Laventille, high in the hills above Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, may be a poor part of Trinidad but it has historic cultural riches. Chief among them is Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, a name that speaks of a community battling extreme disadvantage. Active since the mid-1940s, the group is known for electrifying performances and the unwavering loyalty of its players. Some sign up for life.
“One of the members just celebrated his 81st birthday, and he’s been in the band since he was a
