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Callaloo
- Chicago, IL
- Steel Drum Player
- Travels up to 90 miles
- $175 and up
Overview
Callaloo is the best world fusion steel pan group performing original compositions in Chicago. Scott Johnson, composer/arranger, began writing music for Callaloo that was built on strong, sophisticated Latin/Caribbean rhythms and recently began exploring and incorporating other styles, that, when fused, have proven to deliver a powerful musical experience.
The percussion based group employs an amalgam of instruments – steel pan, marimba, ethnic percussion, drum set, nylon string guitar, electric and acoustic bass – while combining composed, orchestrated parts with improvisation. The percussionists switch instruments from song to song adding to the visual element of their performance.
37 Reviews
Very professional, on time and played perfect music for the island feel for the luau. Many guests complimented on the music entertainment. Very enjoyable
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5-star review Tom!
We booked Callaloo for our community pool party and he was the talk of the day! Everyone loved the music and one homeowner even wanted to book him for every weekend. :) Highly recommend for any event.
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Hello Julia,
Thank you for the 5-star review and I look forward to performing for future events!
Scott
Besides showing up on time Callaloo delighted our attendees with some sweet Caribbean tunes that transformed us to a warm and fuzzy place in our hearts while at the same time educating us on the steel drum. I would highly recommend him for any party where you want to get swept away and warm the cockles of your heart!!!
Steel Drum Player
My event was a Luau themed event and Callaloo was such a wonderful experience and delivered a Caribbean vibe. Very well pleased! I would book them again for future events.
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5-star review Nadine!
Very professional steel drum Callaloo. /JOE played music to make dance,calypso, just a class act.
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Hello Tee,
Thank you for the 5-star review! Scott Johnson
Callaloo was great! This is the 2nd time we have booked him, and he didn’t disappoint! Excellent music!
Beach Music, Calypso Band, Caribbean/Island Music, Drum / Percussion Show, Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thanks for the 5-star review Randy!
We LOVED having Callaloo Steel Drums for our Event. We had a Passport to Paradise Themed Cocktail Party at Heritage Prairie Farm and the music was the perfect addition to set the mood for an island theme. Guests enjoyed the music and the musician was a pleasure to work with. We would definitely have him back again at our venue for future events!
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thanks for the 5-star review David!
Residents and staff enjoyed the music very much. Willing to book again sometime in the near future.
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5-star review Kristal!
Glad we hired him. Music was fantastic, will definitely be looking to book again.
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thanks for the 5-star review Randy!
Scott was great to work with, and he supplied the energy we needed to Kickstart our event!
Steel Drum Player
Scott was great to work with, and he supplied the energy we needed to Kickstart our event!
Steel Drum Player
The music was great everyone enjoyed it and would definitely use him again
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thanks for the 5-star review Pat!
The great tropical mood set by Scott was a hit with our pool party.
Steel Drum Band
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5-star review James!
We had Callaloo for our Senior Luau luncheon for the entertainment! He was amazing and so talented!! Scott was very personable and nice to work with!!
Caribbean/Island Music, Hawaiian Entertainment, Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thanks for the amazing 5-star review Linda!
Callaloo was GREAT! As my guests approached the party, heard and then saw Callaloo, they were ready for a FUN day! Thank you for making our party even MORE fun!!!
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the fantastic 5-star review Annette!
We had a great time! Thank you!
Drum / Percussion Show
Response from Callaloo:
Thanks for the 5-star review!
Scott was incredible! The music was beautiful. He played 2 songs we requested, one at the gig so he had no time to prepare but he was great. He responded quickly to my questions, he arrived on time, was friendly and answered questions. I cannot say enough positive things. We will remember this forever. Thank you SO much!
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the fantastic 5-star review!
Scott was on time and ready to play exactly at 4. He set the island vibes with awesome music. My wife’s 40th bday turned out exactly as planned. Steel pans really tied the party together. Will book Scott again in the future. Do me a favor, book Scott, he’s excellent. Thank you
Very professional! On time and self sufficient! The music set the tone for the whole evening!
Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Band
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5-star review Susan!
Scott did a wonderful job with the music at our recent outdoor family event. Love the sounds of the steel drums!
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you very much for the 5-star review Misty!
The music was fabulous. Made the party festive and fun. Scott is professional and courteous as well as a terrific musician
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the magnificent 5-star review Elizabeth!
