Ken Van-cooten Steel Drummer from Seattle, WA

I am West Indian, and have been playing steel drums from my youth. If there is anyone who can deliver steamy tropical melodies that will whisk you away into a festive frenzy, I am that person. I did not adopt the Caribbean music culture, I was born into it. The West Indian rhythm and harmony comes from inside. I have been playing steel-drums long enough to know what sets revelers' feet into an involuntary motion. I bring along with me, experience that was acquired through the years playing in great bands in Trinidad, Guyana, Virgin Islands and Brooklyn NY among other places, and also with Tropical Rainstorm, the first steel-drum band formed in Seattle, in 1970. I have played in numerous groups over the years including 'The Boston Steel Orchestra', 'Commandoes Steel band', 'The Aristocrats Steel band', 'West Indian Superstars', and 'Caribbean All Stars', I have arranged music for three of the above-mentioned bands, as well as for smaller groups I've played in from time to time. I played at the Bahama Breeze Restaurant here in Seattle for 4 years; I started playing there when the restaurant opened, and still continue to provide authentic Caribbean reggae and calypso music for private parties with full musical backing, even as a solo artist. If it's reggae and calypso on steel drums that you want, look no further. You've found the best Seattle steel-drum performer. For those persons who prefer American music played with a West Indian flair, that too is part of my musical agenda. It is music you just got to hear. When I am playing, the only things missing are the palm trees, surf, and sand. But you can close your eyes whilst dancing and imagine they're there. The feeling is almost real.