Panjive Steel Drum Entertainment
- Orange County, CA
- Steel Drum Band
- 12 Verified Bookings
Virgie K. said “Hi drummer was very good and very enjoyable very friendly and I would have him again”
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Solo Steel Drummer Chris Arpad offers Live Steel Drum Music Specializing in Island-Themed Parties, Family Gatherings, and Mixed Ages Groups.
Your Best Value Reggae, Calypso Band. Music in the styles of Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, Santana, UB40, & Motown. Perfect Entertainment for Adult Birthdays and Kids Parties too. Wedding Receptions, Grand Openings, Festivals, Yacht Clubs, Pool Parties, Beach Parties, Graduations, and more.
Also, I can provide Private Live-Cast performances via an Internet video stream as needed. Host a private virtual party for guests worldwide.
I have been performing for over 39 years.
Oh man! Where to start! I had seniors with Parkinson’s up and dancing! The upbeat, energetic music mixed with Caribbean-esc vocals had my seniors (ranging from 80 to 95 years old) up and moving like they were 20 again! I can’t say enough good things! Thank you so much for bringing so much life to our senior community!
Response from Chris Arpad:
Thank you Tina! It was my pleasure. Thanks to you and your staff for joining in too! Looking forward to doing it again soon!
His music was fantastic. I really enjoyed his playing and singing. He started ahead of the time scheduled, and played until it rained pretty hard on him outside. It started to lightening, which is why he had to quit. I would definitelyvhave him back again.
Response from Chris Arpad:
Thank you, Sharon! It was a joy to perform for you and everyone at Province, what a wonderful place! It was a bit of a soggy ending but it did not damper the spirits of anyone! Love to see you all again soon, thank you!
Chris was great. Communication leading up to the event was easy. He was on time and sounded great. My guests loved him.
Chris is the most incredible stell drum player and musician. He can read the crowd and sense what music they want. Chris was the highlight of our party. His professionalism and immediate communication is remarkable
We just loved him!!
Best genres for party music ! We enjoyed it very much!
He is so fun and plays exactly what he advertises, Bob Marley, Sublime, Hawaiian, and he even learned our wedding song for our event! Amazing man, and totally professional too.
Chris was kind, punctual and talented. His music was the perfect addition to our small gathering.
Chris was super cool, friendly, and played great music!
Chris was fantastic! We hired Chris just 24 hours before a wonderful large graduation party. He came all the way from Reseda to Newport Beach and played for over three hours straight. Everyone commented how great it was to have live music and his drums were beautiful sounding and his backing vocals made it much more fun and lively than just a steel drum presentation. We highly recommend Chris. He’s courteous, he showed up on time, he cheerful but most of all he’s a great entertainer for a classy party. Thank you Chris!
My family and I had a special backyard birthday dinner and hired Chris to be our musical entertainment. As soon as we walked into the backyard we were transported somewhere in the Caribbean by his cool island vibes and sounds. He arrived early to set up and was totally professional the entire time. Chris and his music made the party! We all agreed it would not have been as fun without him there. He played a wide variety of music and was perfect. I can't wait to have another party to hire Chris for!!
Response from Chris Arpad:
Thank you so much, it was a joy to perform for your family. I truly try to make a memorable event for these special family occasions that will always be treasured. Over the years I've continued to expand my repertoire to provide a little something for everyone's tastes, from the young to the young at heart. I welcome the opportunity to perform you all again soon, thanks again!
Chris was pleasant and friendly and attentive to our needs. He played well. I should have been more clear about the timing of his playing, as we would have preferred more playing at the end of the service than the beginning, but I take responsibility for not making that more clear.
Chris is extremely talented and personable. He started out as a performer for our party & ended up a friend. We will definitely have Chris at our parties going forward. He teaches you a lot about the history of music, about steel drums & he is amazingly talented! Chris is top notch & no one could go wrong hiring him to play for any event. Chris has my highest recommendation.
Chris did a wonderful job of keeping the night fun and romantic for our surprise honeymoon dinner! Played a mix of upbeat island songs. He showed up early and was very kind! Will definitely keep him in our back pocket for the future.
