Kristian Paradis - Steel Drums

• Kristian Paradis - Steelpan

Kristian Paradis is an active steelpan performer and teacher based in Philadelphia, and was awarded GigMasters.com's "Top Steel Drummer" award in 2007. Mr. Paradis has performed around the United States, Europe, and Asia, including concert appearances with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. He currently teaches steelpan at the University of Delaware, where he leads and arranges music for a 20 member steel drum orchestra, as well as teaching private lessons on steel drum technique.

Kristian performs on steel drums along with pre-recorded professional backing tracks, to give a fully orchestrated sound with only a single performer. He also performs solo classical music for wedding ceremonies or intimate gatherings. His steel drum duo, trio, and quartet are also available for events and venues where a larger group is appropriate, from backyard bashes to Atlantic City casinos.

Please enjoy the video and audio samples on Kristian's GigMasters profile, and do not hesitate to contact him with any questions or requests.

• Bacchanal Lady - David Rudder
• Black Orpheus - Luis Bonfa
• Blue Bossa - Kenny Dorham
• Brown Skin Girl - Harry Belafonte
• Corcovado - Jobim
• Day- O - Harry Belafonte
• Dolly Dawn - Harry Belafonte
• Don't Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
• Down De Road - Andy Narell
• Girl From Ipanema - A.C. Jobim
• Here Comes the Bride - Wagner
• Hot Hot Hot - Arrow/Buster Poindexter
• I Can See Clearly Now - Frampton / Big Mountain
• I Cant Help Falling In Love With You - Elvis / UB40
• I'll Remember April - Frank Sinatra
• In a Sentimental Mood - Duke Ellington
• Island in the Sun - Harry Belafonte
• Jamaica Farewell - Harry Belafonte
• Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
• Kiss The Girl - From the Disney Film "The Little Mermaid"
• Limbo Rock - Chubby Checker
• Margaritville - Jimmy Buffett
• MaryAnne - Harry Belafonte
• Matilda - Harry Belafonte
• Never on Sunday - Traditional Greek
• One For the Road - Baron
• One Love - Bob Marley
• Pan in A Minor - Lord Kitchener
• Parisian Thoroughfare - Bud Powell
• Red Red Wine - Neil Diamond / UB40
• Sarah - Boogsie Sharpe
• Somebody - Baron
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo Ole
• St. Thomas - Sonny Rollins
• Sunset - Boogsie Sharpe
• Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke
• Under the Sea - From the Disney Film "The Little Mermaid"
• Volcano - Jimmy Buffett
• Wave - A.C. Jobim
• Yellowbird - Haitian Traditional

