Mike Riggert-Harris 'The Sound Of Steel'

MIKE RIGGERT-HARRIS presents all the various styles of Caribbean music as a masterful performer on the lead steel pan. Also called the tenor pan, Mike uses the unique instrument to entertain his audiences with the HAPPIEST MUSIC ON EARTH. These musical styles include Calypso, Soca, Reggae, and Tropical Jazz. Mike's repertoire includes traditional Caribbean favorites, popular music from Trinidad, jazz set in tropical styles, and popular American tunes arranged in Caribbean musical styles, just like one would hear them in the islands. Based in metro Phoenix, Arizona, Mike has over 25 years experience in the field of Caribbean music. He currently performs as a pan soloist with backing tracks to provide a full-band sound with minimum staging requirements. Mike is available for any size event, party, or social gathering, and is small enough to fit those intimate settings where a full-size band might be inappropriate or too costly. Whether it's just drinks by the pool, a gathering of friends, a reception, corporate event, or a full-scale no-holds-barred celebration, Mike Riggert-Harris has the musical entertainment for you!

Mike has been playing steel pan and studying Caribbean music for over 25 years. He is a classically trained musician, having earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in Music Performance, with extensive studies in the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Mike began playing steel pan in Wichita, Kansas as a leader of one of the first U.S. university steel band programs. He has associated with many of the top names in the steel pan industry, having studied briefly with Andy Narell, corresponded with Ellie Mannette (who is one of the inventors of the steel drum), and Dr. Charles Countee, the president of the West Coast region for Pan Trinbago, the leading authority for the development and protection of the steel pan culture

Pursuing a solo career in addition to providing the steel pan sound for the Phoenix-based band The Caribbean Cruisers, Mike also performs with Capt'n Henry and the RumRunners and performs on keyboards with the country band "350z". Mike has performed with several of the Caribbean's leading musical artists, including Crazy,the calypsonian from Trinidad & Tobago, who is among the top performers of Calypso and Soca music. Mike plays the steel pan on Crazy's 2006 CD, "De Maddest", which features the song "Doctor's Advice",and plays keyboards on Crazy's latest album "Crazylicious", released in March of 2009. Mike has performed at many Phoenix resorts including the Chapparal Suites, the Wyndham Buttes, the Arizona Biltmore, The Scottsdale Hilton, The Phoenician, the Pointe Hilton Resorts, the Scottsdale Princess, the J.W. Marriot at Desert Ridge, The Wig Wam, and the Hyatt Regency and Doubletree resorts. Mike has also performed multiple times for cultural and charity events such as the Phoenix Zoofari, Tempe Festival of the Arts, Scottsdale Art Walks, American Cancer Society events, Fountain Hills Arts Festivals, and many other venues throughout Arizona and Nevada.

Recording credits include: Crazylicious, Crazy, 2009; The Maddest, Crazy, Hometown Music HTM728.2 CD, 2006; Maiden Voyage, Caribbean Cruisers, 2002.; Finding Peaches in the Desert, Pamela Uschuk and Chameleon, WingsPress, 2001

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, Halloween Parties, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• Mike Riggert-Harris "The Sound of Steel" was a HUGE success at our daughter's suprise 16th birthday. I highly recommend him for any event that you might have. I have received so many compliments from all of our guests. Diana -- Diana M, Litchfield Park, AZ, 10/22/2011
• This is our second booking with Mike. As before he was professional, accommodating, gracious and our guests loved the music. We had children at this event and Mike was kind enough to allow the childrne to try out the steel drums. As before, I would recommend Mike Riggert-Harris for your party. It made our event special and festive. -- Mary S, Scottsdale, AZ, 4/18/2010
• Mike was on time, professional and VERY experienced. I would recommend him to anyone having a special event. -- Natalie V, Paradise Valley, AZ, 2/6/2010
• Mike was very professional and accommodating with preparations for this event. The night of the event, he arrived with sufficient time for set up and started right on time. We really enjoyed his music -- it was exactly what I was looking for, and I would definitely book him for another event and recommend him to my friends. -- Melissa Y, Glendale, AZ, 12/11/2009
• Thank-you, Mike and band...you were absolutely WONDERFUL for our Tropical Fiesta! Our only regret is that we didn't have you play longer... Thanks again, Inge, Devon and Trevor -- Devon R, Mesa, AZ, 10/24/2009
• Mike Riggert-Harris and his band performed at a graduation party at our home. He and his group provided terrific sound and voccals! Our guest wanted their information for future use. I highy recommend Sounds of Steel and will hire them again. 100% satisfaction. -- Mary S, Scottsdale, AZ, 5/20/2009
• Michael was awesome..so nice and down to earth and what a performance. We will use him again and recommend him to others. -- Renee D, Tucson, AZ, 11/14/2009
• Mike was really talented and we enjoyed having him play for our pool party. He gave the occasion a real tropical feel. I would recommend him highly. Roberta Laird Event & Activities Coordinator Sun Lakes Country Club -- Roberta L, Sun Lakes, AZ, 8/8/2009
• Mike was easy going and professional. He provided perfect background music for our engagement party. Would highly recommend him. -- Beth C, Phoenix, AZ, 11/7/2009

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