The absolute perfect upbeat music for a party. Really helped set the vibe, sound was great, and Callaloo was extremely professional.
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the fantastic 5-star review Jennifer!
Scott was a great addition to our outdoor party. Can’t help but feel good with steel drum music
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for your hospitality and the 5-star review! Great event Barbara.
Scott arrived on time, set up quickly and the music was a huge hit. A great addition to our birthday party and really livened up the room!
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5-star review Lina!
Very professional and the crowd loved the island vibes :)
Steel Drum Band
Response from Callaloo:
Thanks for the fantastic 5-star review Catherine!
Great experience with Scott, we will certainly work with him again! Quick response with initial quote and with any questions we had. Arrived on time, set up quickly, and played for the full agreed upon time. Music selection was great and there lots of compliments from our guests! Thanks Scott for for helping make my wife’s birthday perfect!!!
Excellent music, professional, arrived on time, no problem accommodating to his surroundings, made everyone happy with his island beats at my wedding for the cocktail hour. I would recommend him to anyone for any type of event.
Scott arrived on time and provided great entertainment for our house warming party, in addition to interacting with the guests throughout the night. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a steel pan player for any event.
Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music, Hawaiian Entertainment, Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thanks for the 5 - star review, Chris! I had a great time playing for you and your friends.
Scott did a good job for steel drum soloist; he arrived on time. (I was under the impression there would also be singing but I was wrong); It was $300 for 90 minutes for 1 person which seems kind of high. I have hired 4 piece bands for $100-$150 per hour in this area; Also since I assumed it would include singing, I was not prepared with having a microphone on hand which I needed to make announcements throughout the event. Scott was very nice & personable.
Steel Drum Band
Response from Callaloo:
3 stars is overly critical Fran. You accepted my quote and hired me knowing the rate I charge. My profile is also under steel drums, not singing. There is not one mention of singing anywhere on my profile. I could also have had a microphone if you would have requested it in advance. Your mistaken assumptions were your problem, not me. I did exactly what I said I would.
Everyone loved the steel drum!
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5-star review Josi.
Scott
We host a large fundraising event in the Chicago area and we were looking for something to motivate our walkers halfway through the course...that is when we thought of a Steel Drum Band and it was the perfect addition! Everyone raved how great Scott was and how much they enjoyed the music!
We have already booked him for our next walk!
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5 star review Kendra. I'm looking forward to next year!
Very easy to book and pay for, periodical contact as to your upcoming event was Great. I highly recommend it!
Calypso Band
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5 star review Tim! You and Tanya were great hosts.
Scott was a very professional guy who came on time and the choice of music was excellent .
The audience loved the steel pan music, including my 80 year old father who even went and interacted with him .
Wonderful show and highly recommended for adding a spark to any event!
Beach Music
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you for the 5-star review Anuja. I had a great time performing for your guests and was happy to be part of your son's birthday party!
Scott was great to have at our event. His music blended in well to the environment our event was hosted in. I would recommend him again for next year.
Drum / Percussion Show, Steel Drum Band
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you Caitlyn and Alex. I had a great time and look forward to performing again next year.
Everyone enjoyed the music
Steel Drum Band
Scott, the steel drummer from Callaloo, could not have done a better job for us. He was helpful and responsive as we prepared for our fundraiser. On the date of the event, he arrived early, was professional in every way, played wonderfully, and added just the right relaxing and tropical touch to our "Havana Nights" motif! Love to work with him again!
Steel Drum Player
Response from Callaloo:
Thank you Susan. You were a great host. I look forward to performing for future events.
Scott Johnson
Scott was here with his Steel Drum and backing tracks and our group LOVED IT! He took time between songs to answer questions about how Steel Drums are made, the history of the instrument, how he got started playing, and everything in between. I'm pretty sure he could have been here for hours and people still would have had more questions. We have already scheduled him to come back in September!
Steel Drum Player
Booking Info
Price Range: $175 and up
Gig Length: 60 - 120 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Liability
What to Expect
Solo performances
One steelpan player with recorded accompanient for private party events - Caribbean-themed parties, birthday parties, weddings (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception), bridal shower, graduation parties, luau, etc. Up to 3 hours.
Full group
Concert/Educational Setting: 90 min performance of Callaloo's spectacular original world fusion compositions with video enhancement and lighting effects.
Music Festival/Cultural/Private Party Events: 60 - 120 min performance of Callaloo's exciting original world fusion compositions.
