Shabang Opens Outdoor Season at Sam's

We're back at Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay on Sunday May 1, 1-5pm for the opening of the outdoor music season. Come join us on the patio; or take a walk on the beach as you enjoy the sounds of Shabang's steelpans.

Best and Bruce at Whole Foods San Rafael

Come check us out at Whole Foods San Rafael, 1-4pm Saturday April 30. Acoustic trio: pans and traps. Weather looks good. Should be a lot of fun!

Cardinal Calypso Spring Show

Ever heard disco on steeldrums?? Here's your chance to get a taste!
Come start the weekend with a delightful and diverse set of music! You can hear everything from traditional pan pieces from Trinidad to pop songs of the decades to original pieces performed live for the first time!

	Friday, May 6 · 7:00pm - 8:00pm
	Toyon Hall 455 Arguello Way, Stanford, CA 94305

here's the link to the event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116693941746526

Phil Hawkins at Armando's in Martinez

Hello folks,
I'd like to invite you to spend this Friday evening with us at a
very cool venue in Martinez, THAT'S RIGHT MARTINEZ Armando's.
(website <http://armandosmartinez.com/> ) 
It's a great room run by people who really care about presenting quality music
with great sound, atmosphere and of course.
I'll be joined by:
Michelle Hawkins - flute, vocals
Greg Rahn - keys
Marc VW - bass
Derek Rolando - percussion
Brian Andres - drums
We may also have some special guests sitting in. 
To get there; head straight up 680 to the last exit (before the bridge)
and turn left into Martinez.
We'll be playing most of the tunes from "Sugarcane Suite"
along with some classic material from "H2O". 
The cost is $10 and the show starts at 8pm. 
Thanks and I hope to see some of you there . . . should be a great hang
(MUCH better than working on taxes). 

Stanford's Cardinal Calypso

Cardinal Calypso is Stanford University's steelpan ensemble. Founded in 2005, it may be seen anywhere around the greater Stanford campus, causing wanton happiness and general excitement.
Check out where they're beating on campus:
http://stanford.edu/group/calypso/cgi-bin/

CARNIVAL STORY (aka TRINIDAD CARNIVAL)

'Panhandlers' is de ting...

Great show last night put on by the SF Panhandlers at their new CD release concert entitled “Pan is de ting”. The house was sold out, and the band was phenomenal. After singing one of his original tunes with the band 11-time Grammy Award winner Tony Lindsay remarked: “I should re-record this tune with this band.” I don’t think the Panhandlers and their Youth Brigade are conscious of just how good they are; and the fact that the band’s director Jim Munzenrider is approaching legend status with his latest production. In fact, let’s just dub him Jim “The Legend” Munzenrider.

Personally, I had a whale of a time sitting in on a couple of tunes including ‘three’ offerings of ‘Pan is de ting’, backed up by a 9-year-old vocalist named Maddie who matched me word for word with the lyrics. Then she broke off and took a pan solo before returning for the last verse. Amazing pipes. This kid might be the future of calypso.

The amazing Michael Spiro supervised a tight engine room with Mat Germano on drums and the dreadlocked Newton Martin on Iron.

All in all, this show was a blast. I think I heard Jim mention an upcoming concert with Robert Greenidge in December. I ain’ missin’ dat.

Panhandlers’ CDs can be purchased at www.csmsteeldrums.com, or catch them on Facebook as: Panhandlers Steel Drum Band.

2011 Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival Registration NOW OPEN.

