- Chicago, IL
- Steel Drum Player
- $250-1500
Cindi K. said
“Enjoyed by all ”
Potts & Pans Steelband
Jamie Cullum: These Are The Days
Maroon 5: Moves Like Jagger
Old Lady Walk a Mile and a Half
Vivaldi: Winter
Potts & Pans Steelpan Solo - Matt Potts - Kevin Lyttle - Turn Me On
At the Montreal International Steelpan Festival
although it poured while Matt was packing up, the bride and groom loved the steelpan during their ceremony!
Overview
Potts & Pans is one of the only all steelpan bands in Illinois. If you are looking for a steelband, look no further. Along with having a full 10 piece band, we are also able to provide smaller groups or a soloist to suit your budget and size constraints. Potts & Pans loves to hear requests from our hosts, it helps us build our repertoire. Currently we play pieces from american pop, european classical, jazz, soca, calypso, and more! Want to hear your favorite song adapted for steelpan, just ask. Don't settle for those bands with 1 or 2 steelpans along with guitars and basses. Those aren't steelbands, and they can't provide the type of impact that a full steelband can.
Reviews
52 reviews
Steve A. A. L.
August 6, 2018YOU MADE OUR WEDDING PANTASTIC!!!!!!!
We are nothing short of impressed from the response time of our initial inquiry about a wedding soloist to the communication following the ceremony. Matt was the pan soloist at our wedding. He contacted us directly to make sure he knew exactly what we wanted for our ceremony. He played background music when guests arrived, attendant entrance music, bridal entrance music, unity candle music, and exit music for the bridal party and guests. We depended on him to give everyone musical cues to move from one part of the ceremony to the next. He could not have been more flawless. He also accommodated our requests to change and add musical selections less than two weeks before our wedding and confirmed our final choices.
Matt was punctual, friendly, professional, and flexible. Apart from that, he is an amazing musician!
We highly recommend Potts and Pans and thank them for helping making our wedding day memorable.
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Potts & Pans Steelband
Thanks Steve and Amy!
It was truly a pleasure to be a part of your special day. Congratulations and I hope that we will see each other again in the future.
Matt
Eileen G. O.
May 4, 2018Awesome!
We have had Anthony from Potts and Pans at our events for the past few years and he always manages to help make our event a success! This band sounds awesome and is so accommodating to what we want and need. You cant go wrong with Potts and Pans.
Hired as: Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Tiffany H.
December 21, 2017AMAZING AUTHENTIC GROUP
I can not stress enough how fantastic and professional this band was. We hired them for our wedding and they did an excellent job. My family is from Trinidad and Tobago. The home of steelpan. My uncle has his own steelpan band and thought they were great. Matt Potts was able to work with my budget. His team LEARNED the songs I gave them. (That was such a treat). He played new soca songs at my wedding where my Trini family flew into the states for this. They all were amazed and surprised with the quality. It has been the talk of the town since! They come in on an awesome school bus and wrote our names on it. Those little details are what make Potts and Pans Steelband so special. I can not recommend them enough. Stop your search and call Matt to figure out how you can book him and his team.
Hired as: Calypso Band, Caribbean/Island Music, Soca Band, Steel Drum Band, Steel Drum Player
Potts & Pans Steelband
Thanks Tiffany! It is always an honor to represent Trini culture, especially at such an important day like your wedding was. I'm glad you liked our bus too!
Amy D.
August 15, 2017Luau Party
Anthony did an amazing job at our luau party. We had about 80 guests and wanted to provide live music. The steel drum was perfect! Anthony called me ahead of time to go over details and even what color theme we had to make sure be fit in! His music was relavant to the party theme and the attendees. I highly recommend them!
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Booking information
Price range: $100 and up
Languages: English , Spanish
Gig length: 5 - 360 minutes
What to expect
Along with being one of the only groups that can provide a real steelband, not just a single pan playing with guitars, we are also qualified educators. Whether you are looking for a straight concert filled with steelband music that ranges from classical to calypso and everything in between, or looking for an educational event, Potts & Pans is your best choice. The members of Potts & Pans have over 40 years of steelpan education under their collective belts. There may be other groups out there that have performers that are older, but you're going to have a tough time finding anybody more qualified or experienced with all aspects of the steelpan.
If you are looking for an educational event, please mention that in your quote request. We have special pricing for educational events in order to help more knowledge about this great instrument.
About
Potts & Pans Steelband is part of Potts & Pans, Inc. NFP, a not-for-profit organization that helps support the spread of the steelpan within the American culture. As well as performing, Potts & Pans also can provide clinics, masterclass, and workshops for your event. Why hire a group that just plays the clich music and does not really know what this instrument is about or its rich history? Potts & Pans values, and understands the importance of the heritage of this instrument and is willing to share that information with anybody that would like to listen.
If you are planning any cultural event and would like the caribbean to be represented, the only better choice than Potts & Pans is to fly a steelband out from Trinidad! There is no other group out there that can provide the same level of musicianship along side quality education as Potts & Pans.
