The PANorama Caribbean Music Fest is a musical adventure set to the soothing sounds of steel pan music. The festival’s casual atmosphere appeals to the island community and people of all ages who are intrigued by the unique sounds and style of steel drum music! Fusing together the rhythm of steel bands, ocean breezes, and great Caribbean food, the breathtaking Virginia Beach oceanfront becomes an “island paradise” for the weekend.

A co-produced event between the Virginia Arts Festival and Beachevents, the PANorama Caribbean Music Festival at its core is a steel drum band competition featuring over 20 high school, college, and community bands from throughout the United States. Bands attend workshops on Friday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. These workshops are led by nationally-known steel drum artists and educators. On Saturday, the action moves to the 24th Street Park, where bands compete for ratings and the coveted Grand Champion Award.

Host Hotel:

In the evenings steel drum headliners play on the main stage. All performances are free to the public.

The PANorama Caribbean Music Fest has been recognized as one of the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events. The festival also holds membership in the Student Youth Tour Association (SYTA).

2010 Headliners: Andy Narell and Friends with the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Steelband

Entertainment Schedule

Friday, May 7, 2010:

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Steel Band Workshop at the Virginia Beach Convention Center featuring guest clinicians Dr. Larry Snider, Cliff Alexis and Dr. Eugene Novotney.

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Headlining performance by Andy Narell and Friends and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Steelband (24th Street Park)

Saturday, May 8, 2010 (ALL PERFORMANCES IN THE 24TH STREET PARK):

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Steel Band PANorama festival featuring approximately 20 steel bands from all over the USA

5:30 PM, Awards ceremony

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Steel Band PANorama Grand Champion Exhibition Performance

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Headlining performance by Andy Narell & Friends with the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Steelband

The PANorama Caribbean Music Fest is sponsored by Malletman, Smarty Pans, Engine Room Publishing, Kyle Dunleavy Steeldrums, Pan-USA, Panyard, Inc., Independent Lighting, and the City of Virginia Beach.