Anniversaries, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, 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, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• Kristian Paradis was awesome!! He came early and beat the traffic - we had customers commenting to the door girl and floor manager about the great entertainment was. Normally, those compliments are resolved only for the exotic dancers, but at our Bikini Party, Kristian's steel drums did much to convert the feel of our Manhattan location into a tropical island. -- Adam W, New York, NY, 7/21/2011
• Kristian Paradis was AWESOME!! We went for a beach theme wedding a week ago and he just added to the excitement of the day! I am still getting calls on how great he was! In fact, people want lessons :) I would recommend Kristian to ANYONE who wants the mood of their wedding to be relaxing and enjoyable for their guests! THANKS FOR HELPING TO MAKE OUR DAY UNFORGETTABLE! ANNMARIE & CHRISTOPHER PETRELLA 8-8-09 -- Annmarie S, Claymont, DE, 8/8/2009
• Everything I read about him from his previous clients was all true. He was professional, kind, sharing, talented and accomodating to his audience of 120 plus people. I, personally, enjoyed my evening with him very much. My outdoor picnic was definitely topped off and excelled by having him here to play his lovely, exciting music. -- Devah B, Bordentown, NJ, 7/11/2009
• May I say that Kristian's performance at a company event was beyond expectations. Kristian delivered his performance and entertained our company employees to the highest expectations. We were pleased of his overall performance, execution with the Steel Pan's and professionalism. Kristian is very likable and we cannot wait to bring him back to our company to give us yet another satisfying event. I would extremely recommend Kristian to a friend and also at any business function, or personal function, because I am CONFIDENT, that you will be satisfied. Enjoy! -- Brandi D, Trevose, PA, 3/26/2009
• Our experience with Kristian was wonderful! He came to our house in the middle of a driving rain storm- for an outside event! Luckily we had set up a covered area for him. He wasn't affected by the weather at all. He set up his equipment and as soon as he started playing, the rain stopped and the sun came out! His music was great and I got so many complements related to how beautiful and relaxing it was. Many thought they were on a tropical island (minus the beach!) I would HIGHLY recommend him for anyone's event. It was a great experience from beginning to end! -- Lee P, Breinigsville, PA, 6/13/2009
• Kristian played during our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. He was talented, professional and an absolute pleasure. The guests raved about him. He played a huge part in making our day special and we would recommend him to anyone. Stephen & Beth Booth -- Beth M, Brigantine, NJ, 4/10/2009
• Great dealing with Kristian -- very professional, likable, great sound and process. I would HIGHLY recomend him to anyone needing a Steel Band performance -- everyone wanted his card at the end of the evening and greatly enjoyed the evening -- I cannot say enough about how good he truly was. -- Bob A, South Plainfield, NJ, 2/27/2009
• Kristian was the keystone ingredient that made our event spectacular. He really knew how to create the best environment for a specific crowd and his talent was clearly superior. Kristian is kind, flexible and fair. -- Taylor R, New York, NY, 4/17/2009
• Kristian was AMAZING!!!! Besides being incredibly talented on his instrument, he was also wonderful with our guests - he played a great mix of music that appealed to my parents and their friends (in their 80s!), my college age kids, and even the young children in the crowd, and he had everybody dancing the whole time... Even before the party, he was an absolute pleasure to work with - He answered all of my questions promptly by e-mail, and even gave me some party throwing advice that really made this the most fun celebration I've ever been a part of. I am already discussing my next party with Kris, and I expect that I'll see him at my friends' parties too! A+++ -- Heather W, Bryn Mawr, PA, 1/24/2009
• He is very easy to work with; very professional and very competent. There were some musicians at the event who were also impressed with his work. Definitely added to the ambiance of the party. I highly recommend him. -- Elva D, Elkins Park, PA, 9/30/2007
• He was awesome! Everyone loved him and wants to book him for their next big party!! Wonderful! -- Trish W, Palmyra, NJ, 9/29/2007
• Kristian made our party an event to remember and I would HIGHLY recommend him. As a matter of fact, several people asked where they could get his contact information so good luck Gigmasters! -- Ricahrd D, Newtown Square, PA, 9/8/2007
• A+++ Contracted Kristian to play an outdoor "Luau" type event with mocktails and a water slide here at Kutztown U for our week of welcome carnival. Would definately hire Kristian again in the future and highly recommend to anyone interested in a very professional excellent sounding steel drum performance. Ron Beitler Programming Coordinator - Association of Campus Events Co-Advisor Kutztown University of PA -- Ron B, Kutztown, PA, 8/27/2007
• Kristian was AWESOME!!! He made our Luau a huge success. I would recommend him to anyone who's looking for steel drum entertainment. Kate -- Kate K, Newtown Square, PA, 7/28/2007
• Kristian was just fantastic, for a one man band, he can do it all. People thought he was amazing, best steel drums they have ever heard. He is also very professional and a pleasure to deal with. We highly recomend him and will use him again in the future! -- Evan L, Long Branch, NJ, 5/25/2007
• Prompt, professional and talented. After I booked, I received a personal confirmation call from Kristian. The performance added a great vibe to our event. Many of those attending commented on how much they enjoyed the music! I would definitely recommend these performers to others who are looking for a tropical music experience. -- Rose T, Lansdale, PA, 5/8/2009
• Kritian was very down to earth and great to work with. He and Joseph were a lot of fun and accommodating to any requests we had. Even had them play some "Ice, Ice Baby" for my sister in law..... The music was awesome and created the perfect Caribbean environment for our party. I would highly recommend them for any event. -- Lyle P, Dewey Beach, DE, 7/26/2009
• The children, parents and staff had a great time! Everyone was thrilled and we would ask for him back again! -- Andrea S, Stanton, NJ, 7/24/2009
• Kristian was a BIG hit at our school assembly with our students and teachers. We enjoyed some island music on a cold winter day! We plan on invited him again in the very near future. -- Cindy D, Wilmington, DE, 2/4/2011
• Kristian was fab-u-lous!!! He blended into the park surroundings like he was made to be there. His music floated on the lake breezes and relaxed us like no other music could do. My guest were very impressed and the party will be the talk of the town for some time to come. Thank you Kristian!! -- Amandalyn M, Langhorne, PA, 8/21/2010
• Kristian played at our wedding cocktail hr on 7/25/10. He was FANTASTIC! We had guests from Trinidad and they really loved his music! We have had numerous compliments since the wedding on his performance. I will definitely recommend Kristian for any event. He was very professional and accomodating. -- Shere B, Bensalem, PA, 7/25/2010
• I could not have been happier with Kristian...He made my 40th birthday one I will remember forever! His music was beautiful-My youngest son has now taken up the steel drum! Thanks for such a great job-Kristian! -- Glynis C, Matawan, NJ, 6/19/2010
• Kristian Paradis is simply fabulous. To be blunt, he was perfect in communications prior to the event, easy to speak with, and took pride and initiative in handling my requests.He confirmed everything on time, and answered emails and phone calls rapidly.He arrived with plenty of time to set up and was covert about handling the element of surprise,as the bride and groom were not told about him. He performed beyond compare and kept the guests at peak.The music was stellar.Everyone is still raving! Thank you Kristian, I can't think ofanything you could have done better. I can't wait until we can hire you again! -- Holly W, Beachwood, NJ, 5/16/2010
• For our daughter’s wedding on Aug 22, 2009 at the Breaker's in Spring Lake, we wanted music during the outdoor cocktail hour. We could not have selected a better musician than Kristian Paradis and his steel drum. Kristian was excellent. The music he played was outstanding, his attire and professional appearance were superb. Our guests were entertained by the soft/island melody Kristian played on his steel drum. We recommend him very highly to anyone looking for a great musical performance. I will most certainly use Kristian again in the future. -- Kari M, Spring Lake, NJ, 8/22/2009
• We booked Kristian for my father's 80th birthday party. He was professional, friendly and an amazing steel drum player. Liked that he responded quickly through email. Great Guy, Great Entertainer! Highly recommend! -- Lynn W, Hatboro, PA, 2/4/2012
• Kristian was a fabulous addition to my husband's 40th birthday celebration. All of my guests commented on how much they loved the live entertainment. He was on time, played requests and even played a polka for my in-laws who got up and danced!!! I would defintely recommend Kristian for your event. -- Joanna B, Horsham, PA, 10/29/2011

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• Kristian Paradis Steel Drum Bands — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania