BIO
LIVE
LOCAL
MUSIC
PANDUO
Steel Drum Duo
Panduo was co-founded in 1996 by Gary Gibson and Michael Bento (shown in the large photo below), who, at the time, were respectively leading of two of Seattle's most active steelpan groups. To offer a smaller, more affordable group, while still maintaining the musicality and flair of live steel pan music, they combined their efforts to create Panduo, and it quickly became the hottest little steelpan group in Seattle. With high-quality, self-produced accompaniment tracks combined with the excitement and sparkle of live steelpans, the music is full, classy, and fun at an affordable price. Over the years, two other outstanding players have joined the group as partners: Dr. Shannon Dudley (professor of ethnomusicaology at University of Washington) and Dr. Miho Takekawa (Lecturer in Percussion at Pacific Lutheran University). Gary Gibson's full bio is HERE. Video/audio demo links are HERE.
Shannon Dudley
Miho Takekawa
In addition to the lower cost, there are other advantages to the format offered by Panduo:
• Only a small space is required for set-up, making it the perfect format for restaurants, in-home parties, deck parties, or boat cruises.
• With a minimal amount of equipment and musical instruments, set-up is quick and clean, and portable.
• With a small sound system and only two sets of steel pans, the volume is controllable over a wide range. For small rooms, Panduo can play softer than larger bands, while still having the ability to fill a larger room (or the outdoors) with full sound if needed.
The repertoire of Panduo offers much variety and flexibility. Calypso and Soca, the music styles most commonly associated with the steelpan, is well represented, while more contemporary songs by the likes of Trinidad calypsonian Lord Kitchener, and Reggae standards from the likes of Bob Marley are also covered. In addition to the Caribbean styles,
Panduo also plays many relaxed Latin jazz and pop tunes, a necessary element for background music jobs like poolside parties, cocktail receptions, and dinners. The group even includes over an hour of seasonal favorites in their repertoire, making them perfect for private or company holiday parties. With a jazzy approach to these music styles, the music is always lively and fresh.
The base fee (local performances with no complications) for booking Panduo is $450 for one hour, and $75 per hour for each additional hour up to four hours. Engagements over 90 minutes will include one 15-minute break per hour after the first hour of performance (customary breaks). Maximum booking time is three hours.
To inquire about availabilty for your event, please email HERE, and include this information about your event:
• Date
• Start and stop times
• Location of event
• The type of event (private party, corporate event, fundraiser, boat cruise, etc.)
Here are some demo links:
Batty Mamselle (video)
Audio-only demo of various songs:
GARY GIBSON
Steelpan solo with accompaniment tracks
If your event or budget is of a smaller scale than warrants Panduo, Gary Gibson is also available in the same context as soloist (with the same or similar backing tracks and repertoire). The base fee (local performances with no complications) is $275 for the first hour, and $75 for the second hour. Engagements over 90 minutes will include one 15-minute break (customary). There is a two-hour maximum for this configuration.
To inquire about availabilty for your event, please email HERE, and include this information about your event:
• Date
• Start and stop times
• Location of event
• The type of event (private party, corporate event, fundraiser, boat cruise, etc.)
Here are some demo links:
A Little Poem for You (video)
Audio-only demo of various songs:
Steelbands of
STEEL MAGIC NORTHWEST
Full, all-live steel bands
If an all-live, energetic, full steel orchestra program is what you're after, Gary Gibson's non-profit organization, Steel Magic Northwest, is what you're looking for. With four different bands (one adult, and three levels of youth groups), and group sizes from 10 to 30 players, your large-scale event will be memorable to everyone in attendance!
These groups are contracted only through Steel Magic Northwest, and are not a part of Two Trees Music's business. But if something this grand and special is what your event demands, consider this a strong recommendation! For more on these groups, including photos and videos, please visit Steel Magic Northwest's website, or email the director HERE. .
