Callaloo
Overview
Callaloo is the best world fusion steel pan group performing original compositions in Chicago. Scott Johnson, composer/arranger, began writing music for Callaloo that was built on strong, sophisticated Latin/Caribbean rhythms and recently began exploring and incorporating other styles, that, when fused, have proven to deliver a powerful musical experience.
The percussion based group employs an amalgam of instruments – steel pan, marimba, ethnic percussion, drum set, nylon string guitar, electric and acoustic bass – while combining composed, orchestrated parts with improvisation. The percussionists switch instruments from song to song adding to the visual element of their performance.
Reviews
39 reviews
Tom M.
July 1, 2024Excellent choice, would use again high recommend mend
Very professional, on time and played perfect music for the island feel for the luau. Many guests complimented on the music entertainment. Very enjoyable
Hired as: Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Callaloo
Thank you for the 5-star review Tom!
Julia P.
July 26, 2018A Huge Hit!!
We booked Callaloo for our community pool party and he was the talk of the day! Everyone loved the music and one homeowner even wanted to book him for every weekend. :) Highly recommend for any event.
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Callaloo
Hello Julia,
Thank you for the 5-star review and I look forward to performing for future events!
Scott
Ovie S.
April 11, 2017WOW... What a GREAT performance
Besides showing up on time Callaloo delighted our attendees with some sweet Caribbean tunes that transformed us to a warm and fuzzy place in our hearts while at the same time educating us on the steel drum. I would highly recommend him for any party where you want to get swept away and warm the cockles of your heart!!!
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Katie C.
August 10, 2025Great job setting the vibe!
The steel drums were the perfect touch for my sons first birthday luau party
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Michelle L.
July 7, 2025Amazing tropical vibes
Wonderful. Professional. I was able to book last minute. Perfect background for my baby’s first birthday under the sea themed party.
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Callaloo
Thank you for the 5-star review Michelle!
Booking information
Price range: $175 and up
Gig length: 60 - 120 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Liability
What to expect
Solo performances
One steelpan player with recorded accompanient for private party events - Caribbean-themed parties, birthday parties, weddings (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception), bridal shower, graduation parties, luau, etc. Up to 3 hours.
Full group
Concert/Educational Setting: 90 min performance of Callaloo's spectacular original world fusion compositions with video enhancement and lighting effects.
Music Festival/Cultural/Private Party Events: 60 - 120 min performance of Callaloo's exciting original world fusion compositions.
About
Callaloo is the best world fusion steel pan group performing original compositions in Chicago. Scott Johnson, composer/arranger, began writing music for Callaloo that was built on strong, sophisticated Latin/Caribbean rhythms and recently began exploring and incorporating other styles, that, when fused, have proven to deliver a powerful musical experience.
The percussion based group employs an amalgam of instruments – steel pan, marimba, ethnic percussion, drum set, nylon string guitar, electric and acoustic bass – while combining composed, orchestrated parts with improvisation. The percussionists switch instruments from song to song adding to the visual element of their performance.
Past & Recurring Callaloo performances include: Chicago Botanic Gardens – Summer Concert Series Music on the Esplanade, Bradley University, Lewis University, University of St. Francis, WGN Midday News national broadcast, Sears Centre Northwest 4th Fest, Taste of Chicago, Taste of Chicago Press Preview, United Center, U.S. Cellular Field, Global Fest, Staved Rock Lodge, The Montrose Room – Intercontinental Hotel O’Hare, Oswego Fine Arts Fest, Double Door, Chicago Speedway, and many more . . .
You can hire the full six member group or Scott Johnson as a solo performer with recorded accompaniment tracks. Please watch videos.
Additional booking notes
For Solo
Power outlet & canopy or shaded area for outdoor performances.
For Full Band
15' x 24' minimum stage / floor space required. Power outlet & canopy or shaded area for outdoor performances.
