Island Boys Steelpan Calypso Band

• CRuz, Willy ( Bandleader) - Steeldrums,Lead Vocals
• JOe D'Ambrosi - Keyboards
• Tony " Pra" Trebuse - Steelpan Arranger
• Mafu - Steeldrums
• Emi Yabuno - Keyboards
• Shareef Clayton - Horns, Steeldrum
• Azouhouni Adou - Keys & Synths
• Chris Conly - Guitar
• Malagasy David (Ra Ra ) - Bass

IslandBoys Steelpan Calypso Band has is one of the Nations # 1 working Bands: NYC & The Hamptons in the Summer, Miami and the Keys in the Winter. This past summer Islandboys performed alongside Toots and the Maytals for an inaugural Fundraiser for Sloan Kettering in NYC. The Band has also appeared on Fox & Friends on location in St Petersburg, Fl. Willy Cruz ( Lead Steeldrummer/Bandleader) has conceptualized a new approach to music. Much like Miles Davis, Mr Cruz is an innovator not a duplicator.In essence the sounds you hear are Original expressions , not the same old tired songs." I want people to hear something thats Fresh" adds Mr Cruz. In addition to his New Group Big Dub Style Sound, he has added what he calls " Going Native" package which is an All Steel group . He add " Its's an ideal group arrangement of all Steeldrummers , raw , the way it was meant to be, For those who Love Steeldrums ( Pan) this is the way to go. " My Band does travel outside NYC and MIami area. We have been in the UK, Japan, SE Asia, Italy, Spain to name a few..so going to NJ, or PA is not a problem. or Key West, Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beaches is an easy drive up or down the Peninsula. Mr Cruz notes " We have performed/entertained for large Corporate groups ( ie..Kelloggs Cereal Convention in Miami) to smaller more intimate events such as clambakes on the Beach to Cocktail Hours". You can also tune into Mr Cruzs' Music now on iTunes and Sirius Satellite radio. ( incase you cant get enough at your party!!. Mr Cruz is also the guys who books his own band ( the guy on the phone), so you are dealing with a real musician who is passionate and dedicated to his art form , not a booking agent booking a band for fee. Mr CRuz says " I love to speak with my clients personally so they know " Ok Im talking to a real Live Musician! ", and trust in your knowledge and experience in making their event musically special and unique.

Islandboys Steelpan Calypso Band is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are Fully Licensed and insured to perform at any site requiring Liability Insurance. Special Discount rates apply during our Off-Season ( November thru March) Not for Profit Agencies please inquire how you can have the Islandboys appear Live for Free at your Next Benefit ( Applies to Metro NYC area)

• Jamaica Farewell - Belafonte
• Gimme Da Ting - Kitchener
• Jump in the Line - Belafonte ( Somvel-author)
• The Hammer - Kitchener
• Day O ( Banana Boat Song) - Belafonte
• Stir it Up - Marley
• One Love - Marley
• Buffalo Soldier - Marley
• I Shot the Sheriff - Marley
• Jammin - Marley
• Bad Boys - Inner Circle
• Dollar Wine - The Arrows (Soca)
• Tiny Winey - Soca
• Sugar Boom Boom - Kitchener ( Soca)
• Mr. Walker - Mighty Sparrow
• Walking on The Moon - Police
• Sweat ( A la, la, la song) - Inner Circle
• Kokomo - Beach Boys
• Now that we Found Love - Third World
• Electric Avenue - Eddy Grant
• Rat in the Kitchen - UB 40
• Teaser - Sparrow: style- Soca
• Workey-Workey - Various/Soca
• Me Gustas Tu & Tijuana - Manu Chao
• Montego Bay - Various
• She Body in Control - Krosfyah
• Volcano - Jimmy Buffet
• Island Fever - Jimmy Buffet
• Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet
• Call me Al - Paul Simon
• Diamonds on the Soles - Paul Simon
• Rhythm of the Saints - Paul Simon
• Born at the Right Time - Paul Simon
• Me & Julio - Paul Simon
• YellowBird - Trad.
• Sun is Shining - Finley Quaye
• Love Gets Sweeter - Finley Quaye
• Smooth Operator - Sade
• Fire in Me Wire - Soca (trad)
• Mary Ann - Trad Calypso

Anniversaries, Apres Ski Parties, Awards Nights, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Casinos, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Cruise Ships, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fraternity Functions, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Jingles, Movie Soundtracks, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Showers, Sorority Function, Studio Session, Temples, TV Soundtracks, Weddings

