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PanOccasions
- Brooklyn, NY
- Steel Drum Player
- Travels up to 150 miles
- $250 and up
Overview
Adrian Clarke of PanOccasions is a professional solo steel-panist from Barbados who has been gigging in the New York tristate area for ten years. He has played as far north as Boston and as far south as Washington, DC. His song list is long and varied with lots of reggae, soca and calypso, Latin, pop ballads, classical, and gospel. He plays weddings, same-sex unions, birthday, graduation and pool parties, mitzvahs, corporate and church events. The three words that best describe Adrian are courteous, professional and punctual. His rates are competitive and he is always willing to answer your queries or help with suggestions--anything to make your event successful and enjoyable.
23 Reviews
Adrian was early, he played so beautifully, my mom and our guests just loved him. Great experience from top to bottom!!
Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Jessica
The complements I received, on my selection of entertainment was endless. Mr. Adrian Clarke, was EXCEPTIONAL. “He had me at”.. his, profile picture with his professional attire and smile, not to mention the reviews from his previous clients. He was the surprise guest for my Family in celebration of my Mother’s 77th Birthday and they were ECSTATIC.
Adrian, was absolutely superb, from beginning to end, following my playlist request and arranging it perfectly. Although, my playlist selection was lengthy and suitable for a five(5) hour event and not one (1) hr. Adrian, managed to adjust and chose the appropriate songs. He was even able to play a few spontaneous requests made by my Son, (Michael Jackson ).
Overall, Adrian’s performance was 5⭐️ and I would highly recommend him for any occasion. He made a lasting impression on everyone, with his; Professionalism, Humble demeanor and Kindness. There is such a warmth about him that complimented our Family.
Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you so much, Lena. It was such a pleasure playing for you and your family. So glad your mom had a good time.
Photos from this event
Great music
Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Alan.
PanOccasions was amazing! I highly recommend f for any gathering or party!
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thanks Leah. Good meeting you all. Sorry I couldn’t stay.
Everyone enjoyed the steel drum played at my daughter’s engagement party. It was a blast. Created a sophisticated ambience as guests arrived. He played all the requested Caribbean steel music and more. Amazing.
Steel Drum Player
Awesome evening/great entertainment.
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Adrian performed at our wedding and was a crowd favorite. Not only is he a skilled steel drum player, but he's very easy to work with. Our experience working with Adrian was simple and easy. He went out of his way to put together a custom play list for us that really made our event special.
On the day of he showed up promptly, brought his own equipment, and was phenomenal. Save your time searching and book Adrian!
Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Adrian was GREAT! Showed up early and had all the songs I requested. He was on point with everything! He even stayed a little extra as well. Great touch to a tropical theme wedding.
Steel Drum Player
My sister and I threw my moms a surprise 60th birthday in Suffolk County and her favorite part was Adrian playing the steel drum! He was professional, timely, and talented! We really enjoyed having him at our party and would recommend it it everyone!
Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thanks, Michelle. I enjoyed your party and the warmth from your friends and family. And thanks so much for the tip. Feel free to reach out if you ever need me in the future.
Adrian was amazing! He was early and was set- up well before the party began. All the guests loved him and the Birthday girl was blown away.
Steel Drum Player
Adrian played music for my husband and daughter’s joint birthday party. He was on time, personable and extremely talented!! The guests raved about how great the music was. I would highly recommend Adrian if you’re looking for a talented steel drum musician for your event!
Thank you Adrian for helping make our party so great!
Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Beth. Glad everything worked out well.
Adrian was an exceptional musician and took great pride in providing us with the exact type of event we wanted. He was very responsive, on time and a great additional to our yearly holiday party! Hope we can hire him again.
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Nadia. Great party. Very friendly people.
Adrian was wonderful for our pool party last weekend. He kept everyone entertained for hours and played a mix of new and classic songs. Would highly recommend him for your event!
Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you for your review, Michele. It was a pleasure.
Adrian performed at our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour this past weekend at the North Ritz Club in Long Island. His music was amazing. He greeted our caribbean and non-caribbean guests with a caribbean vibe and great music. He played our ceremony perfectly, and he even played Hava Nagila for our Jewish wedding ceremony. All of our guests LOVED his music. Thank you again for a great day!
Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Shenille and Dan. Your guests were fun. Best wishes to you.
he was amazing. music was good and he played ceaselessly.
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Richard. It was great meeting you all.
Adrian was amazing and set a great mood for our cocktail hour. Highly recommend!!
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Kathryn. Best to you both.
I hired Pan Occasions for corporate event and could not have had a better experience! Solid communication, punctual, and really great music! Highly recommend!
Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thanks for the review, Henry. Great to have met you.
Easy to work with, had a fantastic sound system, and was a huge hit at our party. Thank you! Will definitely recommend
Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Emily. Sorry I couldn't stay a bit longer. Best wishes.
Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Zach, for the review as well as the chicken.
As the newlyweds, we couldn't be happier with our decision to hire Adrian from PanOccasion for our cocktail hour music. Very professional to work with! As a busy bride, it's wonderful knowing you have booked someone who is reliable. It was a great feeling walking into my cocktail hour seeing our guests already standing around enjoying the steel drum music. We couldn't be happier! Thank you again for your wonderful and reliable service!
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
Thank you, Gina. Great event. Lovely couple. Best wishes.
Adrian played at our son's wedding on Saturday, September 24th. He was punctual and very professional and his music was really wonderful. The guests really enjoyed his music. He was easy to work with in making arrangements for the occasion and on the wedding day was very accommodating with various time adjustments. Thank you Adrian for helping to make the wedding memorable.
Jan K
Steel Drum Player
Adrian, was wonderful. He was on time and engaging. He provided a fun vibe for my residents and played a variety of music that inspired singing and movement.
Steel Drum Player
Response from PanOccasions:
It was great to hear some of the residents tapping and singing, telling me what songs they recognized, and making requests. A great day.
Booking Info
Price Range: $250 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 300 minutes
Languages: English
What to Expect
Expect:
Punctuality.
With my Bose tower system, a great sound.
A great selection of reggae and calypso music and more.
Professionalism and courtesy.
A steel pan player who is accommodating.
That I will do all I can to make your event successful and enjoyable.
About
I was born and grew up in Barbados and have lived many years in New York. A former semi-professional tennis player, I traveled throughout South America, the Caribbean, the US and Canada playing tournament tennis and have since been a coach. I am a graduate of Hampton University in Virginia where I earned a full tennis scholarship, hold Masters degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing, and am a published short story writer and an adjunct professor of English at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York. I have a passion for the steel drums and love to bring joy to listeners through the instrument.
I can e-mail you audio samples or you can GO TO MY CD, "SWEETER THIS TIME," at cdbaby.
Additional Booking Notes
*For my performances I need only 8 - 10 feet of space and a working electrical outlet.
*Note that the instrument and equipment should not be directly in the sun in summer, and of course cannot get wet.
*I use a Bose sound dock for beach ceremonies, etc., or for small events or where electricity is not available, so you'll always have background tracks to tap your feet or dance to.
*I can play without tracks, but note that playing with tracks almost always sounds better.
*If the music has to be fairly loud, please make guests comfortable by not seating them too close to the speakers.
*I can provide a wireless microphone with my equipment if needed; for instance, for announcements or to be used by the minister for the ceremony. Just ask me to bring it along.