2010 Festival faculty members (L-R): Ray Holman, Michael Spiro, Jim Munzenrider. March 21, 2011 Dear Harry, Registration is now open for the 2011 Pan Ramajay Summer Steel Drum Festival. A registration application can be filled out and submitted online here. Faculty Line up (to date) Along with Pan Ramajay members, Tom Miller, Alan Lightner, and Jim Munzenrider, we are very pleased to have Ray Holman joining us again in 2011 along with Pan Jumbie's, Don Prorak and Rocky Mountain Steel Bands, director, Rick Henson. We look forward to another great week of new steel band music. Festival rates for 2011. TUITION RATES Full Session Participant - $525.00 | Half Day Participant - $200.00 (9 AM- 12 PM ONLY-LIMITED ENROLLMENT) APPLICATION FEES (non-refundable) $50.00 New Full Session registrants | $25.00 Returning Full Session (of 2010) & All Half Day registrants. INSTRUMENT RENTAL The instrument rental fee is for participants opting to use a festival provided instrument only. Applicants are highly encouraged to bring their own instruments if possible. Rental Fee: Full Session $75.00 | Half Day Session $35.00 HOUSING AND MEAL OPTIONS RESIDENCE HALL OPTION University Residence Hall accommodations are available this year. The residence halls are ideally located two blocks from the festival venue. All rooms have shared bathroom facilities and AC. Single Room is $330.00 and a Double Room is $260.00. Check in time is 3 PM, Sunday, July 17. HOTEL OPTION A group rate of $79.00 per night (plus tax) for a King or Double is available at the Marriott Courtyard Denver Southwest/Lakewood. PLEASE NOTE: This property is not the same as the 2010 host hotel and is 9 miles from the festival venue. Booking may be done at www.marriott.com/denlk with group code DUSDUSB for a double or DUSDUSA for a king. MEAL PLAN OPTION A comprehensive Meal Plan option is available for residence hall guests for dining in the residence hall dining rooms. This plan covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, beginning with breakfast on July 18 through dinner July 22. Cost: $150.00 Please mark your calendar for July 17-22, 2011! We look forward to seeing you in Denver this July! Get more information as it becomes available by visiting our site www.ramajaypanfest.com

Pan Ramajay's, Alan Lightner and Tom Miller. Festival participants perform in the finale concert. Faculty member, Don Prorak with Ray Holman. Rick Henson of Rocky Mountain Steel Bands.

CONTACT US

POB 101922 Denver CO 80250

A message from pan tuner Joe Kelly

I took the last 8 months off from producing pans so that I could begin to learn the art of being a father. From time to time she is louder than a hundred hammers...but I'm having a blast! I missed hammering, but the opportunity to spend so much time with Anya was a true blessing. I'm excited to let everyone know that I resumed crafting my instruments this week. My workshop is now in San Rafael, CA. Take advantage of my discounts on tunings through the month of March: 1-3 instruments = $75/instrument (reg. $125), 4+ instruments = $55/instrument.
Feel free to email me or call 415-672-3846 to set up an appointment. Pass the news on to your
friends and colleagues and enjoy the attached photo, she's beautiful.
take care,
Joe Kelly

Harry Best and Dexter Bruce Pan Duo at Tiki Tom's

Harry Best and Dexter Bruce do a steelpan duo at Tiki Tom's (925) 932-9202 · 1535 Olympic Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; 6:30-9:30pm. Come enjoy tropical food, drinks and music. Spring is here!

New Spring classes in San Rafael

Learn the magic of making music on Caribbean steel drums. Have fun with the basics of sticking and melody making. Enjoy playing favorites like Yellow Bird, Marianne, Jamaica Farewell, Lion King and more. Beginners will be jamming’ instantly with the easy play-by-note method. Intermediate students will expand their skills and repertoire. We supply the drums,
just come ready to have fun!!!
Instructor Harry Best, a native of St. Lucia, Harry is a seasoned steel drum instructor and performer.
Wednesdays April 20—May 25
Fee: $100 Resident/$105 Non Resident
Beginning Class
6:00 PM—7:00 PM Class Code 16103
Intermediate Class
7:00 PM—8:00 PM Class Code 16104
Pickleweed Park Community Center Art Room
Pickleweed Community Center
50 Canal Street
San Rafael, California 94901
(415)485-3077