• They were really GREAT! Our event was outside and the weather was TERRIBLE! They really accommodated us given the circumstances. They were professional and really just nice guys. I would definitely recommend them for any event that we have in the future! -- Debbie D, Westport, CT, 10/18/2009
• If you've ever experienced booking a band and having a "no show", I feel your pain! Booking through GigMasters re-assured me. This band was extremely professional. They were prompt (actually early to arrive which put my mind at ease), courteous (Spots and his musicians were real gentlemen), and very talented. They knew all the tunes I requested them to play and many more and they did so effortlessly and with a certain panache. I would highly recommend them. Rob -- Robert Q, Shoreham, NY, 8/8/2009
• The band was great - I can only imagine how they'd sound with an event that requires a full ensemble........ Kudos +++++ great guys to work with -- Gina H, Phila, PA, 9/2/2009
• Willy Cruz and his fellow musicians were one of the most high caliber , talented groups that our venue, (the Norwalk yacht Club) has ever hired.. They were outstanding, and their blend of Island Calypso and instrumentation -totally professional, with an amazing vibe, that had everyone buzzing.... We booked a five piece, which was perfectly blended/mixed.-without being overwhelming tVery classy sound!. two horn players, a keyboard player, bass player and Willy on Pans.Our theme was Calypso Evening, and having a band that truly walks the walk/very calypso, south american, some of our guests sat in on DjembeIT was evident that they totally enjoyed our guests. Kudos! -- Terry H, Norwalk, CT, 6/16/2008
• They were great we would use them again next year. Thanks Willie you helped create a good time. -- Pat D, Kings Park, NY, 8/10/2009
• Great Band! Set the mood for our Luau perfectly! The sound control was great too, not too loud, not too quiet! Would greatly recommend the Island Boys to anyone, and will book them again! -- Penny C, Mamaroneck, NY, 8/22/2009
• Not only were they professional, they completed our party! They had an amazing sound and they were enjoyed by all of our guests. (We had a wide range of ages attend the party anywhere from 30 years old - 80 years old) We definitely want to use them again over the summer by our Tiki bar! Thanks again Willy! You guys were GREAT!!!! -- Marie S, Babylon, NY, 4/25/2009
• The band great! The band leader Willy was super prof. & prompt with emails & calls prior to booking & after deposit. Contracts were sent, all questions/concerns were addressed. The band was on time and played exactly the type of music that was appropriate to the party. Though the 'in between set' music was bad: synthesized beats that droned on & on; the band wasn't around to correct this problem -they were outside. Also - Willy changed how final payment was to be made, I figured out now b/c he wasn't planning on coming to the party; I was totally bummed he sent some other guys, when I thought I hired him. All in all a great band - whole heartily recommend! -- Lori D, Peekskill, NY, 11/9/2008
• When I hired the Island Boys Band for our gala, I took a lot of flak from people who said, "Steel drums are annoying. No one will want to dance." Well, they all came to me afterwards to eat their words because the band was so good and everyone had so much fun. The dance floor was filled all evening long, and everyone loved the music. Willy was extremely accommodating and went out of his way to please us, making it a point to provide some waltzes, foxtrots, and tangos for the dancing crowd. I came out smelling like a rose, and so did the Island Boys Band. I hope tohire them again one day. It was a pleasure to work with them. Thank you, Willy. -- Antoinette M, Mclean, VA, 3/28/2009
• band was great! -- Lenny S, Oceanside, NY, 7/25/2009
• Music was wonderful. Thanks so much. -- Lee L, Nyack, NY, 6/6/2009
• Willy Cruz is sooooooooo nice and very willing to please! Tony and his band were very good and I would definitely refer them to my friends! -- Marni S, Wyckoff, NJ, 6/21/2008
• Willy and Tony were absolutley awesome to deal with, the music was fantastic and really set the mood, the assistance they gave with such last minute notice was nothing short of amazing. I would gladly reccomend them to anybody who had a party, Tony played a great selection and had many positive comments from people walking by as well as the party goers. Thanks guys for a job very well done! -- Phillip B, Long Island, NY, 6/14/2008
• They were extremely great and everyone loved the music and it set the perfect mood for our party. The steel drums were amazing. Thank you so much for doing such a good job. -- Kim M, Mount Sinai, NY, 6/28/2008
• Excellent sound . . . the music was enjoyed by all. A great addition to our backyard pool party and cookout. -- Ellen S, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 6/28/2009
• Island boys were great!!! my guest loved them, we loved them. I would use them again in a heart beat and would recommend them to anyone. They were so great that some of my guests who are having parties this year asked them for business cards so they van have them at their party. They played in the rain, took requests and kept the party going even though the weather wasnt so great. Excellant Excellant Excellant!!!! -- Ann Marie S, Hoboken, NJ, 6/28/2008
