TCL Group Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra
Participant - World Festival,  New York 2005

Founded in 1976 by a closely knit group of young people in Vistabella, South Trinidad, the Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra has been the leader among ensemble groups in Trinidad and Tobago. The band’s achievements read like a fairy tale. Skiffle Bunch is the first steelband winner to register a hat-trick in local competition - Steelband Music Festival Winner 1984, 1986 and 1988 (Traditional Category). This milestone is made even more significant since they accomplished it with original compositions by Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe. They have also chalked up two consecutive Panorama victories in 1977 and 1978, (1979 - no competition), were runners-up in 1980-1984 and bounced back to winners row 1985-1987. In between, there were other accolades like Caribbean Festival Winner (1977), Best Besting Steelband in the Prine Minister’s Best Village Competition (1977-1983), Best Test Piece - Steelband Music Festival 1982 and Best Tune of Choice, Steelband Music Festival 1980. The commitment displayed by Skiffle Bunch, especially on their numerous overseas engagements, resulted in the band scoring another first - a Three Year Recording Contract with Venezuela’s Top Hits. Their overseas itinerary could rival that of any diplomat. From the Oistin and Spice Festivals in Barbados and Grenada to the Commonwealth Arts Festival in Scotland, Ely Folk Festival in Wales, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Edmonton Convention Centre, Canada, the World Expo in Seville Spain to engagements in Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. Their tenacity together with their commitment to the development and marketing of the steelpan, has made them a clear leader further evidenced by the band’s conversion to Conventional Status in 1993. In the short period since that time, the band has chalked up 1st place in the South/Central Region Panorama Competition 1996, 1997 and 2002 and has place 6th at the National Finals in 1995 (our third year as a conventional band) and 5th in 1997. However, it is in the steelband festivals that they have made their mark: National Competition: 1998 - 4th Place World Steelband Music Festival: 2000 - Overall Winners Best Test Piece, Best Tune of Choice 2002 - 2nd Place National Winner Best Tune of Choice The band has four (4) CDs and three (3) albums and is a recipient of many national and international awards. Business Address : #26 Circular Courts, Circular Road, Vistabella, San Fernando, Trinidad, W.I. Phone No.: (868) 657 8803 Fax Nos: (868) 652 7721 Email: skifflebunchttww@yahoo.com Website: www.browwwsers.com/skifflebunch