Ray McNamara
Calypso Pirates Live
Big Bamboo Trio playing The Hammer
Quando, Quando, Quando
Drum Circle with 285 kids
Take 5
Ray Solo Steel Pan in Napa
Steel Pan Postcard
Steel Pan Promo Flyer
Ray playing the Bass Pans at Levitt Pavillion
Ray playing a Steel Drum duo in downtown Chicago
Demonstrating the Tenor Pan to Students
School Steel Pan Assembly
Kids interacting during assembly
Playing the Tenor Pan for school children
Teachers getting hands on experience
Big Bamboo Steel Band
Setup for an Interactive Drum/Music Circle
Ray playing drums at the Claremont Folk Festival
Playing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Overview
I play Steel Pans/Drums, as a soloist or with a band, specializing in the music of the Caribbean. I play professional quality Steel Pans that are tuned and maintained regularly. I offer several different programs from interactive events to entertainment. My music has been enjoyed by all ages and I tailor my program to fit the needs of the specific event. I play various styles of music, including: Calypso, Reggae, Bossa Nova, Samba, Rhumba, Cha Cha, Jazz, Rock, and Classical. I have an extensive song list. I am completely self contained with my own P.A. gear and accessories. I dress well and appropriate for the occasion. Let me help make your next event, one your guests will remember.
Reviews
5 reviews
Dennis C.
January 16, 2017Music made our event Special
Ray and his band played at our Celebration of Life party on Sat Jan 14th. Their music and sound make you feel your in the Islands. Highly recommend you get them for your event. We found them very receptive to our request and very reasonable cost wise.
Will use them again.
Hired as: Steel Drum Band
Michael G.
September 25, 2016Great Music. Talented
Very friendly gentleman who played great music and set the mood for the evening
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Rita H.
October 4, 2014Great Steel Drummer!
We hired Ray McNamara to play the Steel Drum at our daughter's pre-wedding picnic held at Doheny State Beach on August 30, 2014. He was awesome! His music truly added to the ambiance of the party and everyone loved it! He was courteous, professional and cooperative in all our dealings with him ... we highly recommend him and would hire him again if we ever needed a musician for another event. Thank You, Ray, you were fabulous!
Hired as: Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Lilian M.
October 2, 2014Steel drum performance at LA Councilman's unveiling
Ray was as professional and courteous as they come. He kept in communication with me as the event came up, and worked around our equipment deficiencies. Will definitely hire him again, and highly recommend both his flexibility and his performance skills.
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Todd S.
July 15, 2014Ray the Pan Man was perfect!
We hired Ray to play our Anniversary Luau, and he really set the vibe for our evening. His excellent musicianship along with his extensive song list and flexibility with scheduling, was a professional and enjoyable experience. I would recommend Ray to anyone. Mahalo!!
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Booking information
Price range: $500 – $5,000 per event
Languages: English
Gig length: 10 - 360 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Commercial General Liability Insurance through Nationwide Insurance Company. For specific coverages, please inquire.
What to expect
I am a professional musician with over 40 years of experience, I have played on various stages, recording sessions, hotels, cruise ships, country clubs, wedding venues, and private residences. I always cater my performance to the individual event. If you book your event with me, we will have a private consultation when we get close to the date to finalize details and go over any changes. I pride myself in making everyone's events special. and tending to the needs of my clients. I pride myself in helping people plan an event that their guest will remember! Please reach out if you have questions. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your event!
About
Ray McNamara Biography
Ray McNamara received his M.F.A. in World Music and Percussion from California
Institute of the Arts, in 1985. He has played on film scores, records, television shows, commercials, and various stages. As a Steel Drum soloist, Ray blends his unique style of soca and jazz to bring a fresh approach to The Steel Pan. Ray has toured the U.S., Japan and the Caribbean with his group, the Calypso Pirates. His latest project, Damaru, combines traditional rhythms and Instruments with modern day technology, developing a unique synthesis in sound. As an Educator, Ray has taught at Cal Arts, Northern Illinois University, UCR, UCLA, Cal State Channel Islands and Fullerton College.
Additional booking notes
Performer needs:
A solid 4 x 4 foot space to use as said stage.
Solid meaning no wet grass, sand, or dirt, as the steel drum stands will not stay steady.
Adequate shade from the sun. This could be a simple beach umbrella.
A standard 15 amp and 120 V circuit electrical outlet.
Adequate access to performance area for a rolling cart 45 minutes before performance time and 30 minutes after performance end.
Past booked events
September 2016
17
Saturday
Retirement Party
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Claremont, CA
September 2015
19
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
3:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Huntington Beach, CA
May 2014
24
Saturday
Hotel
7:00am - 7:00am
•
Los Angeles, CA
Set list
Walk a Mile
Stir It Up
Little Sunflower
Pumped Up Kicks
Carnival Fever
Oye Como Va
I Shot The Sheriff
The Hammer
Take 4/5
Ob La Di
Bahia Girl
Jammin
Quando Quando
Red Red Wine
Yellow Bird
Somebody
Exodus
Hot Hot Hot
Influences and inspiration
Robert Greenidge
Boogsie Sharpe
Bob Marley
The Police
Jimmy Buffet
Maxi Preist
Steel Pulse
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Setup requirements
I need a solid, 4'4" area to use as a stage. I need adequate shade from the sun and one electrical outlet.
Report Ray McNamara
Steel Drum Player