Potts & Pans does not have to provide an educational element for your event though. If you are planning a party or wedding, Potts & Pans is also equipped to provide a great performance of just music to suit your event. Potts & Pans will cater to your needs. We view you as customers, not clients, and in our mind the golden rule holds true, "the customer is always right." We are capable of providing nearly any genre of music and can adapt our playing style and group size to fit your setting and budget.
There are getting to be more and more options when it comes to steelpan entertainers. Many of these entertainers are good entertainers, some of them are great. None of them, though, can touch Potts & Pans in terms of all around versatility. Potts & Pans is a top level performing group, coupled with an educational course, and tied together by extreme passion for the instrument. Don't sell yourself, and your guests short, get the best entertainment package available.
Additional booking notes
When hiring the Potts & Pans Steelband keep your setting in mind. We can provide anything from a solo panist through a full 10 piece steelband. The full steelband will require a relatively big area to set up in, while the smaller groups will not. The smaller groups are available as acoustic acts or with backing tracks. Backing tracks help provide a bigger sound and also allow the performers to have more fun with the performance and play more.
If performing outside, some type of shade must be provided. Direct sunlight is very bad for these instruments and will cause them to go out of tune!
Services offered
Past booked events
July 2018
28
Saturday
Lake County Fair
1:00pm - 4:00pm
28
Saturday
Wedding Shower
12:00pm - 1:30pm
28
Saturday
South Milwaukee Parade
11:00am - 1:00pm
June 2018
16
Saturday
Chicago Wedding
6:00pm - 7:00pm
May 2018
20
Sunday
Wedding in Wheaton
10:00am - 1:00pm
April 2018
28
Saturday
Wedding in Lake Forest
5:00pm - 11:00pm
December 2017
21
Thursday
Adler After Dark
6:30pm - 9:15pm
19
Tuesday
Sycamore Library
6:00pm - 7:00pm
19
Tuesday
Visit McHenry County Holiday Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
14
Thursday
The Haight Holiday Networking
6:00pm - 9:00pm
November 2017
22
Wednesday
Magee Elementary School
9:30am - 10:15am
19
Sunday
Northwest Herald Holiday Fest
1:30pm - 2:00pm
October 2017
28
Saturday
Wedding
4:00pm - 5:00pm
28
Saturday
390 Opening
9:00am - 1:00pm
07
Saturday
Indian Wedding
6:30pm - 8:00pm
September 2017
23
Saturday
Naperville Residence
2:00pm - 5:00pm
21
Thursday
St. Paul's
6:00pm - 8:00pm
13
Wednesday
CN Diversity Day
11:00am - 2:00pm
03
Sunday
Private Drum Circle
5:00pm - 6:30pm
02
Saturday
Harvard Balloon Festival
2:00pm - 5:00pm
August 2017
31
Thursday
Woodstock Opera House
7:00pm - 8:30pm
30
Wednesday
Noah's Ark
1:00pm - 2:00pm
29
Tuesday
Crystal Lake Montessori School
9:30am - 10:15am
19
Saturday
Racine Yacht Club
4:30pm - 8:30pm
18
Friday
Wedding in Michigan
5:00pm - 8:00pm
18
Friday
Mystery Tour
4:00pm - 5:00pm
12
Saturday
Delavan Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
08
Tuesday
Arlington Heights Drum Circle
7:00pm - 8:30pm
05
Saturday
Crystal Lake Main Beach
3:30pm - 6:00pm
05
Saturday
Indian Baby Shower
12:30pm - 3:30pm
02
Wednesday
Huntley Library - Deicke Park
6:30pm - 7:15pm
July 2017
30
Sunday
Lake County Fair
4:00pm - 6:30pm
29
Saturday
Chicago Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
29
Saturday
South Milwaukee Parade
10:00am - 12:00pm
28
Friday
DeKalb Parade
7:00pm - 8:00pm
23
Sunday
Baby Shower
1:00pm - 4:00pm
22
Saturday
Trini Backyard Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
21
Friday
Woodstock Children's Theater
5:30pm - 6:30pm
20
Thursday
Summer Camp
10:00am - 10:45am
16
Sunday
Baptism Party
11:30am - 1:30pm
15
Saturday
Woodstock Water Works
11:00am - 1:00pm
14
Friday
Joe's Live
8:30pm - 9:30pm
13
Thursday
Private Party
6:30pm - 7:30pm
13
Thursday
Washington Square Park
6:00pm - 7:00pm
04
Tuesday
Northbrook Parade
2:30pm - 4:00pm
04
Tuesday
Deerfield Parade
12:00pm - 1:00pm
04
Tuesday
Lake Bluff Parade
10:00am - 11:00am
03
Monday
Warrenville Parade
6:00pm - 7:00pm
02
Sunday
Crystal Lake Parade
1:00pm - 3:00pm
01
Saturday
Caribbean Wedding
4:30pm - 5:30pm
June 2017
28
Wednesday
DeKalb KinderCare
10:00am - 10:30am
23
Friday
Frankfort Library
10:00am - 11:00am
17
Saturday
La Grange Pan & DJ
7:00pm - 11:00pm
10
Saturday
West Chicago Church
7:00pm - 7:15pm
10
Saturday
MCC 50th Anniversary
2:45pm - 3:30pm
