Darren Dyke will be in town to do some tuning from Sept 29 thru Oct 5. If you have pans that need a tune-up, please contact him directly at: ddpantuner@mac.com or by phone: 1.512.750.9598.
Also, if you have a spare room looking for a resident, I believe he's trying to hook up some accommodations. Thanks for passing along the word!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Harry Best and Shabang end summer at Sam's
Harry Best and his steel drum trio Shabang will make their final appearance for the summer, Oct. 9 4-8pm, at Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, 4210 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay. The weather is usually fantastic this time of year in HMB. Come join us on the patio; enjoy some of the best seafood on the Bay and Shabang's exciting steel drum music. For more info call 510 222 1123.
Orinda Fall steel drum class now in session
Monday Sept. 20 was the first session of the Orinda Beginning steel drum class. At our beginning class you can learn the magic of making music on Caribbean steel drums. It's not too late to sign up. You'll have fun with the basics of sticking and melody making. Enjoy playing favorites like Yellow Bird, Jamaica Farewell, Lion King, and more. Beginners welcome. You will be jammin’ in no time.
Drums/pans provided. The class runs through Oct. 25. A second fall session will run from Nov. 1-Dec. 13.
To register, call the Orinda Community Center at 28 Orinda Way, Orinda - (925) 254-2445
Phil Hawkins to release new CD
Phil Hawkins will officially release his new CD, Sugarcane Suite at a concert and party Sun., Oct. 3, 4pm, Mission College (Main Building) 3000 Mission College Blvd.Santa Clara, CA.The show will feature Phil Hawkins - steel pans, Bob Crawford - keys, Ray Obiedo - guitar, Dave Belove - bass, Paul VW - drums, Michael Spiro - percussion, with special guests Jessica Vautor - vocals, Harry Best - vocals, Michelle Hawkins - vocals.
$5 (FREE w/student ID)
CDs AVAILABLE AT THE SHOW!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
2010 Ramajay Pan Fest.
ww.ramajaypanfest.com
http://cwp.marriott.com/denfi/drums/www.biennialoftheamericas.org
http://malletman.biz/main.htm
Highlights The University of Denver, Newman Center for the Arts. Home of the 2010 Ramajay Pan Fest.
Ramajay Pan Fest Group Discounts now available!
The Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival is offering group discounts for groups numbering 3 or more participants. Details are as follows.
Group discount A, a total of 3-4 applicants: $100 off each participant's tuition!
Group discount B, a total of 5-7 applicants: $125 off each participant's tuition!
Group discount C, a total of 8-10 applicants: $150 off each participant's tuition!
Please submit an individual application for each group member and write the appropriate discount code from above after the individuals name. Applications must be returned in the same envelope with the non-refundable $50 application fee for each applicant included. Early Registration ends soon. Take advantage of the discounted early registration tuition until June 11, 2010. Don't delay, enrollment is limited.
Rocky Mountain Steelbands offers evening program.
Evening only classes will be offered by Rick Henson, of Denver's popular Rocky Mountain Steel Bands program. Geared toward the participant with a curiosity for the steel drum that is either unavailable for full day sessions or is just looking for a primer experience. A single daily session will meet after work hours for group ensemble instruction and rehearsal, followed by the Evening Concert or presentation. Classes will meet at the Lamont School of Music, the festival's home site, from 6:15-7:45 PM.
MalletMan named official festival supplier. MalletMan Custom Pan Products will be the exclusive supplier of pan sticks for this year's festival.
All sizes and styles of mallets for steel drum will be available for purchase throughout the week. More information at the MalletMan website.
Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites official festival host hotel.Participants are encouraged to take advantage of special discounted festival room rates at the Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites of Cherry Creek. But hurry, this offer expires on June 20. Click here for more details.
http://cwp.marriott.com/denfi/drums/www.biennialoftheamericas.org
http://malletman.biz/main.htm
Highlights The University of Denver, Newman Center for the Arts. Home of the 2010 Ramajay Pan Fest.
Ramajay Pan Fest Group Discounts now available!
The Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival is offering group discounts for groups numbering 3 or more participants. Details are as follows.
Group discount A, a total of 3-4 applicants: $100 off each participant's tuition!
Group discount B, a total of 5-7 applicants: $125 off each participant's tuition!
Group discount C, a total of 8-10 applicants: $150 off each participant's tuition!
Please submit an individual application for each group member and write the appropriate discount code from above after the individuals name. Applications must be returned in the same envelope with the non-refundable $50 application fee for each applicant included. Early Registration ends soon. Take advantage of the discounted early registration tuition until June 11, 2010. Don't delay, enrollment is limited.
