User:Emanfromkos

== EARL LA PIERRE jr. ==

It was not until the summer of 1987 that Earl La Pierre Jr. now known as ESP (Extraordinary Steel Pannist) came onto the scene. He started playing steel pan in the summer of 1987 with Afropan Steel Orchestra. Four years later in 1991, he started soloing. Within 10 years Earl has developed into one of Toronto's premiere steel pannists. Mr. La Pierre is presently the manager of Canada's 1 steelband "Afropan Steelband", whose history speaks for it's self.

Earl has played in several major events like Caribana, Snowflakes on Steel on Steel, Autumn Leaves on Steel, Du Maurier Jazz Festival and Pan Jazz as he strives and strengthens his ability to entertain. In the summer of 1999, he had the opportunity to play on CITY TV's "Electric Circus" where he demonstrated his musical talent for the founder of Bad Boy Entertainment, Mr. Sean "Puffy" Combs. Throughout his experiences he has traveled to many different parts of the world such as the Caribbean, Asia and North America to partake in Carnivals and festivals. Earl has played under the leadership of world-renowned pannists such as Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, Ray Holman and his father Earl La Pierre Sr. As a result of his plentiful musical achievements, Earl has received many awards from various recognized steelpan organizations for his musical expertise as well as his enthusiastic ability to help others. He has taught both adult and children steelpan at the University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson University, the Separate School Board, the Greater Essex County District School Board and Private Funded Schools, not to mention the hundreds of public/catholic schools, community centers and daycares that Earl has demonstrated the steeldrum. Presently, Mr. La Pierre plays as a "One Man Band" available for all occasions and settings.

Outside of pan, Earl is a manager of Kingdom of Soca Entertainment. Kingdom of Soca Entertainment is a promotions company, which is dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and expansion of Soca and Caribbean culture within the community. He's often seen on the mic hosting most of Toronto's major Caribbean events where he goes by the name E MAN. His tag line "de man wid the steel could mean either his Steel Pan or the MIC, Earl is a mutli-talented performer who is dedicated to the promotion of his culture.