Services Offered
Upcoming Booked Events
| June 27, 2025 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Cocktail Party |
Past Booked Events
| June 01, 2025 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Birthday Party |
| November 01, 2024 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| October 26, 2024 • 8:30pm - 9:30pm | Birthday Party |
| April 20, 2024 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
| August 27, 2023 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Anniversary Party |
| August 26, 2023 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm | House Party |
| August 07, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Birthday Party |
| May 20, 2023 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Baby Shower |
| April 15, 2023 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 20, 2022 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Anniversary Party |
| August 12, 2022 • 9:00pm - 10:00pm | Teen Birthday Party |
| May 21, 2022 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| July 31, 2021 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
| July 02, 2021 • 4:00pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| September 20, 2020 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday Party |
| December 31, 2019–January 01, 2020 • 9:00pm - 1:00am | New Year's Party |
| September 14, 2019 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Birthday Party |
| December 13, 2018 • 11:30am - 3:00pm | Christmas Party |
| November 26, 2018 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Retirement Party |
| October 05, 2018 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| September 15, 2018 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| August 19, 2018 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| July 07, 2018 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Retirement Party |
| June 30, 2018 • 12:00pm - 2:30pm | Cocktail Party |
| June 09, 2018 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| December 18, 2017 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Retirement Party |
| September 08, 2017 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| August 24, 2017 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Corporate Event |
| August 05, 2017 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party |
| July 30, 2017 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
| July 29, 2017 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
| May 28, 2017 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| August 06, 2016 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Corporate Event |
Set List
A typical cocktail hour might include:
1. "Natural Mystic" Bob Marley
2. "One Love" Bob Marley
3. "Is This Love" Bob Marley
4. "Hey Jude" reggae
5. Mighty Sparrow calypso medley with "Saltfish," "Jean & Dinah," "The
Lizard," "Obeah Wedding," "Drunk & Disorderly"
6. Lord Kitchener calypso medley with "Rain-o-rama," "Pan in Harmony,"
"Love in the Cemetery," "Symphony in G," "Pan in A Minor"
7. Traditional calypso medley with "Mary Anne," "Matilda," "Tay'Lay-Lay"
"Bahia Girl," "The Hammer," "Linstead Market," "Sly Mongoose," "Fire
Fire," etc.
8. "What a Wonderful World" reggae
9. "Wild World" Maxi Priest reggae
10. "Jamaica Farewell" & "Day-O (Banana Boat Song" calypso medley
11. "Desafinado" Latin
12. "Bailamos" Latin
13. "The Girl from Ipanema" Latin
14. "Margaritaville" Jimmy Buffet
15. "Under the Sea" Samuel E. Wright
16. "Feel Like Making Love" Roberta Flack easy groove
17. "How Deep is Your Love" Bee-Gees reggae
Other cocktail and party selections might include:
Reggae:
"Can't Help Falling in Love"
"No Woman, No Cry"
"Stir it Up"
"Red Red Wine"
"Jammin"
"Help Me Make it Through the Night"
"Master Blaster Jammin" (Stevie Wonder)
"I'm Yours"
"Killing Me Softly"
"Waiting in Vain"
"Hello" (Lionel Richie)
"Human Nature" (Michael Jackson"
Calypso/Soca:
"Hot Hot Hot"
"Bahia Girl"
"The Hammer"
"Tay-Lay-Lay (Walk a Mile and a Half)"
"St. Thomas"
"Sugar Bum-Bum"
"Ragga Ragga"
"Something's Happening" (Red Plastic Bag)
"Lovely Day"
"Toco Band" (Kitchener)
"Symphony on the Street" (Kitchener)
"Pan Earthquake" (Kitchener)
"The Bees Melody" (Kitchener)
"Mystery Band" (Kitchener)
"The Guitar Pan" (Kitchener)
"Summertime"
"My Isla Bonita"
Ceremony selections:
"Bridal March"
"Canon in D Major"
"Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring"
"One Love"
"Is This Love"
"Don't Worry, Be Happy"
"I'm Yours"
"Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" medley
Gospel/Religious/Spiritual:
"The Prayer"
"Ave Maria"
"I Believe"
"His Eye is on the Sparrow"
"You Raise Me Up"
"The Greatest Love of All"
"When You Believe"
"Believe"
"Heal the World"
"Imagine"
"Hero"
"Jesus Loves Me"
"How Great Thou Art"
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"Take My Hand Precious Lord"
I PLAY HUNDREDS OF SONGS AND TAKE TIMELY REQUESTS
Influences & Inspiration
I'm not sure that I have any real influences as far as the instrument is concerned. I've enjoyed steel pan virtuosos Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, Robert Greenidge and Andy Norrell, and some others, but I can't say I've copied from any of them. What I truly enjoy is music. Bob Marley's music has never died for me and I consider the late Lord Kitchener a genius of calypso medley, so I play both of them a lot. But there are also ballads, classical and gospel pieces I love to play. I play my music with feeling, and I don't think I copied this from any particular artist.
Setup Requirements
I use the Bose Tower, which doesn't need a lot of space but is powerful. Eight to ten feet of space is ample, along with a working power outlet. For 2-4 hour events, please provide shade since both the instrument and equipment are sensitive.