Rocky Mountain Steelbands offers evening program.
Evening only classes will be offered by Rick Henson, of Denver's popular Rocky Mountain Steel Bands program. Geared toward the participant with a curiosity for the steel drum that is either unavailable for full day sessions or is just looking for a primer experience. A single daily session will meet after work hours for group ensemble instruction and rehearsal, followed by the Evening Concert or presentation. Classes will meet at the Lamont School of Music, the festival's home site, from 6:15-7:45 PM.
MalletMan named official festival supplier. MalletMan Custom Pan Products will be the exclusive supplier of pan sticks for this year's festival.
All sizes and styles of mallets for steel drum will be available for purchase throughout the week. More information at the MalletMan website.
Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites official festival host hotel.Participants are encouraged to take advantage of special discounted festival room rates at the Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites of Cherry Creek. But hurry, this offer expires on June 20. Click here for more details.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Steel Jam Spring Schedule
Steel Jam @ Oakland Museum of CA, Beringer Vineyards, Group Workshop, and More
Steel Jam April Newsletter
Steel Jam at a Glance:
Apr. 27, 7-8:30 PM: Group Steel Drum Workshop
Apr. 29, 4-7 PM @ Oakland Museum of CA (Members)
May 1, 7-10 PM @ ICRA Champagne Silent Auction
May 8, 7-10:30 AM @ Marin Human Race
May 9, 12-5 PM @ Beringer Vineyards
May 14, 10-2 PM @ Hillsborough Historic Homes Tour
Link to our website
Future Summer Appearances:
June 26, 5-8 PM: Oakland Zoo "Walk in the Wild" fundraiser
July 4, 12-5 PM: Beringer Vineyards
Recent Steel Jam News:
--Recent performance at a corporate event at Meadowood Resort in St. Helena.
--Recent performance at an Open House for Alain Pinel realtor, Debbie Sharp.
--Steel Jam performs for an awards banquet for St. Helena Hospital on 4/21.
--Steel Jam performs for a corporate barbeque/Earth Day Celebration at the Seaport Center in Redwood City on 4/22.
--Steel Jam performs for a "Smart Women" business networking event in Sunnyvale, 5/11.
--Steel Jam performs for a book-signing event at the Oakland Zoo, 5/18.
--Steel Jam performs at an awards ceremony for Alameda County Emergency Medical Services, 5/19.
Welcome to Steel Jam's newsletter about our pubic performances and workshops!
Tues., April 27, 7-8:30 PM Group Steel Drum Workshop in San Francisco. 20% Discount opportunity. Click here for workshop details.
Thurs., April 29, 4-7 PM, Steel Jam Interactive Entertainment at the Oakland Museum of California, (1000 Oak St., Oakland). Steel Jam brings steel drums for everyone to play at this Members-Only Preview Event to celebrate the early May Grand Re-Opening after an extensive renovation project. Click here to become an OMCA member or for more museum info.
Sat., May 1, 7-10 PM, 16th Annual Champagne Silent Auction for Island Cat Resources & Adoption, (Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda). Click ICRA link for more info.
Sat., May 8, 7-10:30 AM, 28th Annual Marin Human Race in San Rafael. Attended by over 4,000 people, this race is the largest collaborative fundraiser in the county. Register here. Sponsored by the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership of Marin.
Sun., May 9, 12-5 PM, Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena. Usual tasting fees will apply. Click here for Beringer location and info.
Fri., May 14, 10-2 PM, Hillsborough Historic Homes Tour sponsored by the Community Service League and the City of Hillsborough to commemorate Hillsborough's Centennial Year celebration. Tour 5 historic estates that reflect the rich history of Hillsborough. (Steel Jam's exact location still to be determined.) $50 advanced tickets; a limited number of $60 tickets will be sold the day of the event. More tiicket and event info here.
The rainy season is almost over. HOORAY!As you organize your spring & summer parties, picnics, and special events, please keep in mind that Steel Jam's steel drum music creates a festive mood for events of all sizes!Choose 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 musicians and tailor the band to fit your budget and event needs. Whether it's a 20-person birthday party, a reception for 100-500, a corporate picnic or conference for thousands-- Steel Jam makes the entertainment a success!
Steel Jam also offers fun, hands-on, interactive group sessions (steel drums provided) for corporate team building, private parties & group classes.
Contact us and we'll prepare a quote to fit your needs.
