TnTeague shines at PASIC50

The Indiana Convention Centre in the United States reverberated with thunderous applause on November 15, as the father-son duo TNTeague delivered a masterful performance at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC50). Liam Teague, globally acclaimed as the ‘Paganini of the steelpan,’ joined forces with his 17-year-old son, Jaden Teague-Nuñez, a rising multi-instrumentalist, to create a musical dialogue that blended technical prowess with emotional depth. Their performance was a highlight of the 50th-anniversary convention, attended by thousands of percussion enthusiasts worldwide. For Liam, a seasoned PASIC performer, this event marked a poignant full-circle moment, as he reflected on his first solo steelpan recital at PASIC in the early 1990s. This time, the focus was on Jaden’s future and the broader potential of the steelpan. The duo’s program showcased the instrument’s versatility, featuring works like Kevin Bobo’s ‘Rhapsody in Steel’ and Ben Wahlund’s ‘Grotesque.’ A standout moment was Jaden’s rendition of ‘A Visit to Hell,’ a multi-movement piece composed by his father, which earned him the distinction of being the first pannist to win the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition. The recital concluded with a personal medley that traced the Teague-Nuñez family’s story, blending contemporary compositions with a nod to the steelpan’s Trinidadian roots. Following their PASIC50 triumph, Jaden will perform with the DeKalb High School Band in Prague, while Liam will lead the NIU Steelband Fall Concert on November 23, featuring guest performances by Trinidadian virtuoso Earl Brooks Jr and Chicago’s Epic Steelband. The concert promises to be a global celebration of rhythm and innovation, continuing the duo’s mission to elevate the steelpan’s legacy.