MEET ADRIAN CLARKE

Hi! I’m Adrian Clarke, a professional solo steelpanist based in New York City.

Born and educated in Barbados, I discovered the steelpan there and have been playing ever since. The instrument—and the culture, history, and joy behind it—remain a deep part of who I am, and I return to Barbados often to stay connected to that musical tradition.

What I love most about performing is sharing the sound and spirit of the islands with people. The steelpan has a way of instantly setting a mood—bright, breezy, and joyful—bringing a sense of warmth, ease, and celebration wherever it’s played. Its sound feels like sunshine and ocean air: uplifting, relaxed, and impossible to ignore. That feeling is what inspires me to perform and what I aim to bring to every event.

I perform solo steelpan music for weddings (ceremonies and cocktail hours), private parties, farmers’ markets, parades, and a wide range of senior, corporate, church, and school events. My repertoire spans soca and calypso, reggae, Latin music, and select pop standards, along with hymns, spirituals, and even classical pieces—allowing me to create the perfect island-infused atmosphere for virtually any occasion.