HELL YARD, Port of Spain, home of the iconic Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, will be a buzz of activities all day on May 21, in celebration of the band’s 90th anniversary.
And even as the band marks such an historic milestone, the 11-time Panorama champion is not ready to retire or fade into obscurity, but is leading the pack as an innovator and trendsetter in the footsteps of its forefathers, especially Neville Jules, whose experimental approach with the national instrument is unrivalled.
Proclaimed All Stars Day and themed Pushing 90, from 6 am on May 21, patrons are invited to share in the magical experience that would include the power of the steel from the senior and youth orchestras.
Cecilia Tomson, director of operations at the All Stars Academy said the band will be digging deep into its musical past to celebrate its present, with genres from classical to calypso, and everything in between.
[caption id="attachment_1156126" align="alignnone" width="1024"] All Stars sailor mas holds the record for winning Band of the Year in 2014 and 2015, the only steelband to do since 1963. In 2025, it placed second. -[/caption]
From breakfast bites prepared by "Tanty" to lunch time specials, homemade wines, an art exhibition put on by the Trinidad and Tobago Art Society, pop-up markets featuring goods and services by members of the orchestra ranging from waxing, nail art, haircuts and styles, plumbing, painting, and souvenir and gift items from the band’s two gift shops, there will be something for everyone.
Known for its sailor mas over the years, All Stars Day will also set the stage for the launching of its 2026 Carnival presentation, Sailors Ashore in Pan. The band holds the record for winning Band of the Year in 2014 and 2015, the only steelband to do since 1963. In 2025, it placed second.
An awards ceremony to honour organisations and individuals who have contributed to the band’s phenomenal history is also on the agenda.
A special space has been created for patrons to view documentaries, sit, chat and reminisce.
Although its genesis was in the area known as Hell Yard in 1935, funny enough, the actual startup date of the band originally known as Hell Yard Boys, is uncertain. The first of every year is celebrated as its anniversary date with thanksgiving.
So why May 21 for this grand affair?
Tomson said it is simple.
“It is the birth date of the father of the steel orchestra, Neville Jules, better known as Cap, who was born on May 21, 1927."
To celebrate his legacy, in 2021, one year after his death in 2020, the street on which the band is located, 46-48 Duke Street, was renamed Neville Jules Junction, in 2021 by then Port of Spain mayor Joel Martinez.
[caption id="attachment_1156124" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Former Port of Spain mayor Joel Martinez, third from left, takes a photo in front of the newly installed street sign for the Neville Jules Junction, at the corner of Duke and George Streets alongside, from left: Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra (TASSO) community relation
