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Steel Drum Fun Top Performer

Steel Drum Fun

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5.0 
(24 reviews)
  • Manhattan, NY
  • Steel Drum Player
  • Travels nationwide
  • $400-$5000
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Live On TODAYS SHOW NYC

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GOSPEL

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Another Satisfied Client

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Performing at a Nursing Home in Brooklyn

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Performance for the children of P.S 343 in Sunnyside Queens, NY.

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My Family Band, K.I.T Caribbean Connection

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Isabella Stewart Museum in Boston, MA

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Cocktail Hour in Long Island

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Jazz Festival in Branford, CT

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Photoshoot near the Prudential Center in Boston, MA

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Steel Drum Band

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Performance at Hostra University in Long Island

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Backyard Party Steel Drums Trio

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Selfie with John Singleton at my performance in Manhattan

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Performance at the Jazz Standard in Manhattan, NY

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4 videos 13 photos
Media Overview Reviews Booking Info
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Overview

I’m Kareem Thompson, a professional steel drummer bringing the vibrant sounds of the Caribbean to weddings, corporate events, school events, private parties, and festivals. With years of experience, I create an unforgettable atmosphere through high-energy performances that blend calypso, reggae, and popular hits—customized to fit your event. Whether you’re planning a laid-back gathering or a lively celebration, I’ll deliver the perfect soundtrack to elevate the vibe. Let’s make your event one to remember with the joyful rhythms of the steel drum!


24 Reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Tina H.
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Verified Review
Tina H. • June 13, 2024

Highly recommend!! Fantastic

Kareem was loved by all of our guests! This was an event for a nonprofit organization with mostly corporate attendees. Kareem arrived early communicated well and provided us with beautiful music at our waterfront venue. Many of the guests asked for his contact information. He comes highly recommended and I intend to use him again myself. He even had his own microphone set up for me to do my presentation which I didn’t expect. A truly kind person!

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
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Response from Steel Drum Fun:

Thanks for having me! It was a great event for a great cause.

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Valerie R.
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Verified Review
Valerie R. • June 11, 2024

Sweet 16 Masquerade June 2024

Kareem arrived early and ready to go! Leading up to the party, he was easy to contact and has a wealth of songs prepared. He brought an amazing energy with his music to my daughter’s sweet 16 masquerade. Kareem played many current songs and a few carribean songs. Everyone loved the steel drums playing during the cocktail hour. People swayed to his melodic tymperings while enjoying small appetizers. He was great!!! I HIGHLY recommend his services!!!!

Hired as:
One Man Band
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Response from Steel Drum Fun:

Thanks so much! Thanks for having me and I’m glad my playing was appreciated, thanks again.

Photos from this event

Photo 1 from Jun 9, 2024 event with Steel Drum Fun
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Lucy S.
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Verified Review
Lucy S. • February 19, 2024

Kareem is great!

Easy to work with, reliable and great with schedules and communication. And his playing was joyous and perfect for our event!

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Victoria E. D. L.
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Verified Review
Victoria E. D. L. • November 6, 2023

If I Could Give 15 Out of 5 Stars, I Would

Firstly, Kareem has such a beautiful presence about him when he comes in the room. Secondly, Kareem was professional, very timely, and also was incredibly gracious enough to perform a bit beyond the initial time agreed in order to create the space and atmosphere for the surprise birthday party we were throwing while we waited for guests to come in. Kareem was PHENOMENAL!! Everyone was floored by the presentation, and we've been talking about how wonderful he was for hours/days afterwards. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You're always welcome to grab a plate with us. Many blessings to you!

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer James M.
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Verified Review
James M. • September 18, 2023

Amazing Performance!

We've hired Kareem for three years in a row, and he is amazing! A can't miss act!!

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Maryann F.
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Verified Review
Maryann F. • July 5, 2023

Kareem was wonderful!

Kareem's playing was wonderful and really created a great atmosphere for our tropical themed party. This was a corporate event and Kareem was also very professional and on time. We will certainly hire him again for our next summer party!

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
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Response from Steel Drum Fun:

Hey,
Thank you so much Maryann, looking forward to next time!

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Nick D.
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Verified Review
Nick D. • September 19, 2022

Professional and Talented!

Highly recommend.

Hired as:
Caribbean/Island Music
Small thumbnail image for reviewer James M.
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Verified Review
James M. • September 14, 2022

Fantastic!!

Kareem played for our school community and we loved it! He created such a fun atmosphere. Can't wait to have him back!

Hired as:
Steel Drum Band
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Jordan H.
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Verified Review
Jordan H. • September 13, 2022

Amazing job

Had Kareem in for a backyard party in NYC. He did an AMAZING job. The vibes were great, the music was fun, and he added a great element to the party. 11/10 would recommend.

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Althea H.
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Verified Review
Althea H. • August 28, 2022

Fantastic band

Kareem and his band were amazing. They came in early to set up; read the room and played great music, suitable for all our guests. We had so many compliments about them from our friends and family. They helped make our house warming really memorable.

