 23, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Yolanda Lezama-Clark, the Trinidadian-born daughter of the late Carlos Lezama, after whom the center is named, told Caribbean Life on Wednesday, Aug. 13, that the festival will take place outside the landmark home of the late Caribbean-American U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisolm and Lezama, the pioneer and co-founder of Brooklyn’s legendary West-Indian Day Carnival.

“Steel pan enthusiasts of all ages are slated to converge in Crown Heights to celebrate steel pan music and Caribbean culture,” said Lezama-Clark, CLACC-C’s founder and president, stating that the event will be held under the theme, “Beats of Tomorrow, Roots of Yesterday.”

“This vibrant and captivating event showcases the rhythm and history of the iconic musical tradition from Trinidad & Tobago,” he added. “This family-friendly festival celebrates the talent and creativity of the youth community.

“Steelpan music has come far since it began in Trinidad and Tobago. It is now on the world stage, and the young people are leading the way in preserving and sharing the steel pan culture,” Lezama-Clark continued. “We’re excited to offer space for them to showcase their gifts.”

She said CLACC-C’s Youth Pan Fest will feature a diverse lineup of performances from New York City’s youth ensembles, including Metro Steel, Eruption, P.E.S.O., Harmony Music Makers, Steel Sensation, Pan Alley, Black Love Pantonics, ADLIB, and numerous steelpan soloist performances. 

Lezama-Clark said performers’ ages range from 6 to 21, and that prizes for solo competitors and steel band performers range from $200 to $3,500. 

In addition to live performances by renowned youth steel pan ensembles, Lezama-Clark said the festival will offer a range of culinary delights, artisanal crafts, family-friendly activities, and free back-to-school supplies.

Established in 2005, the CLACC-C’s mission is “to educate communities regarding Caribbean heritage,” Lezama-Clark said. “It promotes and preserves West Indian culture and history through the growth of an archive center dedicated to the legacy of Carlos Lezama, the ‘godfather’ of Brooklyn’s annual Caribbean Carnival on Labor Day.”

Lezama-Clark said the Youth Pan Fest, which is free and open to the public, will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on St. John’s Place, between Kingston and Brooklyn avenues, Brooklyn.