About Us
Professional, Reliable
I am Adrian Clarke. I play solo steel drums for wedding cocktails and ceremonies, parties of every kind, mitzvahs, graduations, retirements, engagements, showers, farmers' markets, clambakes, parades, senior, corporate, church and school events, and most other occasions. I have been gigging for fifteen years and have a record of professionalism and reliability. I take your business seriously and add the tropical feel you desire at your event. Please contact me with any queries.
No Event Too Big or Too Small
I play soca/calypso and reggae music, plus Latin and some pop standards, hymns, spirituals and some classical pieces. I play at large catering halls and backyards or in small apartments. I play the entire tri-state area. I use the Bose tower speakers for large events of up to 500 people, a Samson wireless speaker for medium events indoors or out, and a Bose dock for the most intimate events and spaces. All of my instruments are of the highest quality to give you the best sounds.
I Leave You Smiling
I play New York City and Long Island, Westchester and as far as South New Jersey and Pennsylvania. My rates are competitive. Accompanying tracks make my sound great for listening or dancing. Sometimes, when requested, I use no tracks at all. Usually I will arrive an hour before your event starts, to set up. I can bring additional musicians and help you find stilt walkers and Caribbean or limbo dancers when necessary. My aim is always to leave you happy and you and your guests smiling.
Testimonials
"Everyone enjoyed [Adrian]. It was a blast. [He] created a sophisticated ambience as guests arrived [and] played all the requested Caribbean steel [drum] music and more. Amazing. Very talented, friendly, [and] easy to work with." GRACE M., MASSAPEQUA, NY, 8/20/22.
"Awesome evening, great entertainment." JOYCELYN C, JAMAICA, NY, 8/12/22
"[Adrian,] I am so sorry that I was not able to properly see you out on the night of the event. So much was going on but I must say that I enjoyed [your performance]. Your demeanor and presence [were] very pleasant. . . . I know that I would definitely be reaching out to you again. God bless you." CLAUDINE H., ASTORIA, NY, 12/20/19
"Adrian played music for my husband and daughter's joint birthday party. He was on time, personable and extremely talented!! The guests raved about how great the music was. I would highly recommend Adrian if you're looking for a talented steel drum musician for your event! Thank you, Adrian, for helping make our party so great!" BETH G., ROCKVILLE CENTER, NY, 9/14/19
"Thank you again for yesterday. You were a big hit. Everyone loved it." KEVIN C, LYNDHURST, NJ, 7/20/19
"From myself and my entire family, Thank You! Thank you for an excellent session. We truly enjoyed the rhythmic vibes of your music and truly appreciate your presence at our event. You certainly made it a memorable one . . . " SHAUREENA B., NEW ROCHELLE, NY, 6/16/19
"Thank you for sharing in our day and I'm grateful I had the opportunity to meet you, Adrian." Reviewed by ROSA G., LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY, 4/28/19
"Hi, Adrian, you were so great and everyone gave me such nice compliments. . . . Thanks again!!!" CARLIE S., WARREN, NJ, 1/4/19
Adrian was an exceptional musician and took great pride in providing us with the exact type of event we wanted. He was very responsive, on time and a great addition to our yearly holiday party! Hope we can hire him again." Reviewed by NADIA P, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 12/13/18
"Adrian was wonderful for our pool party last weekend. He kept everyone entertained for hours and played a mix of new and classic songs. Would highly recommend him for your event!" Reviewed by MICHELE I, PLANDOME, NY, 9/15/18
"Adrian came early to set up and made sure his music was at the right level for our guests. He was very friendly and kept the music going, even in the rain! It was such an authentic island sound. We would highly recommend [him]!" Reviewed by MELISSA R, CENTRAL ISLIP, NY., 9/9/18
"Dear Adrian, thank you for being so easy to work with. You are a true professional and a very pleasant person. Thank you for making our [wedding] day a very special one." CHERYL & MARK, SEA CLIFF, NY, 9/7/18
"Adrian performed at our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour this past weekend at the North Ritz Club in Long Island. His music was amazing. He greeted our caribbean and non-caribbean guests with a caribbean vibe and great music. He played our ceremony perfectly, and he even played Hava Nagila for our Jewish wedding ceremony. All of our guests LOVED his music. Thank you again for a great day!" Reviewed by DAN & SHENILLE S., SYOSSET, NY, 8/19/18
