Ray's Island Sounds
Overview
Watch the video! You'll just know you've heard ocean waves crashing against the beach while Ray's Island Sounds provides a Caribbean backdrop to your festive party. Whether you're planning a luau, engagement party, wedding, or corporate event, Ray's Island Sounds brings the tropical paradise to you. Ray's setup is compact and plays lead pan with a Bose sound system that provides the highest quality of sound. Listen to audio samples. Compare and notice the authenticity of instruments featured like marimbas, vibraphones, and brake drums. What you hear is (really) what you get. Ray's Island Sounds captures that undeniable Caribbean feel that transports you to an island... wherever you are!
Reviews
16 reviews
Jennifer L.
September 13, 2021Great Vibes, Fantastic Musician, and Great Customer Service
As a first time Gig Salad user, I wasn't sure what to expect and Ray's Island Sounds really beat my expectations. Most importantly of course, his steel drum sounds were perfect for our luau-inspired event and he performed for the full three hours! We got so many compliments from our guests. As the party host, I have to say that his professionalism was just as important to the success of our event and to my peace of mind. His bid was clear and complete. I knew exactly what we were paying for (versus other bids where it was hard to tell how many instruments, what equipment, who would be playing at our event, etc.). Ray made it easy to arrange everything electronically. He arrived well in advance at the venue so he knew where to set up and then returned to get everything in place right on time. He also worked well with the other entertainment (hula dancer) we had scheduled by helping connect her music to his sound system. I know I sound like I'm a paid reviewer, but I promise I am really just a very satisfied customer. I would definitely use Ray for a future event!
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Gaye M.
September 17, 2018Wedding reception
Ray's Island Sounds played at a wedding reception that we hosted. Ray was very professional and the music was fantastic!! He had a wide variety of songs and everyone really enjoyed it. We will definitely use him again!
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Janet D.
March 8, 2016Ray played at our home for a wedding party.
Ray was better than I had imaged. The music that he played at our tropical party made everyone feel as if they were at the islands. Friendly, very professional, great music. Thanks Ray!!!
Hired as: Caribbean/Island Music, One Man Band, Steel Drum Band, Steel Drum Player
Alex B.
June 23, 2022Ray's Island Sounds were the perfect touch for our party.
Ray was friendly and extremely nice throughout the entire booking process. The Steel Drums were a huge hit with our guests and everyone from the kids, adults, and employees were amazed with how cool the sounds were. It was unique and provided the perfect ambience for our Island/Luau themed party! Thanks Ray!
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Ray's Island Sounds
Thank you so much! It was a pleasure.
Cecile M.
September 25, 2018Very easy to work with!
Nice sound with an easy, friendly steel drum player who was willing to play whatever we asked
Hired as: Steel Drum Player
Booking information
Price range: $300-$1500
Gig length: 30 - 300 minutes
What to expect
A client of Ray's Island Sounds can expect to feel that cool Caribbean vibe instantly at their venue. The soothing sounds of the steel drum are the perfect touch to any party. Professional stage lighting can be provided as well which gives ambiance to night or indoor gatherings. Volume is a consideration and is always determined by the client. A background whisper to a rockin' reggae block party can all be handled with Ray's bose sound system.
PAST CLIENTS INCLUDE: Palace Casino and Resort, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Silver Slipper Casino, The Warf, Aquarium of the Americas N.O., Audubon Zoo, Tommy Bahama Co., Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition, New Orleans Lawn and Tennis Club, Southern Mississippi Alumni Association, Le Triomphe Country Club, Houston Yacht Club, Southern Yacht Club, Diver's Destination, All the Details Beach Weddings, Kiwanis southern regional convention, University of Louisiana, Krewe of Triton, Krewe of Gabriel, Krewe of Rio, Comfort Suites Hotels...
About
Ray's Island Sounds provides steel drum band entertainment as a solo, duo, or trio performance ensemble. Ray has over 25 years of experience entertaining clients at numerous venues as a soloist or with a band.
His steel drum blends well with a number of genres of music. Ray’s songlist consists of Calypso, Reggae, Latin, and Brazilian musical styles. Ray also covers popular artists such as Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet, Jason Mraz, Kenny Chesney, Harry Belafonte, and others.
No job is too big or too small. Also, a variety of moods can be created with the sounds of the steel voice. Whether you want light dinner music, a full blown company cookout, cool grooves by the pool, or a night time backyard bash, let Ray’s Island Sounds be a part of it.
Additional booking notes
Ray only requires a 4'-4' space and typical electrical power for solo performance.
