It’s been 40 years since bandleader of Roots Steel Orchestra Leon “Kuma” Rodney has been in the business of making sweet pan music.

To mark the occasion, he’s planning a pan extravaganza at the Grand Royal Antiguan Ballroom.

It’s dubbed “Night of Music” and set for Sunday March 10. The line-up of performers is still in the planning stage, but Aubry Lacu Samuel and The Cutting Edge Band are confirmed, as well as Spirited and of course Roots Steel Band.

“In between, there’ll be other artistes because we have a lot of musical friends,” Rodney said. “At the moment Tian should come through, Claudette should pass through and a number of other persons.

He’s asking other entertainers who are interested in performing on the show to contact him at 464-3778.

“We just want to have a very good night after making 40 years of contribution to the artform,” Rodney said. “We want to put out a good night of music.”

Tickets for the show can be obtained from the Roots Steel Orchestra bandleader or Silver Lining Supermarket at $50 a pop.

“Musicians who are my friends are still welcome to call me so that we can make a spot for them on the show,” he noted.

Rodney began playing pan in February 1973 with Ebonites. After about two and a half years, he moved on to Harmonites, with which he played for about 20 years. During that time, he’s held many positions with the steel orchestra, including treasurer, vice captain and captain, and has assisted the group in many achievements.

Rodney was the recording engineer and graphics designer on two albums for Harmonites – Drums in Mood and Xmas on Steel.

It wasn’t until 1996 that he would establish his own Roots Steel Band. The group is responsible for organising the Pan Rising event.