Island Hoppin' Steel Drum Band

Audio and Video Samples

Photos

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Upcoming Appearances

Past Appearances

  • Saturday, April 21, 2012
  • 4:30PM - Wedding Cocktail Hour
  • Mission Viejo, CA
  • Saturday, August 20, 2011
  • 6:00PM - Wedding Cocktail Hour
  • Camarillo, CA
  • Saturday, July 09, 2011
  • 2:00PM - Baby Shower
  • Glendale, CA
  • Saturday, June 18, 2011
  • 3:30PM - Birthday Party (Children)
  • Fontana, CA
  • Saturday, June 11, 2011
  • 5:00PM - Picnic
  • Santa Clarita, CA
  • Saturday, April 16, 2011
  • 2:00PM - Birthday Party (Children)
  • Lakewood, CA
  • Saturday, February 05, 2011
  • 2:00PM - Baby Shower
  • Pacific Beach, CA
  • Sunday, November 14, 2010
  • 2:30PM - Birthday Party (Adults)
  • Huntington Beach, CA
  • Saturday, September 25, 2010
  • 6:00PM - Birthday Party (Adults)
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Friday, September 24, 2010
  • 6:30PM - Dinner Dance
  • Newport Beach, CA
Click here for more past appearances= Booked through GigMasters
Location:
Los Angeles, California
Travel Radius:
Will travel up to 500 miles from Los Angeles.
Pay Range:
$150-$1500 per event
Member Since:
2007
Primary Category:
Steel Drum Band
Additional Categories:
Beach Band, Beach Music Steel Drum Band, Calypso Band, Calypso Steel Drum Band, Caribbean Band, Caribbean Steel Drum Band, Cuban Band, Dance Band, Latin Band, Soca Band, Wedding Band, World Music Band
Influences:
Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, Ray Holman, Steel Pulse, UB40, 'Boogsie' Sharpe, David Rudder, Ken 'Professor' Philmore, Jobim, Stevie Wonder, Lord Kitchener, Robert Greenidge, Sparrow, Police, Harry Belafonte, and Traditional Music of Trinidad and the Caribbe

Group Members

  • Dave Gerhart - Tenor & Double Seconds
  • Cynthia Perez - Triple Guitar
  • John Rush - Drum Set
  • Axel Clarke - Double Tenor
  • Sam Montooth - Electric Bass

Description

Island Hoppin is an authentic steel drum band. Trained and accompanied by some of the most respected pan players in the world, our expansive musical repertoire covers selections fitting any mood or occasion, including holidays (such as a Caribbean style Christmas). Since the band's inception in 1993, Island Hoppin has taken Southern California by storm, playing at countless shows, concerts, parties, theme parks, weddings, corporate events, clubs, openings, receptions and festivals all over the Southland. Our rates are very affordable. Due to the band's unique ensemble, Island Hoppin can configure a show to multiple sizes,each with the client's budget in mind. Island Hoppin is electrifying events everywhere and is the perfect choice for your next celebration! Contact Island Hoppin today to bring the beautiful sounds of the Caribbean to your next gathering.

Island Hoppin is an authentic five-piece steel drum band comprised of three steel drummers, a bass guitarists and a drum set player. The band's unique repertoire consists of rhythmic reggae, hot soca, enchanting calypso, as well as favorite holiday and pop tunes. Island Hoppin tailors each musical experience to meet every client's specific needs, from song selection to band customization.