"Dear Adrian, Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. The pan sounded beautiful and you were a joy to work with. Thank you for making our wedding unique and truly special. You truly are very talented. Thanks again, Melanie & Steve." Basking Ridge, NJ, 7/7/18
"Hello, Adrian. Last night was wonderful. Your talent made the event even more memorable." GOGIE P, NYC, NY, 6/21/18
"Hi, Adrian. Great job yesterday. What a gentleman and entertainer you are! The [nursing home] residents really enjoyed themselves. Thank you so much." JOSETTE V., TARRYTOWN, NY, 6/21/18
"Adrian was very professional. He was in contact and answered all questions during the process leading up to the event. He was setup and ready to play exactly at the time we agreed upon. The guests loved the music. Would highly recommend Adrian again!" MARCELLA M, BELLPORT, NY, 4/29/2018
"Perfect Cocktail hour. Adrian was amazing and set a great mood for our cocktail hour. Highly recommend!!" KATHRYN C, WESTBURY, NY, 9/8/2017
"Adrian was Amazing. I hired Pan Occasions for a corporate event and could not have had a better experience! Solid communication, punctual, and really great music! Highly recommend!" HENRY F., NYC, NY, 8/24/2017
"He was prompt accomodating and was perfect for our party. Very professional and I'd hire him again anytime. Steel drum music is my favorite party music." KAREN G., BOONTON TWP, NJ, 8/6/2017
"Brilliant. Easy to work with, had a fantastic sound system, and was a huge hit at our party. Thank you! Will definitely recommend." EM, ROCKAWAY BEACH, NY, 7/30/2017
"Thanks, Adrian. Perfect for our Caribbean party. I hope you liked my jerk chicken." Zachary L., VERONA, NJ, 7/29/2017
"Adrian was very professional. Great music selection. My guests loved the music! I was very pleased and will hire him again. I highly recommend him."
Nikisha J., NEW ROCHELLE, NY, 4/21/2017
"Adrian was so professional to deal with and he did an amazing job handling our requests! Thank you for making our day special! Our guests were so impressed by his talent." Chelsea S., WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY, 9/3/2016
"Great guy would book again!"
Heather C., BROOKLYN, NY, 7/23/2016
"We received many compliments from our guests on the steel drummer's performance at our wedding. One of our friends is even planning to take up the instrument!" Titania G., BRONX, NY, 4/9/2016
"I cannot say enough great things about Adrian. Our wedding was on Fire Island (not an easy venue to get to), and he had no problems figuring out the travel on his own. When it started to pour rain at our ceremony, Adrian made it over to the venue along with everyone else with no issues. THEN when it started to storm and the power went out, causing the DJ music to turn off during the bridal party entrance, he kicked in with the drums and kept the party going!!! All while he was packing up to leave after cocktail hour!! The music was great, he was professional, pleasant, and easygoing. I have no complaints at all!!" Julie C., KISMET, NY, 9/12/2015
"Adrian was awesome! Very professional,friendly and talented. Highly recommend..." John Z., MAHWAH, NJ, 9/5/2015
"A professional in this business!"
Review by Lynsyd H., BROOKLYN, NY, 8/22/2015
"Adrian was awesome in every way, professional, flexible, gracious, friendly, kind, and his music was fantastic. The whole experience was perfect. Thank you!" Terry S., FARMINGDALE, NJ, 6/12/2015
"Adrian from PanOccasions was absolutely wonderful. Everyone was raving about how cool it was that we had a steel drum player and how much they enjoyed it. The music was great and I wish we had him there even longer. It was perfect and really made the ceremony and cocktail hour. Couldn't be happier. Thanks Adrian!! Nicole/Matthew." Nicole C., MILLSTONE, NJ, 6/7/2014
"Excellent job! Very professional! Will use again if there is a need in the future." K W., BROOKLYN, NY, 7/27/2013
"excellent ty" Kimberly S., MANORVILLE, NY, 6/29/2013
"WOW!!! Adrian was fantastic and can't wait to use him in the future for other events!" Elba G., JERSEY CITY, NJ, 7/4/2013
"Adrian was polite, professional and the crowd loved him. He was early for setup, started right on time, and played all the music we requested. I would recommend him highly to anyone looking for a steel drum musician." Kristy F., PORT JEFFERSON, NY, 6/8/2013
"Played our wedding cocktail and I'm still hearing people rave about how good it was and what fun! A bunch of people have already asked for PanOccasions contact info. Great job, on time, professional, just a joy to work with! So thankful I found him!" Jamie S., PRINCETON, NJ, 5/18/2013
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FAQ's
Q. Which island are you from?
A. I was born and schooled in Barbados but have since lived mostly in New York. I learned to play the steel drums in Barbados and go back there frequently.