Past booked events
September 2021
04
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
The Woodlands, TX
December 2019
21
Saturday
Christmas Luau / Lafayette, LA
6:00pm - 8:00pm
November 2019
02
Saturday
Fundraiser / New Orleans
5:30pm - 7:30pm
October 2019
26
Saturday
LSU Tailgating
All-day event
18
Friday
Private Event
All-day event
October 2018
20
Saturday
Private Party / Lafayette, LA
5:30pm - 7:30pm
September 2018
22
Saturday
Fiesta / Lafayette, LA
7:00pm - 10:00pm
15
Saturday
Private Party / Baton Rouge
7:00pm - 9:30pm
03
Monday
River Ranch Poolside / Lafayette, LA
2:00pm - 5:00pm
01
Saturday
Fundraiser / Longview, TX
7:00pm - 11:00pm
August 2018
22
Wednesday
Hilliard Art Museum / Lafayette, LA
6:00pm - 8:00pm
July 2018
28
Saturday
Birthday Party / Houma, LA
12:00pm - 3:00pm
04
Wednesday
River Ranch Poolside / Lafayette, LA
2:00pm - 5:00pm
June 2018
30
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
23
Saturday
Peach Festival / Ruston, LA
10:30am - 3:00pm
21
Thursday
Private Party / Lafayette, LA
6:45pm - 8:00pm
15
Friday
Private Party / New Orleans, LA
7:30pm - 9:30pm
13
Wednesday
The Blake / Lafayette, LA
3:15pm - 4:30pm
06
Wednesday
Audubon Zoo / New Orleans, LA
4:30pm - 7:30pm
02
Saturday
Library Performance / Deridder, LA
9:00am - 1:00pm
May 2018
28
Monday
River Ranch Poolside / Lafayette, LA
2:00pm - 5:00pm
27
Sunday
Private Party / Lafayette, LA
7:00pm - 10:00pm
19
Saturday
Pirate Day in the Bay / Bay St. Louis, MS
1:00pm - 4:00pm
05
Saturday
Krewe of Bonaparte / Lafayette, LA
6:30pm - 8:00pm
April 2018
26
Thursday
Cross International / Lafayette, LA
6:00pm - 7:00pm
07
Saturday
Private Party Engagement / Metairie, LA
7:00pm - 10:00pm
March 2018
03
Saturday
Private Party Engagement / Lafayette, LA
7:00pm - 10:00pm
February 2018
24
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
13
Tuesday
Mardi Gras / Lafayette, LA
10:30am - 2:00pm
10
Saturday
Island Cruises / Biloxi, MS
11:00am - 2:00pm
January 2018
27
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
June 2017
01
Thursday
Audubon Zoo / New Orleans, LA
4:30pm - 7:30pm
April 2017
07
Friday
Rehearsal Dinner / New Orleans, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
March 2017
11
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
February 2017
11
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
11
Saturday
The Blake / Lafayette, LA
9:30am - 11:15am
04
Saturday
Mardi Gras Party / Bogalusa, LA
2:00pm - 5:00pm
January 2017
07
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
December 2016
03
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
November 2016
19
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
October 2016
22
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
15
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
12:00pm - 3:00pm
08
Saturday
Yacht Club / Cypermort Pt., LA
6:30pm - 8:30pm
02
Sunday
The Gathering of Artists / Opelousas, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
01
Saturday
The Gathering of Artists / Opelousas, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
September 2016
30
Friday
The Gathering of Artists / Opelousas, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
10
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
09
Friday
Private Party / Metairie, LA
7:30pm - 10:30pm
August 2016
27
Saturday
Private Party / Lafayette, LA
6:30pm - 9:30pm
27
Saturday
Pool Side River Ranch / Lafayette, LA
2:00pm - 4:00pm
20
Saturday
Private Party / Alexandria, LA
5:00pm - 8:00pm
13
Saturday
Private Party / Baton Rouge, LA
7:30pm - 10:30pm
06
Saturday
Private Party / Cypermort Pt, LA
4:00pm - 9:00pm
July 2016
30
Saturday
Private Party / Alexandria, LA
7:00pm - 10:00pm
29
Friday
Private Party / Biloxi, MS
4:00pm - 7:00pm
23
Saturday
Private Party / Combine, TX
7:00pm - 10:00pm
16
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 7:00pm
02
Saturday
River Ranch CC / Lafayette, LA
2:00pm - 5:00pm
June 2016
25
Saturday
Pirate Day / Bay St. Louis, MS
1:00pm - 4:00pm
24
Friday
Nunmaker Yachts / Madisonville, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
18
Saturday
River Ranch CC / Lafayette, LA
2:00pm - 5:00pm
11
Saturday
Wedding Reception / Port O Connor, TX
7:00pm - 8:00pm
09
Thursday
Audubon Zoo / New Orleans, LA
6:00pm - 8:30pm
04
Saturday
Diamond Jacks Casino / Bossier City, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
01
Wednesday
Audubon Zoo / New Orleans, LA
4:30pm - 7:30pm
May 2016
28
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
13
Friday
LPSS Arts Expo / Lafayette, LA
5:45pm - 6:45pm
07
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
April 2016
30
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
09
Saturday
Private Party / New Orleans, LA
6:30pm - 9:30pm
02
Saturday
City Park / New Orleans
7:00pm - 8:00pm
March 2016
12
Saturday
Company Party / New Orleans, LA