Hired as:
Caribbean/Island Music, Party Band, Steel Drum Band
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Lisa K.
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Lisa K. • July 11, 2022

Transported to the Islands

Kareem was fantastic! He transported us to the islands and made our outdoor birthday party incredibly special! I was highly recommend him! And he arrived early and is an incredibly nice guy! A+

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player

Photos from this event

Photo 1 from Jul 8, 2022 event with Steel Drum Fun
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Seth H.
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Verified Review
Seth H. • August 30, 2021

Great event

Caribbean Connection was terrific. He was on-time, professional, and his music was terrific. Highly recommend using them!

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Ceasar M.
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Ceasar M. • August 4, 2021

Excellent!

We had a great experience with this group! Highly recommended. Showed up early dressed to impress and played awesome music. Thank you.

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Sean A.
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Verified Review
Sean A. • March 22, 2021

Great music! Awesome personality

Kareem performed on the steel drums and took us back to Trinidad, without leaving the comforts of Queens. His skill was excellent, and in true trini fashion, his personality was warm and friendly.

Tks Kareem for making my moms birthday special

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Bekki G.
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Verified Review
Bekki G. • September 30, 2020

Perfect ambiance!

Kareem added the perfect ambiance to our outdoor beach ceremony!

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player

Photos from this event

Photo 1 from Sep 29, 2020 event with Steel Drum Fun
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Christina T.
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Verified Review
Christina T. • July 2, 2019

Amazing

Caribbean Connection put the icing on the cake. Professional, on time and full of life. The steel drums made the cocktail hour for my wedding. People kept complementing me on how amazing he was.

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Andowah N.
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Verified Review
Andowah N. • January 6, 2019

Professional, Polite, & Created a Great Ambiance

The steel drum player was a delight to have at my milestone birthday celebration. She was extremely polite, talented, and created a wonderful ambiance for the start of the celebration. Caribbean Connection was very flexible in accommodating my needs for the event.

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Becca N.
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Verified Review
Becca N. • July 17, 2018

Thank you!

Amazing! I was running around like crazy the day of our event and gave Kareem a quick couple of sentences on what i'd like him to play / the vide. He did an incredible job start to finish. Very easy to work with. Thanks so much for your help!

Hired as:
Caribbean/Island Music
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Lilian S.
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Verified Review
Lilian S. • July 16, 2018

Phenomenal!!!!

If I could give more than 5 stars I would. My guest truly enjoyed his talent. It was the perfect decision to start off an Enchanted Island event. The music was a variety of traditional island and contemporary pop music which my guests truly appreciated. My only regret is that we didn´t get to him in time to give him an additional gratuity. I hope anyone who reads this review will consider booking him. GIG Salad Rocks!

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Leesol L.
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Verified Review
Leesol L. • June 24, 2018

Amazing and look forward to hiring again for my nest event

Kareem was very polite and accommodating to me and my guests. The music was excellent, exactly what I wanted. Even my 70-80 yr old neighbors enjoyed the smooth easy vibe of the music. Thank you for a Carribean blast.

Hired as:
Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Mike W.
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Verified Review
Mike W. • June 15, 2018

A Magical Connection

Caribbean Connection were amazing! We booked them to play our school's end of year party and they were an absolute delight. For 90 minutes, they thrilled the crowd - a mix of adults and young children - with a eclectic blend of pop hits, reggae classics and beloved oldies. They are outstanding musicians and engaging performers, and we enjoyed a show full of warmth, humour, and positivity. Keeping dozens of 5-9 year olds interested is no easy task, but Caribbean Connection met the challenge with aplomb, answering questions, telling jokes, and wowing the crowd with their virtuosity. Communication before the show was prompt and professional; they were right on time and thoroughly prepared; and when the show over, everyone agreed they were the highlight of the evening. If you're looking for excellence, connect with the Caribbean Connection!

Hired as:
Caribbean/Island Music, Oldies Music, Party Band, Pop Music, Reggae Band, Ska Band, Steel Drum Band

Photos from this event

Photo 1 from Jun 14, 2018 event with Steel Drum Fun
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Kim P.
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Verified Review
Kim P. • May 31, 2018

5 star performance

Kareem played an amazing set for our cocktail hour. Highly recommmended.

Hired as:
Steel Drum Band
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Tracy Z.
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Verified Review
Tracy Z. • May 20, 2018

Amazing!

Carribean Connection was professional and timely as well as brought a fun warmth to our fundraising event. We would definitely recommend Carribean Connection for your next event!

Hired as:
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Small thumbnail image for reviewer Lucille B.
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Verified Review
Lucille B. • February 18, 2018

Kareem thompson rocked the house

We used GigSalad for the first time and wasn’t sure how the night was going to go but much to our surprise everything was great . Kareem was just awesome on the steel drum and the crowd really liked him . Will most definitely will have him back really was the finishing touch to our event just loved it. Thanks GigSalad for kareem thompson.

Hired as:
Caribbean/Island Music, One Man Band, Steel Drum Band

Photos from this event

Photo 1 from Feb 13, 2018 event with Steel Drum Fun

+ 20 More Reviews

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Booking Info

  • Profile
  • Calendar
  • Set List
  • Setup Requirements

Price Range: $400-$5000

Gig Length: 60 - 240 minutes

Languages: English

What to Expect

Lively Caribbean, Reggae music played on Steel Pan.
I am very versatile when it comes to playing any genre/style of music.