Chris Arpad is great to work with. He came prepared; arrived early; was most cooperative and friendly; and most importantly, played musically and well. This gig was an odd one for a steel drummer, as Chris had to play with big orchestra and choir, which he did fabulously. Highly recommended.
Response from Chris Arpad:
It was both an honor and a great pleasure to perform with the choir and orchestra under the direction of Jack Lantz. I dedicate my performance to the memory of my father. Thank you, Jack and all the fine musicians and singers of the La Canada Presbyterian Orchestra.
Chris Arpad was the perfect selection for entertainment for our 16th Annual Golf Dinner. The crowd loved his drumming skills along with his his melodic vocals. He sang songs that appealed to all age groups in the crowd. He was definitely a 5-Star guy and I would definitely book him again. Thank you so much Chris.
Response from Chris Arpad:
Thank you so much Ariel! I enjoyed your event and I hope you raised lot's of money. Please do call on me again in the future, I would love to perform again for any event that you may be a part of, and I appreciate the kind words, it was truly my pleasure!
Chris did a great job performing, playing, and singing through our event. He made announcements for us and kept up the island ambiance for a few hours.
Response from Chris Arpad:
Thank you Nikki, what a fun event! Loved the costumes and the kids. Great event by the Swim Club! I look forward to many more opportunities to perform for you, Thanks again!!
We had Chris provide music for the cocktail hour of an engagement party. He was professional, on time, a one man band. Guests were delighted by the live music and it added some sparkle to the party. Everyone loves steel drum.
We booked Chris for our company Christmas party, and it was a great decision! He skills were excellent, he was able to mix in some Christmas tunes, and he just made it an overall great experience! 10/10 would recommend him for your event!
Chris was amazing!! Our entire group had a blast and he even took a few song requests. We’d definitely use him again - thank you, Chris!
Response from Chris Arpad:
Thank you, Ally, and all of the rest of the Cloud Girls. It was a fun event and I would love to perform again for you all anytime!
Chris was great! Showed up early and was set-up and hour before start of the event. He also visited the location a few days prior to review set-up etc... The guest loved his performance. Thank you GigSalad.
So glad we had Chris play at the event. It was the highlight of the night and set the mood. He played great songs that everyone knew and loved. Can’t say enough good things and will book Chris again for sure!
Chris was the perfect touch to my 40th birthday Mermaid bash.
Response from Chris Arpad:
Thank you, Monica! It was a super festive event and your family and friends are awesome. I am so happy that I was chosen to perform for your very special 40th birthday and look forward to performing for you all again in the future!
Chris was very professional and was soooo GOOD!! It was perfect for our Hawaiian themed pool party. We loved it.
Chris came to play for our wedding and was amazing! everything was perfect and he conformed to the music taste of the guests! Would highly recommend. :)
Having Chris come to my cousin's birthday was one of the best decisions I have made. My family thought he was absolutely perfect and loved his music. My cousin was happily surprised and was thankful for his attentiveness. He arrived promptly, set up, and played for the agreed amount of time. What I found so endearing is that he spoke to my cousin to get an idea of what songs she would like to hear. My cousin has a difficult time speaking due to her brain cancer, but Chris was very kind and took the time to understand her.
I would definitely keep him in mind for future events.
Price Range: $250 - $1,000, most events $175 per hr
Gig Length: 60 - 360 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Damage to Rental Premises: $300,000 Personal & Advertising Injury: $1,000,000 General Aggregate: $2,000,000 Products - Completed Op. Agg.:$2,000,000 Medical Expenses: $5,000
My solo steel drum performance allows me to focus on my audience and every show is different with no specific set list. I take my cues from my audience.
