Kristian Paradis - Steel Drums

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, Apres Ski Parties, Awards Nights, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Casinos, Celebrations, 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

• 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
• Did a great job. I would hire him again in a heartbeat. -- Vincent I, Long Branch, NJ, 8/9/2009
• Kristian is a very talented steel drum musician. Our Caribbean-themed party was a huge hit with all our guests. Many said Kristian made them think about the beach, Caribbean and cruizing on a ship. We had a really great time listening and dancing to his music!!! I have already recommended him to many others!!!! Thanks Kristian!! -- Patti W, Newark, DE, 8/1/2009
• It was a delight having Kristian there at our BBQ, we couldn't not have asked for more. Our guest loved the music and have already asked/suggested we have him back. This may well turn into an annual event and of course we would want Kristian to be back again. -- Jim H, Sicklerville, NJ, 7/25/2009
• 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 excellent! He was pleasant and very professional. He was accommodating to my very specific needs. I look forward to working with him again. I would highly recommend him to friends and family. -- Tranishia C, Upper Marlboro, MD, 3/21/2009
• 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
• The steel drums were a suprise for my grandparents and were a hit for all. During Hurrican Hanna, with the dark clouds and winds, Kristian's music made me think that I was outside dancing on a tropical island, and it was perfect! -- Lindsay B, Marple Township, PA, 9/6/2008
• Kristian was a wonderful start to our Caribbean/rock n roll themed wedding, he was a doll,he plays beautifully, all of our guests really enjoyed him! -- Staci S, Perth Amboy, NJ, 8/31/2008
• Kristian was a pleasure to work with. He was perfect for our carribean themed wedding! -- Erin G, White Marsh, MD, 7/19/2008
• Kristian was wonderful!! He made our party complete! Highly recommend! Great experience!! We will definately use him again! -- Kelly B, Sea Isle City, NJ, 5/31/2008
• We were very happy with Kristian's performance at our wedding ceremony! Our guests had many positive comments about his steel drumming. We would definitely hire him again for future parties! -- Maggie S, York, PA, 7/25/2008
• Kristian played for our school's international day and was kind enough to let the kids try out his steel drum. It was a great experience for them! -- Beth D, Philadelphia, PA, 4/29/2008
• Kristian did a wonderful job at our "Cruise to Paradise" Auction Fundraiser. His music brought a tropical, fun vibe to the event and we received many compliments on his skills. We highly recommend him. -- Dana K, Holland, PA, 4/12/2008
• Kristian was great. He is easy to work with and he added so much to the event. -- Jill S, Philadelphia, PA, 10/13/2007
• 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 did a great job for my Jimmy Buffett "A Pirate Looks at 40" Surprise Party for my fiance. Thank you! -- Lori R, Wilmington, DE, 9/14/2007
• 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 fantastic and the perfect addition to out "Pig-a-Palooza" 2007. I would not hesitate to hire him again for my next bash! -- Michelle M, Blue Anchor, NJ, 8/18/2007
• 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
• Kristin was very pleasant to watch and listen to during our event. The crowd loved his music and it restored thier Faith and inspired hope to live another day. Many of the audience were cancer patients facing a major crisis. It was a pleasure to watch their worries travel into the breeze to the wonderful sounds of the steel drums in Christian Paridise. -- Faith W, Philadelphia, PA, 7/26/2007
• Kristian was great. He was very professional, on time and friendly. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the music. We got many compliments. -- Adriana J, Monroe Twp, NJ, 7/22/2007
• We were having a carribean themed party and the stell drums were over the top good! It is an amazing sound to listen to or to just play horseshoes and have back ground music. Kristian is very very talented and enjoys playing the steel pan and doesn't expect a clap after every song! He does it because he enjoys it. I highly recommend him for any event you have that fits this music style!!!! -- Chris O, Allentown, PA, 7/21/2007
• He was awesome. The background music really enhanced the steel drum playing. Everyone felt as if they were on vacation in the tropics. I highly recommend for a great party! -- Susan I, Jamesburg, NJ, 6/9/2007
• 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
• Kristian was great for our party. His rates were very reasonable for a private party function. Three of my guests have already asked for his contact information, which I happily passed along. -- Julie E, Downingtown, PA, 6/30/2007
• He did very well for the ceremony and the cocktail hour. -- Tara W, Dewey Beach, DE, 9/26/2008
• Kristian was awesome. He was very professional and added the perfect tropical feel to our event! -- Kristen S, King Of Prussia, PA, 6/26/2009
• Kristian did a wonderful job, he was very polite, professional, and respectful. I am certainly going to recommend him to some friends and for some upcoming venues that we have. -- Amy W, Washington, DC, 5/10/2009
• 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

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• A Royal Palm Steel Band — Wilmington, Delaware