• Could not say enough about this band, they are courteous, responsive and great to work with! They made the event a success and we received many compliments on them, I will definitely use them again and will recommend them as well. Great job! -- Nina F, Ridgewood, NJ, 6/7/2008
• We booked Island Boys for our engagement party, and they were very professional and the music was great! We got so many compliments on how great the music sounded at the party! I would definetly recommend them! Great job! -- Katie H, Glen Gardner, NJ, 5/25/2008
• The band was great and blended in perfectly with the intimacy of the crowd (i.e., the music was not too overbearing, etc). Several people mentioned how much they liked the band. I would highly recommend them. It was also great b/c I was the hostess, and therefore moving around a lot to talk to different people and the band needed no guidance, oversight, or management whatsoever. -- Tiffany P, Monroe, NJ, 9/13/2008
• The Island Boys were professional and fun. They set the perfect tone for our Caribbean party. They are very talented and the music brought us to the islands. So many of my guests were impressed and told me that they felt they were on vacation. And, that's exactly the mood we wanted. Thank you Island Boys!! Kathy -- Kathleen C, Glastonbury, CT, 8/23/2008
• We have nothing but great things to say about their performance and professionalism. They added to our day and gave a great island feel to the cocktail hour at our wedding. Our guests loved them! -- Malinda M, Bayville, NY, 5/9/2008
• The Island Boys were wonderful to work with. They were highly professional and their music really made our event successful. We had our guests comment on how they loved the music. We couldnt have asked for anyone better! Thanks guys! -- Suzanne B, Southampton, NY, 8/3/2007
• Island Boys Steelpan Calypso Bandleader Cesar Passee and his musicians were absolutely fantastic! They arrived early, set themselves up quietly and efficiently, and delivered an excellent evening of musical entertainment. I have only positive things to say! They made the evening a lot of fun, and all our guests were simply enchanted with the wonderful island sounds of the steelpans. They were superb musicians who sparkle with natural talent and love for what they do. Kudos to you guys and thanks for a job well done! -- Jim L, Falls Church, VA, 6/7/2008
• Willie was very professional. He was very prompt and had excellent communication skills, we kept in contact throughout the whole process. He was a big hit at my cocktail hour, i had numerous comments on how awesome he was. I would highly reccomend him to anyone looking for a stell pan player to perform at their event. Thanks again Willie, great work!!!!!!! Tom Uhrik -- Tom U, Ridley Park, PA, 4/12/2008
• This performer was easy to contact, exceptionally helpful in all areas. They performed extremely well, everyone had a great time. I definitely will use them again. -- Madeline C, Greenwich, CT, 1/26/2008
• We had a family/friend bbq over the weekend (about 100 people). We wanted to mix up the entertainment a little bit so we hired the Island Boys. They were so much fun and all our guests loved it. We will hire them again for next years party! -- Debbie And Bob G, Sparta, NJ, 8/23/2008
• Willy, Thanks for adding so much to our Corporate Luncheon - the party was a hugh success and your participation certainly helped. -- Claire D, Bensalem, PA, 1/10/2008
• Perfect for our island themed boat cruise. Very friendly and extremely accomdating. Will be booking again. -- Deb T, Hartford, CT, 8/1/2008
• i was extremly happy with their performance b/c it was at the end of caribben heritage week @ my school i was extremly stressed from planning all the events and having them go through sucessfully!!! to hear the steel pan from home just made me feel as if i was back home!! also they played one of my favourtie songs from Trinidad Carnival 2007 for me nah going home!!!! i asked them to play it at the end again and they did soo they made my day!!!! thank you!!!!! -- Kristen B, Paramus, NJ, 11/9/2007
• They were fantastic! -- Jennifer C, Huntington, NY, 7/19/2008
• Thank you for playing for us at our cocktail hour! -- Audrey S, Sayville, NY, 10/26/2007
• They were awsome, highly talented and pleasant. They made my daughter's graduation party a big hit with the guests (young and older. I highly recommend them. -- Ann M, Westborough, MA, 6/28/2008
• Island Boys were punctual, professional, very friendly, Non-imposing. The music was well rehearsed and performed. They are all Rastas from Trinidad and their music was played from the heart. This 4 piece band can jam like nobody's business. Highly recommend for pool parties and bar-be-ques. -- Thomas B, Old Westbury, NY, 9/2/2007
• The band was on time and set up quickly. Music was playing within 1/2 hour-45 min. of their arrival. Their sound was great but I was personally dissappointed that there were no vocals. But it was pointed out to me by the schools Executive Director that it prevented the issue of offensive or borderline lyrics being a problem. I didn't request singing while they were performing so they might have accomodated me. The guests enjoyed [so did I] and that's what counts. I'd hire them again. Thanks. -- Beverly M, Whippany, NJ, 6/1/2008
