Our Story… 

While sailing in the Caribbean in 1973, Brooksville, Maine musician and schooner captain, Carl Chase, heard his first steelband and was captivated by the sound. A gift of Pete Seeger’s book, Steel Drums: How to Make Them and Play Them, was all he needed to get started. Chase’s fascination with the instrument led him to Trinidad where he refined his skills in the art of pan making and tuning. Once he had enough drums to form a band, Chase taught some friends how to play. In the summer of 1975, on the steps of the Brooksville post office, the Atlantic Clarion Steel Band first performed. 

In 1990, Carl put an ad in the local paper inviting people to come to an adult education class at George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill to learn to play the steel pan. A few semesters and several outdoor gigs later, Flash! in the Pans was born. In the past three decades, FLASH! has grown to become one of the largest community-based steelbands in the country and has become an integral part of the musical tradition of the Blue Hill Peninsula and beyond. Carl’s devotion to teaching the instrument led to school-based and community-based bands throughout Maine and New England.

Every spring, pan musicians of all ages and experience join together to play, learn, and share their music at the New England Pan Festival. Wherever the location, everyone is welcome to enjoy the amazing scene of 15–20 steelbands, large and small, as they gather together on the first weekend of May. In addition to the panorama style concert, each band plays 3-4 songs, often including a classical piece. Some years, prestigious bands from Trinidad and New York City have participated in the Festival and often lead workshops for players. The public is always invited to Festival activities.