Song List

  • •••Traditional and Island Hits (Calypso & Soca)•••
  • Brown Skin Gal - Harry Belafonte
  • Island in the Sun - Harry Belafonte
  • Jamaican Farewell - Harry Belafonte
  • Mama Look a Boo Boo - Harry Belafonte
  • Land of Sea and Sun - Traditional
  • Linstead Market - Traditional
  • Everybody Loves a Saturday Night - Traditional
  • Hot, Hot, Hot - Buster Poindexter
  • Rum and Coca-Cola - Traditional
  • Sly Mongoose - Traditional
  • Bacchanal Lady - David Rudder
  • Johannesburg Woman - David Rudder
  • Jouvert Music - David Rudder
  • Pan in Harmony - “Mighty Sparrow”
  • Guitar Pan - “Lord Kitchener”
  • Mystery Band - “Lord Kitchener"
  • Sugar Bum Bum - “Lord Kitchener”
  • •••Reggae Tunes•••
  • Could You Be Love - Bob Marley
  • Exodus - Bob Marley
  • No Woman No Cry - Bob Marley
  • One Love - Bob Marley
  • •••Cover Tunes•••
  • Come Monday - Jimmy Buffett
  • Fins - Jimmy Buffett
  • Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett
  • Red - Red Wine
  • The Way You Do The Things You Do - UB40
  • Kiss the Girl - The Little Mermaid
  • Under The Sea - The Little Mermaid
  • Always on my Mind - Willie Nelson
  • Better Together - Jack Johnson
  • Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
  • Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis
  • Don’t Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFarrin
  • Kokomo - Beach Boys
  • Lion Sleeps Tonight - Solomon Linda
  • Smooth - Carlos Santana
  • Sweat (La La La La Song) - Inner Circle
  • Walking on the Moon - The Police
  • •••Jazz Standards•••
  • Autumn Leaves - Johnny Mercer
  • Besume Mucho - Consuelo Velasquez
  • Black Orpheus - Louis Bonfi
  • Blue Bossa - Kenny Dorham
  • Girl from Ipanema - Jobim
  • St. Thomas - Sonny Rollins
  • Yumbambe - Cuban
  • •••Wedding Music (Classical Music)•••
  • Here Come’s the Bride - Wagner
  • Canon in D - Pachelbel
  • Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
  • •••Additional Selections Available Upon Request•••

Available For:

Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Halloween Parties, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, School Assemblies, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