• Willy was a pleasure to work with and very accomondating. -- Christy B, Toms River, NJ, 7/21/2007
• The Island Boys Steelpan Calypso Band was awsome. Everybody at my wedding enjoyed their music. I would recommend them to anyone!! -- Jamie T, Miller Place, NY, 7/7/2007
• It was awesome. Band was great. Everyone at my party at a great time. I would use them again and again!!! -- Christina L, Quogue, NY, 6/1/2007
• This was my first time using Gigmasters and I was thrilled with the experience. From start to finish the service and communication was professional and courteous. I worked on the details of this meeting/party very carefully and had my fingers crossed that the band would be in keeping with the event. The Island Boys were AWESOME; they were EXACTLY what I had in mind and had hoped for. Everyone had a great time. I can’t wait to host another event to have them play again! -- Mel L, Mystic, CT, 5/8/2007
• They were professional, punctual, friendly and talented. They made our event a wonderful and enjoyable experience. -- Lynda H, Totowa, NJ, 12/15/2006
• Everyone loved the music. They did a great job. -- Carol G, Allentown, NJ, 5/23/2009
• We needed a band at the last minute for a modest sized cocktail/dinner party. 50 guests were happy to hear the Island Boys and their music. They were excellent and professional from start to finish and alot of fun to have at our party. I love gigmasters.com! Thanks, AMK -- Andrew K, Amagansett, NY, 8/12/2006
• I would recommend the band as they are a great band to dance to and our guests thoroughly enjoyed them. If we had a larger budget, we could have had them play longer. -- Alison V, Newport, RI, 7/22/2006
• The band was awesome! They were all so nice and accomodating! My event was in Ocean City, Maryland and they made the long trip and made my wedding reception awesome! I had tons of comments on how much fun the band was and how talented they were. They truly made my wedding day a day to remember! -- Monica H, Ocean City, MD, 6/10/2006
• The Island Boys Steelpan Calypso Band did a great job at our Lobster Clambake. We received many compliments from our guests after their performance. They are talented musicians whose sound is a unique blend of styles. In addition to the beachy/tropical songs, they mixed in some funky/hip tracks which kept our event lively and entertaining. -- Mike C, Redding, CT, 7/21/2007
• Willy, the band leader was incredibly accomodating when setting this evening up. When he showed up with his band, they all got down to business and performed amazingly. They felt the crowd and played to the mood. Great guys in the band, playing great music. If you enjoy the steel drums with a hint of blues and electronica; you'll love this group. They have a very unique sound, that will be great for your event! -- Colin M, Port Washington, NY, 7/19/2007
• The Island Boys played at a St Jude Children Hospital Charity event this past May and really helped us by giving us the best price ever!!! The music was great, added to our reggae, summer theme. Everyone in the group came early to help set up which was a plus and they are just really nice people, esp. Willy who is willing to talk to you about the event (even on tour!) Overall, I would recommend the Island Boys to play at your next event!!!! thanks- -- Catherine C, New York, NY, 5/19/2007
• Everyone seemed to enjoy the band. I could only hear from inside, but it sounded great. -- Victoria N, Westchester, NY, 5/17/2008
• they were absolutely great! They were on time and very very nice. The music was super - both the calypso and jazz that they played later in the evening (their choice but a perfect one). So I would give them five stars too and I would definitely hire them again. And would definitely use gigmasters again! thanks for all your help (pls thank Kevin). -- Maureen E, East Hampton, NY, 8/26/2005
• I booked willy cruz for a school fundraiser. he was always resposive to my frequent e-mails when setting up my event. When he arrived at the school he and his bandmate were very accomodating. we were running late and he was very professional and understanding. When they started playing it was like you were transpoted to a beach somewhere on a beautiful island. Fabulous! Thanks you Willy and Nepo You did a great job! Fondly, Melissa -- Melissa K, Little Neck, NY, 10/20/2007
• They were a HIT! There was not one negative comment and many compliments. They were on time and played as agreed. They made such an impression that the Golf Club is considering hiring them for a future function. -- Bill T, Saint James, NY, 8/2/2007
• Fantastic job guys. My guests could not stop complementing. It was great to have a band that didn't feel they had to overplay the party. -- Bill S, Brick, NJ, 8/4/2007
• The band was great- everyone had a wonderful time. We will definitely use Island Boys for future events. I highly recommend these guys! Thanks Stephanie -- Stephanie B, New York, NY, 11/15/2007
• The performers were on time and they performed excellently. Everyone at the event gave good feedback for the performance. -- Clyde S, Bayside, NY, 11/26/2008

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