The musical group SweetPan is all about Canadians playing the steel drum, 'pan', the only acoustic musical invention of the 20th century, & clearly a major Caribbean contribution to world culture. We specialize in Caribbean rhythms on the many different sizes of drum & have played for dances, weddings, corporate events, community events & interactive concerts since 1994. Our leader & arranger, Bernard Fernandes, draws on his vast repertoire & experience of the Caribbean to lend both an innovative & authentic touch! Steeldrum workshops are also available.
If you would like to book us, or learn to play this amazing instrument . . .
The cast of SweetPan . . .
Bernard Fernandes
Band Leader, Cello Pan, Singer, Composer Originator of the bands 'SweetPan Entertainment' and 'Carib X Press', he also performs as a solo artist on steel drums, piano, vocals, & guitar. He has arranged for and/or led La Tropical, Karib Brass, Cinnamon, Fernandes & Co, Sweet Pan & Panarimba. With Fernandes & Co, an instrumental & vocal group featuring Caribbean, Latin & North American music, Bernard released a CD of all original music in 1994. For three years, prior to the closing of the Music Gallery he was Music Entertainer at Science World, BC. Finishing his music degree in 1992, he makes his living teaching, making & composing music, & should you realize you want to learn to play the steel drum, today is your lucky day.
Douglas G
Tenor Pan Starting playing steel pan in June 2000, Doug took a special interest in steel pan after visiting Trinidad & Tobago. He believes that music is candy for the soul . . . and boy does he have a sweet tooth! Joining SweetPan provided the perfect fit!
Clive Alladin
Tenor Pan Clive was born in Trinidad, the land of steel pan, and started playing in 2006 with no previous musical training other than growing up with the constant sound of pan music. His greatest pleasure is when people respond to the music with a smile on their face and start moving to the rhythm. He would like to encourage and introduce as many people as possible to the sound of pan music and hopefully give themselves the opportunity to learn about, and learn to play such a unique instrument. To expose someone to the steel pan as an instrument, is also a lesson in the history of Trinidad and it’s rich vibrant culture. Clive especially enjoys playing out at weddings, BBQ’s, birthdays and intimate private functions and is always able to bring out the best in people around him.
Gail Renwick
Tenor Pan A highly motivated player with a light, soothing touch that combined with her special spicy moves, declare her a product of her island, GRENADA. Gail is a well-known collector of Dolphins. Why you ask? She says, "They're smart, smooth and graceful . . . just like her!!!"