Feedback

  • Fantastic!!! -- Angelique C, Los Angeles, CA, 8/3/2008
  • Dave Gerhart and Island Hoppin' Steel Drum Band were more than fantastic to work with and to have play during our cocktail hour of our wedding reception. Dave even learned a favorite song of mine and sent me a clip of it being performed ahead of time for my approval! Then he made sure to play it only after we had arrived at the cocktail hour. Also, our guests commented how great they were and how perfect the volume of their music was, so they could hear the songs, without having to shout to talk to people. I highly recommend Island Hoppin' Steel Drum Band. They are professional, accomodating, very responsive and the music was absolutely perfect!! -- Marissa A, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, 7/31/2010
  • Being a Caterer and Event Planner, we have hired and worked with many bands over the years. We hired Island Hoppin' Steel Drum Band for an Anniversary/Promotional Event for 300 people here at our facility in Newport Beach. Communication was excellent, the whole process was effortless, and Dave and Axel were awesome! They were prompt, played exactly what we asked them to play, and the crowd LOVED them. I will certainly use them whenever Steel Drum is appropriate and am grateful to them for helping us make our event a raging success! I feel confident recommending Island Hoppin' Steel Drum Band to anyone! -- Teri S, Newport Beach, CA, 6/11/2010
  • Just had my husband's 40th birthday party & Dave did a GREAT job; we were very pleased with the music and professionalism. Showed up on time, was happy to play for an extra 1/2 hour. Everyone had a great time. He even moved his setup and played Happy Birthday in my kitchen...it was the hightlite of the night. Can't wait to come up with an excuse to have another party so we can hire him again! -- Joe G, Simi Valley, CA, 9/18/2010
  • Island hoppin' made our wedding blessing amazing! -- Courtney J, Dana Point, CA, 9/5/2009
  • I am incredibly satisfied with island hoppin steel drum band. Dave was the drummer who came to our event and he was fantastic. He wad wonderful communication with me though out the planning process and he was incredibly accommodating. I could not have asked for a better experience and I cant wait to have another party so we can use island hoppin steel drums! They had people up and dancing to the music during the cocktail hour before the reception even started! It was wonderful!!! -- Laura H, Downey, CA, 9/11/2010
  • Dave played a solo performance for our beach wedding. He was great and all of the guest commented on how much they loved the music. He was very professional and very accomodating. We needed a mic and speaker for our officiate and he was able to rent it to us. He also learned our special request first dance song, Jack Johnson's Better Together. We'd book him again in a second and highly recommend him. -- Leslie F, Long Beach, CA, 9/6/2009
  • Dave was so easy to work with. I contacted him at the last minute and he worked around his schedule to find a time to talk to me about the event. He was very punctual, very profession and sounded great. Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed his music. When the schedule changed without hesitation he came to me and asked if I wanted him to stay longer to accommodate the new schedule as he saw I had other things I was trying to coordinate. I highly recommend Dave and will use for any of my steel drum needs. -- Tanya S, Newport Beach, CA, 9/24/2010
  • Prompt, professional, friendly, everything I wanted. -- Judy C, Newport Beach, CA, 8/22/2008
  • Island Hoppin Steel Drum band deserves the highest marks for satisfaction. I received a bid right away with details that allowed me to make a quick decision in planning my party. Dave was highly professional with respect to communication, promptness, and details. The band arrived on time and played music that far exceeded our expectations. Dave is talented, professional, and very flexible. Every single guest complimented his music as well as his ability to assess the crowd of guests and accommodate other party activities. I would recommend Island Hoppin for any occasion and would have him back at our party in a second!!!! -- Julia S, Thousand Oaks, CA, 8/22/2009
  • There is only really one word to describe Island Hoppin' Steel Drum Band. AWESOME!!! AWESOME!! AWESOME!!! AWESOME!!! -- Shannon B, Anaheim Hills, CA, 8/2/2008
  • Dave and his group, Island Hopping were terrific. They played for my mom's 80th birthday party at the Newport Beach Yacht Club and EVERYONE loved them. Dave knew just what music to play and at what volume to play at throughout the night. I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for fun and lively music for any occasion. Sherri Mignatti -- Sherri M, Newport Beach, CA, 9/25/2010
  • Dave Gerhart and Island Hoppin' Steel Drum Band we're great. Professional and very accommodating. We had a Tropical Paradise themed party and they came in and really helped set the mood. I would use them again in a heart beat. Highly recommended! -- Todd M, Woodland Hills, CA, 6/19/2010
  • The music was played so well many of our guests thought it was a soundtrack at first. Dave and Cynthia's drum duo was WONDERFUL! Aside from the excellent music which really set the mood for our employees, the Island Hoppin' Band is made of extremely nice, accommodating people. Dave did a great job of taking care of the arrangements beforehand, which made me feel comfortable that the event would go well. When last minute panic set in the day of the event, Cynthia actually pitched in on-site to help me out of the goodness of her heart. We would highly recommend this band and would be thrilled to use them again. -- Erin M, Brea, CA, 6/11/2009
