professional steel drum music for every occasion
(INSURED)
professional steel drum music for every occasion
(INSURED)
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic
all public performances are on hold
until further notice
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.
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 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.
Same-sex marriage, NJ
A medley of mostly traditional calypsos like "Big Bamboo," "Fire, Fire," "Sly Mongoose". . .
This Bob Marley classic goes well at parties, cocktail hours, and even wedding ceremonies
60's, 70's and 80's ballads done to a slow soca beat -- great dinner music
A Stevie Wonder classic -- 'nough said
This is an old Latin favorite
A classical piece
A medley of five songs by Lord Kitchener, the greatest writer of calypsos for pan
This is a medley of old traditional and other classic calypsos
One of the great ones by Bob Marley
Lord Kitchener's masterpiece played with pan and keys
Lionel Richie's 80's hit is always great on pan
A favorite for kids and adults
The Police's classic played to a slow groove
i try to honor song requests
Kitchener Medley (calypso/soca),
Sparrow Medley (calypso/soca),
Ol Time Calypso Medley (calypso/soca),
Medley Jamaica Farewell/Day-O (calypso),
Three Little Birds (Bob Marley reggae),
Waiting in Vain (Bob Marley reggae),
Wonderful World (reggae),
Can't Help Falling in Love (reggae),
Help Me Make it Through the Night (reggae),
Red, Red Wine (reggae),
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (reggae),
Desafinado (Latin),
Medley Besame Mucho/Perfidia (Boleros),
Every Breath You Take (pop),
Margaritaville,
Girl from Ipanema (latin),
La Isla Bonita (pop),
MedleyOver the Rainbow/Wonderful World (pop),
Hey Jude (reggae),
Bailamos (latin/pop),
Killing Me Softly (reggae),
How Deep is Your Love (reggae),
Bacchanal Lady (soca/calypso),
All Night Long (pop),
Under the Sea (pop),
Yellow Bird (traditional),
Lovely Day (calypso),
Sugar Bum-Bum (soca),
St. Thomas (soca),
Tay-lay-lay (soca),
Hello (Lionel Richie reggae),
Wild World,
Help Me Make it Through the Night.
She's Royal,
Stir it Up,
One Love,
Is This Love,
Three Little Birds,
Natural Mystic,
Jammin',
Waiting in Vain,
Wonderful World,
Can't Help Falling in Love,
Brown-Eyed Girl,
I'm Yours,
Master Blaster Jammin',
Rude,
Love Medley (ballad),
Soca Ballads,
All of Me (reggae),
Medley Jamaica Farewell/Day-O (calypso),
Ol Time Calypso Medley (calypso),
Medley Besame Mucho/Perfidia (latin),
Desafinado (latin),
Feel Like Making Love (ballad),
Girl from Ipanema (latin),
Every Breath You Take (pop),
No, Woman, No Cry (reggae),
O, Sole Mio (ballad),
Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World (pop),
Under the Boardwalk (ballad)
songs not on the song list are to be requested 2-3 months in advance
Playlists are generally chosen from the songs below. Please note that songs without tracks are normally played with additional musicians
Kitchener Medley
Ol Time Calypso Medley
Sparrow Medley
Medley Jamaica Farewell/Day-O
Soca Ballads
Ah Hearing Pan
Bacchanal Lady
Bahia Girl
Bees Melody
Boat Ride
Carry On
Crop Over, Good Morning
Guitar Pan
Hammer
Hello (Kes)
High Mas
Hit It
Hookin' Meh
Hot Hot Hot
Is the Pan in Me
Lovely Day
Mile and a Half (Tay-Lay-Lay)
My Way
Mystery Band
Never on a Sunday
Pan Birthday
Pan Earthquake
Pan in A Minor
Pan in Harmony
Pump Me Up
Ragga-Ragga
Something's Happenin'
Spontaneous
St. Thomas
Sugar Bum-Bum
Symphony on the Street
Tiny Winey
Toc
Songs without tracks usually require additional musicians:
Ah Fraid Pussy
Big Bamboo
Fire & Steel
Fire Fire
Hit It
Hold Onto Your Man