Mary SpaldingLink to my website
Tel: (415) 731-3550Cell: (415) 823-4601Fax: (415) 731-9735Email: http://cts.vresp.com/c/?SteelJam/1e336ab614/369718ebd6/af50e48535
Shabang! at Sam's Chowder House Half Moon Bay
Harry Best and Shabang! launch a series of summer concerts on the patio at Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay on Saturday, May 1, 2010; 4-8pm. Sam's is right at the beach. Beautiful scenery, great food, nice family atmosphere, and fantastic steelpan music. Come on down! Call 510 222 1123 for more info.
Paul Snagg Plays Flavah Cafe Mother's Day
Spice Island Steeldrummer, Paul Snagg will be playing at Flavah Island Cafe, 2057 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702 on Mothers Day, May 16, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.? (510) 704-4083
Treat your mom to some sweet steel sounds!
Treat your mom to some sweet steel sounds!
Lil Mo LOVE playin NEW PARISH
Lil Mo LOVE playin NEW PARISH this Sat. 9pm Oakland!
Lil Mo LOVE Plays 2nd! don’t be late!!! COME @ 9pm!!
OFFICIAL PRE-PARTY FUNDRAISER FOR THE SF CARNIVAL.
Lil Mo LOVE is gonna bring it TRINI STYLE! CARNIVAL is BAACHANAL! with Bayonics & Chico Man, DJ Ryzr & more !!!
Bringing d' REAL CARNIVAL FEELIN' TO THE BAY!
Please Come out and see our costume presentation:
Ladies Free before 11pm-Guys $10.00
FETE ALL INCLUSIVE VIP ACCESS ONLY $40-ALL YOU CAN EAT AND DRINK.
Hosted by Jonny Mack and Young Fyah-playing Caribbean Music/Miami Fete Style All Night. For more information e-mail:AngelMagik@Gmail.com
Start Time: Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 8:00pm
Location: The New Parish
Street: 579 18th street @ San pablo
City/Town: Oakland, CA
$10
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 09, 2010
Play Virtual Steelpans
Have a go at playing some virtual double seconds; one click at a time.
http://www.paanmaan.com/Kaiso/j_wist_webpan.html
http://www.paanmaan.com/Kaiso/j_wist_webpan.html
Pan Around the Bay
Caught a little lime with Jim Munzenrider, Tom Miller and some the beaters from the Panhandlers. The group was working on recording some tunes at Expressions College in Emeryville...sounding real nice. Great atmosphere in the booth.
Rumour is that Panman Anthony 'Cannon' Hernandez formerly of Our Boys may be moving his Caribbean Rhythms show out of the Bay Area and heading to Pennsylvania. Cannon is a regular on the Bay Area pan scene. He also teaches several classes in the east bay. He will be missed especially at the East Bay Center for performing arts in Richmond where he has taught pan for almost 10 years.
Steelpan classes Bay Area
Steelpan classes are being taught all over the Bay Area this spring and summer. In Orinda, at the Orinda Community Center, (925) 254-2445; in San Rafael at the Pickleweed Community Center (415) 485-3101 and other towns and cities. For more info you can also call 510 222 1123. Know anyone who would like to play pan? Come have some fun! Pan is de ting!
Caribbean Steelpan Msic Center potluck party
Efforts are underway to launch the East Bay Steel Orchestra that will anchor the planned Caribbean Steelpan Music Center. A potluck pan party is planned for May 23 in Moraga to stimulate interest in the project. There will be some pan jammin' and a special Pan Guest, so stay tuned. Check for more info here:
Bay Area Pan Scene coming alive
The pan scene is coming alive in the Bay Area as spring sets in. If you missed it, there was wild pan jam in Oakland March 28 in celebration of drummer Tony D's birthday. Tony, a Trini who is no stranger to pan occasionally hosts these panjams especially when tuner Leroy 'Ali' Williams is in town. Pan players present were Paul Snagg, Asheba, Olison Batiste, Terry Figueroa, Mark Rosenthal, Liz LaMantia, yours truly and a host of other musicians. The party went late into the night.
Another pan related gathering took place at Ashkenaz April 2 when Caribbean Allstars resurfaced with the return from Trinidad of leader Hugh 'Sweetfoot' Maynard. The foot was chillin' in T&T for Carnival. Paul Snagg delivered some impressive licks on double seconds that revealed how much he had been shedding over the winter. Pan Exstasy led by panman Ashton Craig played the opening set.
Stop the Noise!
Do you teach pan to kids at a school or community program? Having problems trying to get them to play softly. Most kids are just bangers. Here's a trick I used to considerably reduce the noise: Shorten the sticks!
