Award-winning steelpan musician Josanne Francis blends styles including traditional calypso, jazz, Indian, funk, rock & classical. She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Strathmore, Times Square, Haiti's PAPJAZZ, and China, and featured as a soloist at many universities, orchestras and festivals across the US. .
7 reviews
Alex B.
May 26, 2026Josanne was incredible, she far exceeded our expectations. Not only was her set a really fun vibe switch for our event, she even tailored her music to fit the"Cuban Lounge" theme we were going for, as far as showing up dressed like she was part of the event without being asked to do so. She was a great sport and I could not recommend her highly enough for anyone looking for a steel drummer for their event (which you should consider because she is awesome).
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Megan B.
August 19, 2023Josanne was delightful. She sat clear expectations about what she needs to perform in terms of outlets and electricity, she arrived on time, dressed, beautifully, played very well, and was kind enough to agree to stay for an additional hour when they need a rose. She has a great sense of humor, and provided a very classy and touching addition to my father’s 80th birthday party. It made the event as it drew lots of guests outside on a hot summer night
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Rhonda H.
June 10, 2021Josanne’s presence/performance was the perfect addition to our tropical themed baby shower! She set the mood for a celebration and left my guests wanting “more, more, more”! Thank you, Josanne!
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Aaron S.
August 10, 2020Josanne's performance was excellent. She was on time, professional, and very friendly, not to mention a great steel drummer. Our guests were very happy and I would certainly recommend her.
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Josanne Francis
It was indeed my pleasure performing for your family & friends! Especially the unique connections that we discovered!
Brett E.
July 7, 2020Josanne did a great job. Everyone at our party enjoyed the music. She played happy birthday when requested. Very good experience.
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Price range: $400 and up
Languages: English, A Little Spanish
Gig length: 10 - 180 minutes
A client would expect to see a very beautiful Caribbean woman in a place you won't expect---behind the steeldrum! Not only is she beautiful, her music is moving, engaging, and expressive. Intricate melodic passages, simple melodies, familiar tunes with subtle nuances- all produced with a wand-like touch as she appears to glide her mallets over the notes on her drum, all the while moving to the beat. Josanne Francis' performance is a whole experience.
Professional character - Josanne is very easy to work with and conducts herself in a very professional manner both on stage and off stage. She has performed for audiences at venues ranging from patrons at bars to embassies where she entertained diplomats, presidents and prime ministers.
Born and raised in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Josanne Francis is an internationally known steelpan performer and music educator. Her music delivers that special 'extra' that separates her from even the greats, and catapults listeners into a unique and exceptional place.
With hands that seem to float like the wings of a butterfly with a 'wand-like' touch, her music is not devoid of power when needed. Ms. Francis' music blends together and draws influences from traditional Calypso music, Jazz, Indian, Funk, Rock and Classical music- a unique mix which is not typical for the instrument.
Josanne has performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, and has appeared as a guest artist at festivals and universities across the United States, including the San Juan Conservatory of Music, San Juan Puerto Rico and the Caramoor Jazz Festival, NY. Josanne was recently one of 6 Artists in Residence at Strathmore for the (phone number hidden)8 season. She currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Cultural Academy for Excellence, Inc. and runs her own steelpan educational company called Steel on Wheels Inc.
- Will not perform in direct sunlight (must be covered by tent) as this would affect the tuning of my instrument
- Will require access to outlet for trio and solo performances where I would be using tracks
- No electricity required for unaccompanied performance (for example, beach wedding ceremony)
Friday
Birthday Party
9:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Elizabethtown, PA
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Kensington, MD
Saturday
Baby Shower
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Brookeville, MD
Sunday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Gambrills, MD
Thursday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Alexandria, VA
Saturday
Cocktail Party
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Baltimore, MD
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
7:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Landover Hills, MD
Set list is massive!
Many
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Steel Drum Player