In general, most events follow a basic flow with a natural beginning, middle, and end. I am mindful to watch my volume and pace early on with an eye to how the audience is gathering, visiting, etc. & not try to overplay. Calypso classic Yellow Bird, or Sting's Love is 7th Wave are good starters to set the stage. Bob Marley's Jammin, and Buffett's Brown Eye Girl, Margarittaville are always well received and get the juices flowing. UB40 Red Wine gets the dancers started and a good version of Hot Hot Hot & some Miami Sound Machine "Conga" will have most dancing. A classy rendition of Just My Imagination relaxes and moves the ladies and a sultry Santana Smooth or Black Magic Woman keeps the hips moving.
I provide an extra mic for a spontaneous toast, or announcement and have contemporary dance music at the ready to provide DJ music to accommodate the dancing whims of my audience as necessary.
My goal is provide the soundscape for your event whatever that may be, to make memorable performances. Your total satisfaction and repeat business is paramount. Rest assured that the music will start on time and never stop- never intrusive, but always captivating. My clients become valued friends. I truly love performing on steel drums. The sound is incredible, you'll love it too! Let's Party, shall we? Contact Today to check availability.
Originally from McPherson KS and of Hungarian descent, recently relocated to Tucson, AZ from Los Angeles.
Over the years Chris Arpad and his steel pan artistry has been prominently featured for many notable island theme promotions: with Cayman Islands division of tourism, Air Jamaica Vacation events, and Levi’s First Stage performances in 2000 & 2001 for Jimmy Buffett Memorial Day concerts. And the 2006 Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, “Smooth Sounds of Summer” promotion where he opened for bands Foreigner, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Los Lobos concerts. You may have seen his past televised performances for the 40th & 44th annual Miss USA Pageants, or his appearance for the “Art Gallery episode” performance for the TV series “Live Like A Star” – all fun events.
Arpad began his steel pan career in Wichita, Kansas at Wichita State University in 1985, where he formed his first band, Stainless Steel. The group was a regional success at the time, billed as “the Midwest’s Only Steel Drum Band”, touring the states of Minnesota, Kentucky, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. Stainless Steel opened concerts and shared stages with such notable acts as Carlos Santana, Andy Narell, Stanley Jordan, comedian Sinbad, Tower of Power, Bonnie Raitt, Head East, Jeff Healey, and Steel Pulse; appearing at the annual South by Southwest, aka “SXSW”, Music and Media Festival held in Austin Texas, in 1990 and 1991.
Generally I travel with a 5'x8' equipment trailer and a Jeep. So parking arrangements are always helpful.
I am a self contained performer, usually rolling in with one cart of equipment. I have all necessary sound equipment, I use a Bose speaker system, and will require just one standard electrical outlet, and a dry, flat shaded area to perform - Indoors or Outside is fine.
Steel drums are susceptible to detuning in the direct sun, hence the request for shaded area outdoors.
Staging area is best with 10' x 10' area, however as a solo act I am capable of working with smaller staging area. So let me know what you are working with and I'll see what I can do.
May 07, 2024 • 6:30pm - 7:15pm | Nonprofit Event |
August 31, 2024 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
August 09, 2023 • 2:00pm - 2:45pm | Retirement Community Event |
October 08, 2022 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Festival |
May 21, 2022 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
April 09, 2022 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
December 05, 2021 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Engagement |
October 02, 2021 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
September 06, 2021 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
August 08, 2021 • 3:00pm - 6:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
July 31, 2021 • 3:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday Party |
July 25, 2021 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Retirement Party |
July 18, 2021 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Dinner Party |
July 11, 2021 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Birthday Party |
June 19, 2021 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
June 13, 2021 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Graduation |
June 06, 2021 • 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Birthday Party |
May 04, 2021 • 3:30pm - 3:45pm | Corporate Event |
April 11, 2021 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
February 01, 2021 • 9:30am - 11:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