Upcoming booked events
August 2026
08
Saturday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Past booked events
November 2025
21
Friday
School Assembly
1:30pm - 2:30pm
•
La Porte, IN
August 2025
23
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Hoffman Estates, IL
09
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
3:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Lake Zurich, IL
July 2025
25
Friday
Surprise
1:30pm - 2:00pm
•
New Buffalo, MI
June 2025
28
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
1:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
August 2024
17
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Lynwood, IL
03
Saturday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Barrington, IL
July 2024
23
Tuesday
Camp Event
1:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Western Springs, IL
June 2024
29
Saturday
House Party
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Lowell, IN
15
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Downers Grove, IL
12
Wednesday
Corporate Event
11:30am - 1:00pm
•
Willowbrook, IL
08
Saturday
Retirement Party
4:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Addison, IL
April 2024
26
Friday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
September 2023
23
Saturday
Festival
10:00am - 12:00pm
•
Dwight, IL
15
Friday
Corporate Event
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Woodstock, IL
10
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Northbrook, IL
August 2023
17
Thursday
Retirement Community Event
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Racine, WI
05
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
3:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Brookfield, WI
July 2023
20
Thursday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Elburn, IL
June 2023
21
Wednesday
Retirement Community Event
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Joliet, IL
19
Monday
School Assembly
10:00am - 11:00am
•
Cary, IL
10
Saturday
Corporate Event
11:00am - 2:00pm
•
Downers Grove, IL
March 2023
04
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
September 2022
24
Saturday
Festival
10:00am - 11:30am
•
Dwight, IL
August 2022
25
Thursday
Nonprofit Event
5:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
17
Wednesday
Dinner Party
7:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
13
Saturday
Personal Occasion
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Crystal Lake, IL
July 2022
30
Saturday
House Party
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Hammond, IN
23
Saturday
House Party
5:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Lemont, IL
04
Monday
Graduation
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
June 2022
16
Thursday
Nonprofit Event
1:00pm - 1:45pm
•
Oak Lawn, IL
May 2022
21
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
21
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Streamwood, IL
December 2021
09
Thursday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Des Plaines, IL
September 2021
11
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 6:45pm
•
Monee, IL
August 2021
22
Sunday
Birthday Party
1:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Wauwatosa, WI
21
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Romeoville, IL
14
Saturday
Cocktail Party
8:30pm - 11:00pm
•
Glen Ellyn, IL
14
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
2:30pm - 4:00pm
•
Plainfield, IL
July 2021
16
Friday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Barrington Hills, IL
June 2021
05
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Wilmette, IL
May 2021
01
Saturday
Birthday Party
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Highwood, IL
November 2020
08
Sunday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
September 2020
27
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Riverside, IL
August 2020
15
Saturday
Baby Shower
2:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Hinsdale, IL
02
Sunday
Teen Birthday Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Vernon Hills, IL
October 2019
19
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
September 2019
21
Saturday
Cocktail Party
1:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Lombard, IL
August 2019
24
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Lake Bluff, IL
July 2019
27
Saturday
House Party
8:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
27
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Des Plaines, IL
June 2019
12
Wednesday
Dinner Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Wilmette, IL
May 2019
05
Sunday
Corporate Event
2:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
August 2018
25
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
12:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Mishawaka, IN
July 2018
21
Saturday
Cocktail Party
8:00pm - 10:00pm
•
South Haven, MI
21
Saturday
Launch Party
1:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Batavia, IL
June 2018
02
Saturday
Fundraiser
10:00am - 11:00am
•
Wheaton, IL
May 2018
26
Saturday
House Party
3:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Braidwood, IL
12
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
2:30pm - 3:00pm
•
Aurora, IL
August 2017
04
Friday
Corporate Event
8:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
July 2017
22
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Batavia, IL
June 2017
24
Saturday
Fundraiser
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Michigan City, IN
17
Saturday
Graduation
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Wheaton, IL
17
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
2:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Cedar Lake, IN
May 2017
19
Friday
Dinner Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Lake Zurich, IL
April 2017
07
Friday
Nonprofit Event
12:30pm - 1:30pm
•
Morton Grove, IL
Team
Setup requirements
Power source for 2 amps and p.a.