Q. How long have you been playing pan?
A. In college I played a "toy" pan that I picked up in one of the islands, played briefly in a band in Barbados, and have probably been playing seriously for the past fifteen or more years. The pan is my favorite instrument.
Q. Do you play alone or with other musicians.
A. More than 99% of my gigs are solo, but I can provide additional musicians when requested.
Q. If I book you will I get a substitute?
A. No.
Q. How will you be dressed?
A. For most events I wear a tropical shirt, black trousers and black shoes, with a blazer sometimes in cooler weather. I will always dress professionally and respectfully for your event.
Q. What time do you arrive?
A. My goal is always to arrive at least an hour before an event, but sometimes I'm earlier. "Better to be two hours early that two seconds late" is my motto.
Q. Do you take breaks?
A. Only for events over two hours. Usually my breaks are ten to fifteen minutes, 20 minutes for events over four hours. I play recorded music during the breaks.
Q. Can you provide other musicians?
A. Yes, on request. The earlier the request the better, especially during the summer when the musicians are busiest. Normally I can provide up to four or five musicians including a singer.
Q. Is it better to have one or two pannists?
A. Usually, because of the amazing accompanying tracks we use, one will suffice. Your wish is my command, however.
Q. Do you sing?
A. No. But the accompanying tracks don't require it.
Q. What are your rates?
A. The average cocktail hour is $350. Events in Westchester, New Jersey, etc., may be slightly more because of tolls and distance. A four-hour event may be about $500. Also, add $50 parking for events in NYC.
Q. What if I want extra time?
A. I charge $75 for an additional half hour, so it's best to be certain how much time you want beforehand. Sometimes I can't do overtime because of an event subsequent to yours.
Q. How far do you travel?
A. I've played as far south as Washington, DC, and as far north as Boston. Such events require an overnight stay, however, which I add to the rate.
Q. How much space do you need?
A. About 8 - 10 feet but not too close to the guests. For outdoor summer events I need shade for myself and the equipment.
Q. What happens in the case of rain?
A. I suggest looking into tents if you think rain might be a factor. I try to accommodate rescheduling when possible.
Q. Do you provide contracts?
A. Yes. You give me the details of your event and I send an agreement for you to sign.
Q. Do you require deposits.
A. Yes. Usually up to half of the total amount.
Q. How can I book you?
A. By phone, text or email is fine. I prepare the agreement, you send the deposit with a signed copy of the agreement, I countersign and return the agreement to you with a receipt, and we're all set.
Q. Can I pay by credit card?
A. Sorry, but I don't have that facility. I do check, cash or PayPal.
Q. When is the final payment due.
A. Balance of payment is due at the event--cash only. At most weddings I'll ask for someone other than the bride or groom to do this so as not to interrupt picture-taking, etc.
Q. Will you help me find music for my ceremony?
A. Yes, I've done enough of them to know what people like and I'll suggest them to you.
Q. What about the playlist?
A. Leave that to me. You'll get a great mix of reggae, soca/calypso, Latin, and other familiar tunes, but feel free to request some of your own. From the song list above, you can see that I have maybe a couple hundred different songs to choose from.
Q. What are some of the favorite songs for the ceremony?
A. Traditionalists go with "Here Comes the Bride," "Canon in D Major," or "The Bridal March." Others might want Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved," "One Love," or "Is This Love." Some might want McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" or maybe "Over the Rainbow" or "What a Wonderful World" in reggae. There's Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" or Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" in reggae. I can suggest others.
Q. Will you play music for my guests before the ceremony begins?
A. Yes, I will. Plus the processional and recessional songs.
Q. Are you insured?
A. Yes.