Michael Gabriel Steel Drums for all occasions

Barnstable, MA

Contact for rates

Travels up to 200 miles

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Overview

I am a steel pan player, vocalist and educator, .
I began playing pans at age 7, and by age 13, was touring the world with some of Trinidad and Tobago’s top steel pan bands. I performed at Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, The White House, and The United States Capital Building. As an educator in partnership with Berklee College of Music I taught at the City Music Program in Boston. I also honed my talents as a vocalist and have shared the stage with legendary artists Burning Spear, Beres Hammond, Jimmy Cliff and many others. I perform as a steel drum soloist or with a band at weddings, corporate functions, and private events..


Reviews

8 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Victoria S.

Victoria S.

May 19, 2026
Verified review

Michael's performance was incredibly uplifting

We booked Michael to perform at an island-themed garden party at our skilled nursing facility. Even though the weather did not cooperate and we were indoors, Michael's performance transformed the space and brought joy and island vibes to our community. It was incredibly uplifting to see our residents and staff dancing and celebrating together.

Hired as: Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Mike T.

Mike T.

July 28, 2024
Verified review

We had Michael play our wedding event!

Michael was incredible! I would highly recommend him. He extremely talented and a great person too!!

Hired as: Steel Drum Player


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Elizabeth K.

Elizabeth K.

August 8, 2023
Verified review

Michael is great!

Michael was perfect for my company outing. He was friendly, professional, and provided great atmosphere with his music!

Hired as: Steel Drum Player

Small thumbnail image for Michael Gabriel Steel Drums for all occasions

Michael Gabriel Steel Drums for all occasions

Thank you Elizabeth.
It was a pleasure playing for you all.
Bless
MG


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Mel G.

Mel G.

October 13, 2019
Verified review

Amazing!

Michael is a wonderfully talented musician! Super professional and easy to work with. He and his band performed at my wedding and it was incredible!

Our guests were honestly blown away!

Hired as: Caribbean/Island Music, Reggae Band, Steel Drum Player, Wedding Band


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Marissa V.

Marissa V.

July 1, 2019
Verified review

Everyone loved it!

Perfect addition to the opening of our new office. Michael was great and we were sad when he left as the music was so good. It was hard to get back to work.

Hired as: Steel Drum Player

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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Languages: English

Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes

What to expect

With over 40 years of experience I sing and play many genres of music
(Calypso, Reggae, Funk, Jazz, Blues, Latin, Classical and more).
I can perform as a solo act or with a band for background music, concert or dance.

About

Michael Gabriel is a steel pan player, educator, arranger, builder, and tuner. He began playing pans young, and by age 13, was touring the world with some of Trinidad's best steel pan bands. As a soloist with the stage side bands of Cassablanca Steel Orchestra and Phase II Pan Groove, Michael performed at Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, The White House, and The United States Capital Building. As a student of all things steel pan, Michael also learned to craft and tune pans in Trinidad.

He moved to the United States in 1987, and after a few years in New York City, Michael settled on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There, he honed his talents as a vocalist, leading reggae/funk/calypso bands Ambakyala, Jamm Down, Shango Axe, and The Dunebilly Allstars. With these groups, he has shared the stage with legendary artists Burning Spear, Beres Hammond, Jimmy Cliff, and others. In addition, Michael performs as a steel drum soloist at weddings, corporate functions, and private events across throughout New England. He is an educator in partnership with Berklee College of Music at the City Music Program in Boston.

Michael travels home to Trinidad each winter for Panorama, where he plays lead with seven time champion Phase II Pan Groove. In 2016, he was also the composer and arranger for Casablanca Steel Orchestra.

Upcoming booked events

July 2026

11

Saturday

Birthday Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Eastham, MA

Past booked events

May 2026

11

Monday

Nonprofit Event

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Dorchester Center, MA

July 2024

27

Saturday

Wedding Reception

4:30pm - 6:00pm

Burlington, MA

August 2023

26

Saturday

House Party

3:30pm - 7:30pm

Littleton, MA

03

Thursday

Corporate Event

11:00am - 1:30pm

Lincoln, MA

July 2023

13

Thursday

Retirement Community Event

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Hopkinton, MA

07

Friday

Wedding Reception

4:30pm - 6:00pm

Salem, OR

December 2020

05

Saturday

Birthday Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Stinson Beach, CA

July 2020

05

Sunday

Corporate Event

12:00pm - 3:00pm

Windsor, CA

October 2019

12

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Sonoma, CA

12

Saturday

Wedding Cocktail Hour

4:30pm - 7:30pm

Sonoma, CA

July 2019

20

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Berkeley, CA

07

Sunday

Restaurant/Bar Event

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Windsor, CA

June 2019

27

Thursday

Corporate Event

10:00am - 12:00pm

Mountain View, CA

15

Saturday

Dinner Party

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Philo, CA

08

Saturday

House Party

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Ross, CA

August 2018

25

Saturday

Children's Birthday Party

3:30pm - 5:30pm

Clayton, CA

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