6:00pm - 9:00pm
05
Saturday
Engagement Party / Metairie, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
February 2016
27
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
January 2016
23
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
November 2015
21
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
18
Wednesday
Aquarium of the Americas / New Orleans, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
10
Tuesday
Private Party / Beaumont, TX
7:00pm - 8:00pm
September 2015
19
Saturday
Private Party / Lafayette, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
12
Saturday
Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Set list
ISLAND CALYPSO
Anna
Archie
Ask
Cruisin Jamaica
El Caribe
Jamaica Farewell
Light Footin
Lornabarret
Mary Ann
My Lady
Ritmo Suave
Rum and Coca Cola
Sarah
Sunset
Tobago Jam
Yellow Bird
ISLAND LATIN
Bailando La Soca
Brazilian
Cachita
Canadian Sunset
Deserted Island
Fiesta Latina
Guantanamera
Hot Hot Hot
Island Currents
South of the Border
ISLAND POP
Another Day in Paradise
Cantina Band
Come Monday
Evening Walk
Fernando
Fields of Gold
Groovin
I do Adore Her
It’s Five O’clock Somewhere
Just the Two of Us
Margaritaville
My Lady of the Gulf
No Shoes No Shirt No Problem
Put Your Records On
Red Red Wine
Small Embrace
Spanish Eyes
Sunday Morning
Under the Sea
When the Sun Goes Down
Ya Ya
You are my Sunshine
ISLAND REGGAE
I’m Yours
I Shot the Sheriff
Iko Iko
Is This Love
Kingston Town
A Message to You Rudy
Montego Bay
One Love
Pretty Girl
Reggae Blues
Three Little Birds
ISLAND HAWAII
Aloha Oe
Blue Hawaii
The Hukilau
Pearly Shells
Sweet Someone
Tiny Bubbles
War Chant
ISLAND WEDDING
Ave Maria
Bridal Chorus
Canon in D
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Ode to Joy
Panis Angelicus
Salve Regina
Simple Gifts
Tantum Ergo
Trumpet Voluntary
Two Minuets
Wedding March
I'm Yours
Kiss the Girl
Over the Rainbow
What a Wonderful World
Lucky
You and I
ISLAND CHRISTMAS
Good King Wenceslas
Deck the Halls
Happy Christmas
Jingle Bells
Let it Snow
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
White Christmas
Influences and inspiration
Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, Tito Puente, Harry Belafonte, Andy Narell, Spyro Gyra, Sting
Setup requirements
A simple grounded outlet at least 25 feet from performance area
Testimonials
We just want to say "thank you" Ray for providing wonderful music for our surprise birthday party this past Saturday. Your music was enjoyed by all!! The guests had nothing but wonderful compliments about your music and talent. Thanks to you and your music the mood of the party remained upbeat and joyous at all times. Not to mention that you had it all under control and I had one less thing to worry about! Thanks again Ray for driving out to the big state of Texas and sharing your amazing musical talent with us!
– Anna and Bruce Buchanan - Fort Worth, TX
"Perfect"
– All The Details Beach Weddings - Gulf Shores, AL
Ray provided a performance that was precisely what we had discussed. He showed up early to allow plenty of time for setup. He was conscientious and tailored his performance depending upon what was happening at the anniversary event. People who attended are still talking positively about his performance three weeks later. Thanks Ray!
– Shannon Schiro - Franklinton, LA
Ray did a fabulous job from the moment we booked him for the cocktail hour of our daughter's four hour reception. He contacted us immediately to find out what we were looking for and continued to provide us with peace of mind all the way through his performance. Our guests were delighted to be able to talk without having to shout to be heard and at the same time having a true party tone set for the rest of the evening. Other compliments for Ray from our guests were that he was really enjoying making great music. We were thoroughly satisfied with Ray and would definitely recommend him to anyone considering using his talents for their event. Thanks Ray!
– Mary Lou Imbraguglio - New Orleans, LA
Everything was perfect. Ray's Island Sounds helped us pull off a "storybook" beach wedding. He handled a special request the day before the event. We had at least 20 of our guests say this was the best wedding they had ever been to.
– Sam and Shelly Parks - Galveston, TX
Thank you so much for playing at our home for our party. You made the party! Your setup was so professional, and the music was perfect for the occasion. Everyone at the party felt like they were in already in Jamaica! I didn’t have to worry about a thing because I knew you had it covered. The party wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without you there. My husband and I will certainly be calling you in the future for similar occasions! Thank you so much for everything!
– Kristen and Blaine Breaux - New Orleans, LA