In Loving Memory of Aldric "Peter" Nelson 1945 - 2004 Reggae pioneer Peter Nelson of Shangoya dies By Chris Riemenschneider (Minneapolis Star Tribune: May 18, 2004) Before Peter Nelson came to Minneapolis from his native Trinidad in 1971, reggae music was rarely played in any Twin Cities nightclub -- much less in the rock clubs where it prospered under his leadership. (Read more)

There was a benefit concert at The Cabooze in Minneapolis on June 6, 2004, in celebration and memory of Peter's life and music. The "Red Pants Jam Benefit Concert" featured virtually all of the Minneapolis world beat bands, including I-Roots, New Primitives, Ras Kwame & Ananse, Dred I Dred, Innocent, Les Exodus with Prince Jabba, International Reggae All-Stars with Lynval Jackson, Ipso Facto, Cyril Paul and former members of the Shangoya band.

Proceeds from the benefit concert went to the Aldric P. Nelson Memorial Fund. On behalf of Peter's family, we wish to thank you all for your generosity and concern. The outpouring of love and kindness is a testament to Peter and has helped the family cope during this challenging time.

Many thanks to Jeff Taube of MidAmerica Talent for organizing the benefit and to the many musicians who donated their time and considerable talent. Thanks to all the generous and loyal Shangoya fans, friends and family for joining us to honor the "Shango Mon." Peter would be delighted to know that he got everybody together one more time to "jump up," "free up" and remember the good times. Bless you all.

-- Mary

"Safe Journey, Peter" by Cyril Paul - May 15, 2004

Whappenin? Whappenin? The voice like a balmy tropical breeze whiffed me with such ease, a strong Trini accent accompanied a stare over my shoulder in the crowded causeway, our eyes met. His face dangling a smile a mile long assured familiarity. I recognized the tall, lanky, narrowly framed figure a camera to his eye, with a bag strapped across his shoulder, a bandana covered his head, as beads of sweat crowned his brow. The accustomed salutation--a brief conversation including the current Trini affairs as glitter, feathers and colours flashed by. It's high noon as we cruise along with costumed crowds. It's Mardi Gras, bands are chipping their way to Queen's Park Savannah, accompanied by DJs surround sounds cueing colorful masqueraders for a take over of the grand stage. Meanwhile busy vendors in makeshift villages attracting nervous crowds, air their appetizing, mouth-watering culinary, spicy, scented specialites amidst all of this I hear, "Whappenin? Whappenin?"

And once more Peter and I are connected. We are both swept along into an annual invasion of nationals, a curious horde, we arrive to lavish in the epic of our culture, a rich colorful phenomenon like no other. We come to restore its life and embellish ours like a baptismal stream flowing endlessly into time. We are at home to immerse ourselves. We will have it no other way. Native sons and daughters, a youthful people, a young nation, a rainbow of colors en masse sailing with the sun, reaching for the historical rituals exemplifying creativity and diversity, passion and pageantry. Simultaneously sharing it with the world, Carnival is infectious, it's contagious, it's sagacious and it's free. "C'est la jeaux de vivre." Peter and I frequently shared these moments. That is why his passion for the Art provide the charisma evidenced by all who knew him.

Today I've come to celebrate Peter, a life cut short, a life both simple and complex. Simple because he chose to live it so. His life encompassed us all. He gave us his gift of his energy and music. We shared in the high points of his life, and the persistent balladeer/musician he became. Peter was complex because he preferred his private life to be exclusive. Perhaps his earlier life continued the biological search for his answers to the mysteries by which he was surrounded. Peter, however, brought us together by virtue of celebrating his life. This is a celebration of love, respect and friendship honoring a man who consciously or otherwise created a healthy social outlet for thousands, perhaps millions, of Minnesotans and for his friends.

And so in my final salute to a fellow artist and a true Trini, it is my hope that his journey may include us all. Let us create a spiritual bouquet, a garland to him for a race well run. Let us provide him the energy he gave us with his final "Whappenin? Whappenin?" May we be always connected.