About

Musician/Band

Kareem Thompson has been playing the Steel Drum for over 25 years. His performance experience started at the age of 8. He attended and graduated from Brooklyn High School and the Arts then later on graduated from the world renown Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. where he currently teaches. He 2017 Kareem released his debut album "Pan Roots Culture" which is later named his business after.
Pan Roots Culture's foundation is Music and Culture. Pan Roots Culture offers a wide range of professional Steel Drum musicians and bands, not only just Kareem Thompson. Pan Roots Culture is your one stop shop for all things music and culture.
Pan Roots Culture offers steel drum musicians, steel drum bands, drumming, riddim sections, moko jumbie, calypso theme and costumes.

Additional Booking Notes

Requirements:

Power Outlet
A Tent for outside engagements.

Services Offered

Steel Drum Player Acoustic Band Beach Music Calypso Band Caribbean/Island Music Cover Band Funk Band Jazz Band Oldies Music One Man Band Party Band Pop Music Reggae Band Soca Band Steel Drum Band

Upcoming Booked Events

June 07, 2025 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm Personal Occasion
August 09, 2025 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm Birthday Party

Past Booked Events

April 06, 2025 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm Birthday Party
February 24, 2025 • 3:00pm - 6:00pm Funeral/Memorial Service
February 14, 2025 • 9:00pm - 11:00pm Corporate Event
September 08, 2024 • 10:00am - 12:00pm Campus Event
June 12, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm Corporate Event
June 09, 2024 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm Teen Birthday Party
April 27, 2024 • 1:00pm - 5:30pm Children’s Birthday Party
February 16, 2024 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm Cocktail Party
December 16, 2023 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm Christmas Party
November 25, 2023 • 11:00am - 11:30am Funeral/Memorial Service
November 11, 2023 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm Wedding Cocktail Hour
November 04, 2023 • 1:30pm - 3:00pm Birthday Party
September 17, 2023 • 11:00am - 1:00pm Campus Event
June 28, 2023 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm Corporate Event
September 17, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm Corporate Event
September 11, 2022 • 10:30am - 12:00pm Campus Event
September 10, 2022 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm House Party
August 27, 2022 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm House Party
July 08, 2022 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm Birthday Party
February 27, 2022 • 11:00am - 1:00pm Campus Event
August 28, 2021 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm Birthday Party
July 31, 2021 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm Wedding Ceremony
July 03, 2021 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm Birthday Party
March 20, 2021 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm Birthday Party
September 29, 2020 • 2:30pm - 4:00pm Wedding Ceremony
June 29, 2019 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm Cocktail Party
April 06, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm Wedding Cocktail Hour
December 23, 2018 • 10:30am - 1:30pm Nonprofit Event
December 15, 2018 • 9:00pm - 10:00pm Birthday Party
December 15, 2018 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm Birthday Party
August 18, 2018 • 7:00pm - 7:45pm Wedding Reception
August 11, 2018 • 3:00pm - 5:30pm House Party
August 09, 2018 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm Corporate Event
July 28, 2018 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm Nonprofit Event
July 24, 2018 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm Nonprofit Event
July 14, 2018 • 8:30pm - 9:30pm Birthday Party
July 11, 2018 • 11:00am - 1:00pm Corporate Event
June 23, 2018 • 2:00pm - 6:00pm House Party
June 16, 2018 • 8:30pm - 10:30pm Birthday Party
June 14, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm Nonprofit Event
May 27, 2018 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm Wedding Reception
May 19, 2018 • 9:00am - 12:00pm Fundraiser
May 17, 2018 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm Cocktail Party
May 12, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm Teen's Birthday Party
April 18, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm Nonprofit Event
February 13, 2018 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm Nightclub Event

View More

Set List

CALYPSO/SOCA: Sugar Bum Bum, Yellow Bird, St. Thomas, Caribbean Connection, Jean and Dinah, Don't Stop The Carnival, Hammer, Feeling It, Doh Rock It So, Somebody, Bassman, Woman on The Bass, Turn Me On, Pump Me Up, Full Extreme

REGGAE: Red Red Wine, Now That We Found Love, Stir It Up, Don't Worry About A Thing, Don't Worry Be Happy, No No No, No Woman No Cry, Could You Be Loved, Buffalo Solider, Jammin, I Feel Good, Waiting In Vain

CLASSICS: Hotel California, Lovely Day, Rock With You, What We Won't Do For Love, I Can See Clearly Now, Let's Stay Together, Falling In Love With You, My Girl, I Feel Good, Call Me Al

NEW SCHOOL/R&B: Crazy In Love, Love on Top, Just The Way You Are, Dynamite, I Feel It Coming, Sorry, Let Me Love You, Moves Like Jagger, Uptown Funk, 24 Karat, All of Me, Calabria, Lean on, Shape of You

This is a Very Short List of the 1000's of Songs We Know.

Setup Requirements

Power Source

Tent (if outdoors)

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