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SweetPan Entertainment
- Surrey, BC
- Steel Drum Band
- Travels up to 60 miles
- $150 and up
Overview
We specialize in Caribbean rhythms with a variety of songs ranging from new to old classics on the many different sizes of drum & have played for dances, weddings, corporate events, community events & interactive concerts since 1994.
Also, visit us at (link hidden) for videos, photo's and details.
13 Reviews
Douglas and Bernard did a terrific job entertaining at our 30th anniversary. Not only did they help create a fun atmosphere, but they were also kind enough to give a brief lesson in playing the steel drums. Not blessed with a ton of natural musical talent, I was thrilled that with their assistance I played "Oh Canada". We will definitely have SweetPan back again!
Steel Drum Band
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Thank you Joel. You were a great host and it was our pleasure!
Everything was fabulous , hot day on the sand in Kelowna Steele pan band topped it off for a fun carribean beach party
Steel Drum Band
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Thank you Caroline. Glad your beach party was a success!
We recently had Sweetpan at my husband’s 40th birthday party. Douglas was so professional and everyone loved the music! It was so much more than we expected. It was an unforgettable experience! I could not recommend them more!!
Steel Drum Player
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Thank you Mily. It was my pleasure. I am so happy you and your husband enjoyed it on such a special day!
Having Doug and Bernard was a wonderful experience even in the rain! The residents really enjoyed the event and enjoyed the song selection!
We would definitely have them back!
Steel Drum Player
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Thank you Sarah. You hosted a wonderful event. It was our pleasure to perform for you!
2 steel pan drums and 1 conga drum provided a lovely warm atmosphere [ on a very rainy day ] at my mothers interment graveside. playing for arriving guests, breaking for speaker, following with a beautiful rendition of my parents wedding song [which they had to learn! ] and on to more traditional steel drum music on guests departure. talk about uplifting!
booking process was facilitated by Douglas with my many questions and his timely response and guidance.
much gratitude...Laura Oliver
oking process was facilitated by Douglas with my many questions and his timely response and guidance.
Steel Drum Band
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Hi Laura,
Thank you very much for your review. I am so glad to hear that the performance met your expectations and provided a warm tribute to your mom and dad (may God rest their souls) and family. It was a pleasure working with you, appreciating this was a difficult time, and glad that I and the band could be of service.
If you ever need festive entertainment at a future event, please let us know!
Warmest regards,
Douglas
We booked Sweet Pan Entertainment for my Moms 60th Birthday and it was a hit! Everyone enjoyed the music and had a lot of fun. It added so much more to the celebration. Would definitely book them again!
Steel Drum Player
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Hi Nadia,
Thank you so much for your kind review. It was a pleasure performing for you, your mom, family and friends. Also, thank you for introducing me to cannolis. I have a new favorite dessert now!
Douglas got rave reviews from everyone at the party! Everyone was entertained and his music helped create a really fun party atmosphere. Excellent job, endless recommendations! If you want a steel drum player or band to wow your guests, these are the guys to go with.
Thank you Douglas! You did a fantastic job!
Steel Drum Player
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Thank you Arti. Much appreciated. It was a pleasure playing at your birthday event. Everyone was very warm and ready to have fun and dance. I look forward to performing for you again in the future!
Doug and his steel drum was great for my husbands 50th birthday party last night. Everyone raved about the unique touch it added. We put tarps up to protect Doug and his equipment from the rain and it all went off without a hitch! Let me know how I can upload a video from the party..
Andrea
Steel Drum Player
Thank you Doug for the wonderful performance at our wedding!! It set the tone with your beautiful tropical music. Guests told me it made them feel like they were on vacation somewhere and how relaxing it made them feel. So thank you very much for make our day that much more special❤️
Steel Drum Player
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Hi Nicole. Thank you for the kind words. This was one of the most beautifully set weddings I have seen. Kudos on the location. A shout out to Amanda (your wedding organizer) as she was very nice, helpful and on the ball. Congratulations again on your new life together!
Very enjoyable evening. Arrived in plenty of time to set up, played for four hours with barely a break. Great music, enjoyable to all guests (and neighbors!). Would book again in a second. Very smooth process and emails answered promptly.
Steel Drum Player
Doug and team were professional and helped bring a little Trini to the wedding.
Steel Drum Player, Steel Drum Band
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Hi Prageet
Thank you for the nice comm8. It was a pleasure to play at your wedding event. It was a beautiful location and wonderful day. I hope the bride was as pleasantly surprised!
Best regards,
Douglas
SweetPan is five star entertainment. Five star for music. Five star for mood setting. Five star for ease of working with.