For lead/tenors, no more than 7"; Double Seconds, 8"; Guitar/Cellos, 9"; and bass 12".
You can get sticks in custom lengths from Kakesa.com.
Pan is de Ting
Check the lyrics to my latest composition. Kitch was definitely in my head when I wrote this one. Band arrangement available soon.
Pan is de Ting 4/4/10
Music and Lyrics By Harry Best
Hewanorra Publishing Co. (BMI)
I
There is a craze going-around today
And it’s contagious in every way
One and all
In de bacchanal
And it gives me pleasure to say
Pan is de ting that they want to play
II
Like a pandemic around de world
Pan captivate every boy and girl
In Africa
And America
Well they say they can’t stay away
Pan is de ting that they want to play
Bridge:
It catch de school children
And de senior citizen
Big time musician
And even de politician
Doctors and lawyers
Bankers and school teachers
They leave work and run away
Just to find some time to play
III
Panists come down here from near and far
They want to beat for panorama
De revelry
And de synergy
With sweet music to ramajay
Pan is de ting that they come to play
IV
Ask anybody and you’ll agree
Pan is a gift from the Almighty
It pick you up
When you spirit drop
And your head like you tootoolbay
Pan is de ting that you have to play
Pan is de Ting 4/4/10
Music and Lyrics By Harry Best
Hewanorra Publishing Co. (BMI)
I
There is a craze going-around today
And it’s contagious in every way
One and all
In de bacchanal
And it gives me pleasure to say
Pan is de ting that they want to play
II
Like a pandemic around de world
Pan captivate every boy and girl
In Africa
And America
Well they say they can’t stay away
Pan is de ting that they want to play
Bridge:
It catch de school children
And de senior citizen
Big time musician
And even de politician
Doctors and lawyers
Bankers and school teachers
They leave work and run away
Just to find some time to play
III
Panists come down here from near and far
They want to beat for panorama
De revelry
And de synergy
With sweet music to ramajay
Pan is de ting that they come to play
IV
Ask anybody and you’ll agree
Pan is a gift from the Almighty
It pick you up
When you spirit drop
And your head like you tootoolbay
Pan is de ting that you have to play
Group Steel Drum Workshop
Group Steel Drum Workshop
Tues., April 27, 7-8:30 PM
Steel Drums are provided; (NO previous musical experience is necessary!)20% Discount Opportunity:$60 adults; $45 kids (12-17 yrs. old) if payment received or postmarked on or by April 21.Advanced payment required to reserve your spot in the class.
Email or call (415) 731-3550 to reserve your spot for this fun, “Steel Band Experience!”
Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival
Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival
July 11-16, 2010
Registration is now open for the 2010 festival!
The Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival, located at the Lamont School of Music on the campus of the University of Denver, CO, is a six day workshop for steel pan players of all ages, backgrounds and levels.
An all-star faculty along with the festival participants join together for a combination of workshops, rehearsals, student performances, faculty concerts and even late night jams. Daily seminars and rehearsals are designed to assist participants with practice and playing techniques, arranging techniques, improvisation approaches, ensemble organization, instruction and administration, and more.
2010 Festival Faculty (to date)Pan Ramajay's, Tom Miller, Alan Lightner, and Jim Munzenrider, with Don Prorak, founder of, Pan Jumbies steel band, Michael Spiro, Latin percussion expert, and Rick Henson, founder of Rocky Mountain Steel Bands.2010 Festival Artist in ResidenceRay Holman, master steel drummer, composer and arranger.Save the date and look for details at www.ramajaypanfest.com
July 11-16, 2010
Registration is now open for the 2010 festival!
The Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival, located at the Lamont School of Music on the campus of the University of Denver, CO, is a six day workshop for steel pan players of all ages, backgrounds and levels.
An all-star faculty along with the festival participants join together for a combination of workshops, rehearsals, student performances, faculty concerts and even late night jams. Daily seminars and rehearsals are designed to assist participants with practice and playing techniques, arranging techniques, improvisation approaches, ensemble organization, instruction and administration, and more.
2010 Festival Faculty (to date)Pan Ramajay's, Tom Miller, Alan Lightner, and Jim Munzenrider, with Don Prorak, founder of, Pan Jumbies steel band, Michael Spiro, Latin percussion expert, and Rick Henson, founder of Rocky Mountain Steel Bands.2010 Festival Artist in ResidenceRay Holman, master steel drummer, composer and arranger.Save the date and look for details at www.ramajaypanfest.com
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