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SERVICES

• Weddings, Birthdays, Corporate Events, Festivals, Clubs
• Soloist, Duo, Trio, Quartet, or Quintet
• Calypso, Reggae, Latin Jazz, and much more
• Background or Dance Music
• Acoustic or Electric (No electricity is necessary)
• Band formats include: soloist, duo, trio, quartet or quintet.

Steel drum bands are a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, birthdays, tropical themed parties, corporate events, outdoor festivals and other types of occasions. The sound of the steel pan always creates an upbeat and festive atmosphere.

Steel drums are most often associated with Caribbean styles like reggae, calypso, and soca. Other styles can be played on the instrument as well, including jazz, bossa nova, samba, classical, Latin jazz, and more. For wedding music, steel bands are most often asked to perform the "Bridal Chorus", the Bridal March, or "Pachelbels Canon" for their processional while others would rather hear songs from the traditional steel drum repertoire. Either option is possible, and both sound great on the steel pan.

Steel drum bands are available in different configurations. The type of event, venue, budget, and function of the band (background music or dancing) will usually determine the amount of musicians that are brought out. For background music, a soloist, duo, or trio are the most common choices. For the dance band format, the group would probably want to be a minimum of three musicians, but more likely four to six musicians.

Steel drums are acoustic instruments by nature so the volume is controlled by the musicians playing them. The pans can be loud or soft depending on how they are played. Steel drummers will usually determine the volume necessary for the event and play at that level. An amplifier may be used to amplify the bands for larger events, and when electricity is available. For beach parties and parks with noise ordinances, the bands can play without amplification.

Although we specialize in Caribbean steel drum music, we can also arrange most other styles, as well. After 10 years of experience managing and booking bands in the Bay Area, we know what questions and answers are to be expected while consulting about band booking. With over 1500 previous and repeat customers, we have only received the highest compliments for our performances and service. Previous Bay Area venues performed, and quotes from clients can be found on our testimonials page.

You may listen to free band samples (steel pan solo, duo, trio, quartet, quintet, sextet) by clicking on our Audio/Video link above. Also, you can buy the latest full length steel drum cd by Derek Smith. Email us to purchase a cd, or listen to the cd's PAN MONTUNO or LATIN EXPRESSION on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, or other streaming services.

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, our steel drum bands will travel throughout the region including the following counties and cities: San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Napa, Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Belmont, San Jose, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Foster City, Palo Alto, Aptos, Atherton, Burlingame, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Livermore, Concord, Modesto, Half Moon Bay, Berkeley, Danville, Fremont, Hayward, Gilroy, Napa, Sonoma, and any unmentioned cities within the greater Bay Area.

For bookings outside of the Bay Area, contact us for a quote to include lodging, travel, and performance fees.

Teaching steel drum pan

Steel Drum Lessons

Take lesssons on steel drum, percussion, drum set, or vibraphone. 

Teaching drum set

Drum Set Lessons

Drum set is Derek's first passion. It all starts with rhythm. 

Derek Smith, multi-instrumentalist

Music Theory Lesson

Learn chord changes or how to read or anything else!

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