Chris Arpad

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 recorded break music if necessary. However, that is very rare, as I generally do not take breaks. I work hard to keep the music seamless and the event flowing smoothly.
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.