October 11, 2020 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Surprise |
October 10, 2020 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | House Party |
August 22, 2020 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Wedding Reception |
August 14, 2020 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
July 31, 2020 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
December 22, 2019 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
October 20, 2019 • 3:30pm - 5:30pm | Personal Occasion |
October 18, 2019 • 4:00pm - 4:30pm | Birthday Party |
October 17, 2019 • 7:00pm - 7:30pm | Fundraiser |
September 14, 2019 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Birthday Party |
July 04, 2019 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | House Party |
May 25, 2019 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Engagement |
May 23, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
December 08, 2018 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Christmas Party |
November 03, 2018 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
September 29, 2018 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Personal Occasion |
August 14, 2018 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday Party |
July 29, 2018 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Reception |
July 14, 2018 • 2:30pm - 5:00pm | House Party |
May 27, 2018 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
April 22, 2018 • 1:00pm - 1:45pm | Birthday Party |
April 01, 2017 • 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
July 02, 2016 • 4:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
June 04, 2016 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Graduation |
May 22, 2016 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Reception |
Arpad Sample Song List:
• Is This Love – Bob Marley
• Manana – Jimmy Buffett
• Fins– Jimmy Buffett
• Low Rider - War
• Hotel California – Eagles
• Tequila Sunrise - Eagles
• La Samba – Latin Standard
• Down Under - Men at Work
• Island In the Sun - Traditional
• I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
• Evil Ways - Santana
• Get Up Stand Up – Bob Marley
• Knocking On Heavens Door – Eric Clapton
• Please Don’t Go – Led Zeplin
• Buffalo Soldier – Bob Marley
• Escape / the Pina Colada Song – Rupert Holmes
• Stars Are Blind – Paris Hilton
• Say Hey I Love You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
• Black Magic Woman - Santana
• Oye Coma Va - Santana
• Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison/Steel Pulse
• Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens
• Volcano– Jimmy Buffett
• Sugar Bum Bum – Lord Kitchner
• Easy – The Commodores
• Horse With No Name - America
• Hot Hot Hot - Buster Poindexter
• Conga Miami Sound Machine
• I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
• Just My Imagination - Temptations
• Red Wine – UB40
• Make You Sweat – Inner Circle
• Baby I Love Your Ways – Big Mountain
• Smooth - Santana
• Mambo # 5 – Venga Boys
• Waiting In Vain – Bob Marley
• Tequila – The Champs
• Margarittaville– Jimmy Buffett
• Stir It Up – Bob Marley
• Kokomo – Beach Boys
• Love Is The 7th Wave - Sting
• A Pirate Looks at Forty– Jimmy Buffett
• Girl From Ipanima - Antonio Carlos Jobim
• Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
• Morning Dance – Spyra Gyra
• Spanish Harlem – Ben E. King
• Stand By Me – Ben E. King
• Kiss The Girl - Disney
• What You Won’t Do For Love – Peabo Bryson
• One Love – Bob Marley
• Just Two of Us – Ralph McDonald
• Yellow Bird - Traditional
• Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
• Under The Boardwalk – The Drifters
• Jammin – Bob Marley
• Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• I Can’t Tell You Why - Eagles
• I Shot the Sheriff – Bob Marley
• Kingston Town – UB40
• Night Nurse – Gregory Isaaics
• Black Orpheus - Jobim
Utilizing Bose Speaker Technology | for the Smoothest, Most Consistent Sound Coverage |
Solo Steel Drum Specialist | Combining Computerized MIDI & Live Instruments |
Christopher Arpad | Double Seconds Steel Drums since 1985 |
The Marley family, Jimmy Buffett, Carlos Santana, Sting, UB40, Hall & Oates, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Foreigner, Los Lobos, Rick Musallam, Andy Narell, Ellie Mannette, and dare I say my audience.
One Standard 120 Electrical outlet
Shaded area when outdoors, min 6'x6' - 10'x10' preferred
Virgie K. said “Hi drummer was very good and very enjoyable very friendly and I would have him again”
Richelle M. J. said “The entertainment was absolutely amazing. He was on time, pleasant and full of energy. If he didn’t have another gig we would have kept him for the entire…”
Reggae/Calypso/Pop/Dance music. Bob Marley, Harry Belafonte, Bruno Mars, Prince on steel drums... Solo's to 10 piece bands!
Nic S. said “We totally enjoyed the two man band that sounded more like 4-5 players, for our Carnivàl themed grad celebration. I highly recommend 33 North for any…”