  • We asked Dave to provide the music for our son's wedding rehearsal dinner in San Diego. He was a delight to deal with in advance of the performance, he was there on time and stayed a bit late, and we couldn't have been happier with the performance. Many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed the music, which added just the right island touch to the festivities. I would give Dave the highest possible recommendation! -- Lloyd L, San Diego, CA, 9/11/2009
  • I was very satisfied with Island Hoppin' Steel Drum Band. Dave was very accomodating and really came through in a pinch since I only booked 2 days before my event. I received great feedback from our guests, who all enjoyed the music. We will definitely keep Dave and Island Hoppin' in mind for our next party!! -- Luva R, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 5/23/2009
  • I could not have made a better decision that to go with Island Hoppin' Steel Drum Band. Dave and his bandmate (sorry, I forgot her name :/) were on time, professional, responsive, and had a great attitude. They were easy to work with and most importantly, they were on time and prepared, which was crucial since this was a surprise party. They were able to set up largely independently and were ready to go when it was time for the surprise. The music was upbeat and happy, yet relaxing and not overwhelming. My guests all asked where I found him! I couldn't recommend Dave and his band more: you won't be disappointed! -- Cristina C, Laguna Hills, CA, 4/18/2009
  • Sooo great. Sounded like more than 1 drum. Everyone really enjoyed the music. Friends already want to hire him for an event. Very professional. Great communication prior to event. I am looking forward to hearing him again. -- Margurite L, Riverside, CA, 6/12/2010
  • Dave was so easy to work with. He was very accommodating, given our challenging event location. Great music was the one thing I did not have to worry about because Dave was on top of everything. Thank you! -- Grace Y, Los Angeles, CA, 1/29/2009
  • FANTASTIC! He was on time, set up was quick, music was great. I am completely satisfied. I had many completments on the music from our guests. -- Jennifer R, San Pedro, CA, 8/17/2008
  • Dave was great! Everyone at the party was raving about him and are interested in booking him for thier future events. He really set the mood for the party and would definitely recommend him to anyone. -- Aimee F, Tustin, CA, 8/30/2008
  • We could not have made a better choice for our entertainment needs. From the detailed communication, to the timely arrival, to the performance itself Island Hoppers did an exceptional job. -- Peter W, Laguna Beach, CA, 7/26/2008
  • Island Hoppin' steel drum band was great! Dave was professional, talented, and friendly. Everyone at the party was talking about the great ambiance the music provided- in fact I had friends asking me for his number for their parties. It was a great experience and Dave made it run so smoothly. I would definately recommend him to anyone looking for fun entertainment for their parties. -- Shannon R, North Tustin, CA, 6/14/2008
  • Dave was an excellent performer! Everyone loved listening to him play, and he even gave a few lessons to our guests. He was very professional and accommodating. Thank you! -- Kim J, Newport Beach, CA, 6/7/2008
  • We thought they were great, they set the mood of the party! The made our company Christmas party fun and relaxing and tropical, everyone loved them. -- Laura G, Orange, CA, 12/11/2007
  • Dave sounded great! Our biggest problem - we didn't get to hear enough of him because we were busy with pictures. It's hard to explain... but having steel drums during the wedding ceremony really added a special element and I'm very glad we found Dave to play for us. There really is no substitute for steel drums at a beach wedding. And the cocktail hour was fantastic as people mingled and caught up... all with the soothing sounds of the steel drum. Lastly, Dave was a nice guy, very responsive to our questions as we planned the event, and very professional at the event. THANKS!!! -- Trevor D, Los Angeles, CA, 9/23/2007
  • I thought that the music was a terrific addition to our boat party. It added a fun tropical flair but was not too loud that you couldn't converse with the people standing near you. Highly recommend. -- Erin H, San Diego, CA, 9/6/2007
  • Dave was very professional and easy to work with. His smooth island sounds made our party a hit. Also, his prices are very reasonable. I would recommend him to anyone -- Shawna M, Pasadena, CA, 7/7/2007
  • Excellent job. Easy to work with and very professional. Would definitely hire them again. -- Brad R, Newport Beach, CA, 8/15/2009
  • Dave was great - he was extremely easy to work with, showed up early, stayed late and made our Dog Birthday Party a total hit! We are still getting people calling saying how much they enjoyed his music. I would highly recommend him for any event and plan to hire him again in the future. -- Rebecca S, Long Beach, CA, 8/1/2009
  • Great guy and awesome entertainment -- Megan J, Costa Mesa, CA, 7/18/2009
  • excellent! -- Craig H, Yorba Linda, CA, 6/13/2009
  • They were great to have at our party; Nice and professional. All my guest really enjoyed the music and its quality. It was also helpful how they kept contact with me prior to the events for details and/or request needed. -- Brandon E, La Habra, CA, 7/11/2009
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