03
Saturday
Graduation
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Rockford, IL
May 2017
14
Sunday
Willow Creek Mother's Day Weekend - 3
12:15pm - 1:30pm
14
Sunday
Willow Creek Mother's Day Weekend - 2
10:15am - 11:15am
13
Saturday
Willow Creek Mother's Day Weekend - 1
6:30pm - 7:30pm
04
Thursday
Naperville Craft Fair
5:30pm - 7:00pm
April 2017
22
Saturday
Volunteer Luncheon
11:00am - 12:30pm
08
Saturday
Great Lakes Steelpan Festival
8:00pm - 9:30pm
March 2017
24
Friday
International Night - Loyola
7:45pm - 8:15pm
November 2016
02
Wednesday
XYZ Luncheon
12:40pm - 1:40pm
September 2016
25
Sunday
Wedding
5:00pm - 6:00pm
July 2016
14
Thursday
Drum Circle
7:00pm - 8:30pm
04
Monday
Northbrook Parade
2:30pm - 3:30pm
June 2016
26
Sunday
Madison Cultural Festival
3:45pm - 4:30pm
04
Saturday
Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
May 2016
14
Saturday
Wedding in IN
4:30pm - 6:00pm
April 2016
01
Friday
Surprise Party
8:00pm - 11:00pm
March 2016
19
Saturday
Milwaukee, WI
7:00pm - 8:00pm
February 2016
20
Saturday
Huntley, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
12
Friday
Grayslake, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
January 2016
14
Thursday
Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
December 2015
19
Saturday
Berlin, WI
7:00pm - 8:00pm
November 2015
27
Friday
Crystal Lake, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
19
Thursday
Crystal Lake, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
October 2015
17
Saturday
Barrington, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
10
Saturday
Settler's Days, Marengo, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
September 2015
20
Sunday
Dwight, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
19
Saturday
Crystal Lake, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
19
Saturday
Naperville Library, Naperville, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
12
Saturday
Dundee, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
12
Saturday
Milwaukee, WI
7:00pm - 8:00pm
11
Friday
Aurora, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
06
Sunday
Homewood, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
06
Sunday
Sioux City Arts Festival, IA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Team
Christina Guerrero
Steelpan, Flute
Matt Potts
Manager, Steelpan, Percussion
Mike Schwebke
Steelpan
Paige Moore
Steelpan
Anthony Houston
Steelpan, Vibes
Jimmy Pinkl
Drums
David Brachmann
Steelpan
Omar Garcia
Drums
Andy Soderstrom
Drums
Hannah Pahl
Steelpan
Set list
We love to custom taylor our shows for each event. Below are just some of the tunes that we have prepared by request for some of our many happy clients. This is certainly not a complete list, and we are always open to hear your suggestions. Feel free to e-mail if you would like more details about this.
Besame Mucho
By Chance
Bacchanal Lady - David Rudder
Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet
December 1963 (Oh, what a night) - The Four Seasons
Yellow bird
Matilda - Harry Belafonte
The Banana Boat Song - Harry Belafonte
Eine Kleine Nachtmusic - W.A. Mozart
Hungarian Dances - J. Brahms
Old Lady Walk a Mile and a Half - Lord Kitchener
Walk Like a Man - The Four Seasons
Bad - Michael Jackson
Moves like Jagger - Maroon 5
Canon in D - Pachelbel
steelband paradise
grapefruit juicy fruit - Jimmy Buffet
i shot the sheriff - Bob Marley
summertime
could you be loved - Bob Marley
sonata III - Handel
both of them
try jah love - Stevie Wonder
overjoyed - Stevie Wonder
son of a son of a sailor - Jimmy Buffet
friday in tunapuna - Gary Gibson
exodus - Bob Marley
autumn leaves
tico tico
ave maria
hard times
one particular harbor - Jimmy Buffet
the rhythm of calypso
last kiss - The Cavaliers
belly full - Bob Marley
sarah
St. Thomas
A Night in Tunisia
come monday - Jimmy Buffet
raindrops - Liam Teague
soca evelyn
redemption song - Bob Marley
a pirate looks at forty - Jimmy Buffet
Jump in the Line
blue bossa
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
get up stand up - Bob Marley
sunset
The Star Spangled Banner
The Irish Washerwoman
Influences and inspiration
Andy Narell
Gary Gibson
Liam Teague
Cliff Alexis
Jonathan Scales
Leon "Foster" Thomas
Len "Boogsie" Sharpe
N&M Trinidad All Stars
Phase II
Exodus
Birdsong
Invaders
Setup requirements
5' X 5' area
sufficient lighting
shelter from weather
Report Potts & Pans Steelband
Steel Drum Band
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