Thank you SweetPan for making out tiki party a huge success.
Suzette
Steel Drum Band
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Thank you Suzette. It was wonderful playing at your Tiki party. I must say your party was tops in decoration and entertainment and without question one of the best I have ever seen. Event organization is most certainly your forte and I will recommend you to any of our clients. Look forward to play at any of your future events!
Douglas Gubbe
SweetPan
Doug was so great with our seniors. Most of our residents had never seen or heard a steel drum before and he was so informative and even let them try it.
Doug was professional and very friendly!
We look forward to having SweetPan Entertainment back!
Steel Drum Player, Steel Drum Band
Response from SweetPan Entertainment:
Thank you Rebekah. It was my pleasure. You were an excellent host and certainly have a great group of people at your centre. It was a pleasure playing for you all. Hope to perform for a future 'tropical' event for you!
Booking Info
Price Range: $150 and up
Gig Length: 60 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
What to Expect
The musical group SweetPan is all about Canadians playing the steel drum, 'pan', the only acoustic musical invention of the 20th century, & clearly a major Caribbean contribution to world culture. We specialize in Caribbean rhythms and popular favourites on the many different sizes of drum & have played for dances, weddings, corporate events, community events & interactive concerts since 1994. Our leader & arranger, Bernard Fernandes, draws on his vast repertoire & experience of the Caribbean to lend both an innovative & authentic touch! Steel drum workshops are also available.
About
Bernard Fernandes, Band Leader, Cello Pan, Singer, Composer
Originator of the bands 'SweetPan Entertainment' and 'Carib X Press', he also performs as a solo artist on steel drums, piano, vocals, & guitar. He has arranged for and/or led La Tropical, Karib Brass, Cinnamon, Fernandes & Co, Sweet Pan & Panarimba. With Fernandes & Co, an instrumental & vocal group featuring Caribbean, Latin & North American music, Bernard released a CD of all original music in 1994. For three years, prior to the closing of the Music Gallery he was Music Entertainer at Science World, BC. Finishing his music degree in 1992, he makes his living teaching, making & composing music, & should you realize you want to learn to play the steel drum, today is your lucky day.
Doug Gubbe, Tenor Pan,
Starting playing steel pan in June 2000, Doug took a special interest in steel pan after visiting Trinidad & Tobago. He believes that music is candy for the soul . . . and boy does he have a sweet tooth! Joining SweetPan provided the perfect fit!
Additional Booking Notes
1. The organizer is responsible to provide 120VAC power at desired location (for equipment)
2. If outdoors, the organizer is responsible to provide a dry location and cover suitable to protect the players and equipment from rain or hot sun (shaded area ok if it is sunny)
3. The remaining portion of payment is due upon completion of engagement
4. Down payment is non-refundable
5. Gratuities always appreciated
Services Offered
Upcoming Booked Events
| June 05, 2022 • 4:30pm - 7:00pm | Anniversary Party |
Past Booked Events
| August 24, 2021 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Anniversary Party |
| August 13, 2021 • 12:30pm - 8:30pm | Personal Occasion |
| July 01, 2020 • 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Dinner Party |
| June 30, 2020 • 7:00pm - 7:15pm | Birthday Party |
| January 27, 2020 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Camp Event |
| September 16, 2019 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| July 27, 2019 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| June 30, 2019 • 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Birthday Party |
| June 02, 2019 • 3:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday Party |
| December 04, 2018 • 8:00pm - 8:30pm | Christmas Party |
| September 08, 2018 • 8:00pm - 9:30pm | Birthday Party |
| August 24, 2018 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 18, 2018 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Birthday Party |
| August 18, 2018 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday Party |
| July 20, 2018 • 1:00pm - 1:45pm | Corporate Event |
| June 15, 2018 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| September 09, 2017 • 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday (Teen) |
| August 18, 2017 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Cultural Event |
| March 09, 2017 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Dinner Party |
| August 12, 2016 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| July 09, 2016 • 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
| April 30, 2016 • 8:30pm - 10:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
| August 03, 2015 | Birthday (Adult) |
Team
| Bernard Fernandes | Band Leader, Cello Pan, Singer, Composer |
| Douglas Gubbe | Tenor Pan |
Setup Requirements
The organizer is responsible to provide 120VAC power at desired location (for equipment)
If outdoors, the organizer is responsible to provide a dry location and cover suitable to protect the players and equipment from rain or hot sun (shaded area ok if it is sunny)
The entertainer will provide audio equipment, backing tracks, mics and speakers required for performing.