Honeymooning Couple
Iron Man
Is Thunder
Law and Order
Linstead Market
Lost Tenor
Mad Woman Jammin'
Margie
May-May
Melosian Rhapsody
Miss Tourist
More Grynner
Mr. Walker
My Pussin'
Pan Dingolaying
Pan NIght and Day
PP 99
Rope
Rum & Coca-Cola
Sly Mongoose
Sweet Soca Man
Tay-Lay-Lay
The Road
Tiny Winey
Toronto Mass
Windforce
All of Me
Boogie on Reggae Woman
Brown-Eyed Girl
Buffalo Soldier
Can't Help Falling in Love
Could You Be Loved
Dance with my Father
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Hello
Help Me Make It Through the Night
Hotel California
How Deep is Your Love
Human Nature
I Am I Said
I Wanna Wake Up With You
I'm Yours
Is This Love
Island in the Sun
Jammin'
Just an Illusion
Killing Me Softly
Master Blaster Jammin'
Natural Mystic
No, Woman, No cry
One Love
Over the Rainbow
Perfect
Positive Vibration
Red Red Wine
Redemption Song
Rude
Satisfy My Soul
She's
Bailamos
Besame Mucho
Black Orpheus
Brazil
Cuando Sali de Cuba
Desafinado
Fly Me To the Moon
Frenesi
Girl From Ipanema
Guantanamera
Just the Two of Us
Meditation
Perfidia
Qizas, Quizas
songs not on the song list are to be be requested 2-3 months in advance
A Thousand Years
A Whole New World
After the Loving
All of Me
Beautiful Barbados
Before the Next Teardrop Falls
Betcha By Golly Wow
Can't Help Falling in Love
Dance with my Father
Do You Know (Theme from Mahogany)
Every Breath You Take
Feel Like Making Love to You
Giving You the Best that I've Got
Goldfinger
Gone Too Soon
Greatest Love of All
Heal the World
Hero
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
Island in the Sun
Island Woman
It's So Amazing (To Be Loved)
Jamaica Farewell
Just Called to Say I Love You
Just the Way You Are
Lately
Miss You Like Crazy
Misty
Mona Lisa
My Heart Will Go On
My Special Prayer
My Way
New York, New York
Nightshift
Nikita
O, Sole Mio
On the Wings of Love
One Moment in Time
Overjoyed
Part-time Lover
Ribbon in the Sky
Rock With You
Save the Best for Last
Saving All My Love for You
Smooth Operator
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Spanish Eyes
Stone in Love with You
Suddenly
Summertime
The Tide is High
This Masquerade
Tie a Yellow Ribbon
Under the Boardwalk
Unforgettable
Up on the Roof
When I Fall in Love
When You Believe
Wind Beneath my Wings
You Make Me Feel Brand
Amazing Grace
Barbados National Anthem
Canon in D Major
Elizabethan Serenade
Here Comes the Bride
His Eye is on the Sparrow
How Great Thou Art
I Believe
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Jesus Loves Me
Old Rugged Cross
Rock of Ages
Star Spangled Banner
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
The Prayer
You Raise Me Up
Wedding March
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
When You Believe
OTHER STEEL DRUM FAVORITES OR STANDARDS
All Night Long
Caribbean Queen
Fantasy
Hey Jude
Kokomo
Just the Two of Us
La Isla Bonita
Margaritaville
Ob La Di Ob La Da
Summertime
The Tide is High
Under the Sea
Yellow Bird
"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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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.
Please note that additional charges apply for distance and tolls. In NYC, add $50 for parking.
(I will play while your guests arrive to be seated.)
Add $75 for each subsequent hour, up to four hours
I request a deposit and a signed agreement to guarantee your date. I have found this best for buyer and seller. Deposits may be cash, personal check, or App. I countersign the agreement and provide a receipt for you. Balance of payment may be made in cash at the event or by App.
I'll try to work with your budget where possible