About
Callaloo is the best world fusion steel pan group performing original compositions in Chicago. Scott Johnson, composer/arranger, began writing music for Callaloo that was built on strong, sophisticated Latin/Caribbean rhythms and recently began exploring and incorporating other styles, that, when fused, have proven to deliver a powerful musical experience.
The percussion based group employs an amalgam of instruments – steel pan, marimba, ethnic percussion, drum set, nylon string guitar, electric and acoustic bass – while combining composed, orchestrated parts with improvisation. The percussionists switch instruments from song to song adding to the visual element of their performance.
Past & Recurring Callaloo performances include: Chicago Botanic Gardens – Summer Concert Series Music on the Esplanade, Bradley University, Lewis University, University of St. Francis, WGN Midday News national broadcast, Sears Centre Northwest 4th Fest, Taste of Chicago, Taste of Chicago Press Preview, United Center, U.S. Cellular Field, Global Fest, Staved Rock Lodge, The Montrose Room – Intercontinental Hotel O’Hare, Oswego Fine Arts Fest, Double Door, Chicago Speedway, and many more . . .
You can hire the full six member group or Scott Johnson as a solo performer with recorded accompaniment tracks. Please watch videos.
Additional Booking Notes
For Solo
Power outlet & canopy or shaded area for outdoor performances.
For Full Band
15' x 24' minimum stage / floor space required. Power outlet & canopy or shaded area for outdoor performances.
Past Booked Events
August 17, 2024 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
August 03, 2024 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Corporate Event |
July 23, 2024 • 1:30pm - 2:30pm | Camp Event |
June 29, 2024 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | House Party |
June 15, 2024 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
June 12, 2024 • 11:30am - 1:00pm | Corporate Event |
June 08, 2024 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Retirement Party |
April 26, 2024 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Cocktail Party |
September 23, 2023 • 10:00am - 12:00pm | Festival |
September 15, 2023 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Corporate Event |
September 10, 2023 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
August 17, 2023 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Retirement Community Event |
August 05, 2023 • 3:00pm - 7:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 20, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cocktail Party |
June 21, 2023 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Retirement Community Event |
June 19, 2023 • 10:00am - 11:00am | School Assembly |
June 10, 2023 • 11:00am - 2:00pm | Corporate Event |
March 04, 2023 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
September 24, 2022 • 10:00am - 11:30am | Festival |
August 25, 2022 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
August 17, 2022 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Dinner Party |
August 13, 2022 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Personal Occasion |
July 30, 2022 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | House Party |
July 23, 2022 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | House Party |
July 04, 2022 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Graduation |
June 16, 2022 • 1:00pm - 1:45pm | Nonprofit Event |
May 21, 2022 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
May 21, 2022 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
December 09, 2021 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Cocktail Party |
September 11, 2021 • 6:00pm - 6:45pm | Birthday Party |
August 22, 2021 • 1:00pm - 3:30pm | Birthday Party |
August 21, 2021 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
August 14, 2021 • 8:30pm - 11:00pm | Cocktail Party |
August 14, 2021 • 2:30pm - 4:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
July 16, 2021 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
June 05, 2021 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Dinner Party |
May 01, 2021 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday Party |
November 08, 2020 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
September 27, 2020 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Birthday Party |
August 15, 2020 • 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Baby Shower |
August 02, 2020 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Teen Birthday Party |
October 19, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
September 21, 2019 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Cocktail Party |
August 24, 2019 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
July 27, 2019 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | House Party |
July 27, 2019 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
June 12, 2019 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Dinner Party |
May 05, 2019 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Corporate Event |
August 25, 2018 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Nonprofit Event |
July 21, 2018 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Cocktail Party |
July 21, 2018 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Launch Party |
June 02, 2018 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Fundraiser |
May 26, 2018 • 3:30pm - 6:00pm | House Party |
May 12, 2018 • 2:30pm - 3:00pm | Children's Birthday Party |
August 04, 2017 • 8:30pm - 10:00pm | Corporate Event |
July 22, 2017 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Dinner Party |
June 24, 2017 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Fundraiser |
June 17, 2017 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Graduation |
June 17, 2017 • 2:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
May 19, 2017 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
April 07, 2017 • 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Nonprofit Event |
Team
Scott Johnson | Leader |
Setup Requirements
Power source for 2 amps and p.a.