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Kent Arnsbarger Steel Drum Artist
- Chicago, IL
- Steel Drum Player
- Travels up to 500 miles
- $250-1500
Overview
Kent is a solo steel drum artist from Chicago & NW Indiana. He performs with amazing sounding backup tracks (all recorded by him using real marimbas, drums, ect) that plays over a state-of-the-art Bose PA system. He has 90+ songs that cover a wide varitety of style and mood. Professional lighting is included for evening jobs.
Kent currently has 7 albums that are all on AppleMusic & Spotify and several professional music videos on YouTube with over 1/2 million views. Please visit his website to learn MUCH more about him.
He plays all over the Midwest averaging 130 gigs a year since 2004.
If you have ANY questions, please contact him, thanks for looking!
3 Reviews
Enjoyed by all
Steel Drum Player
We hired Kent to perform for 1.5 hours during our 'Welcome' reception & luncheon for an "island themed" employee appreciation event. He was fantastic! Everyone enjoyed the music he played and his performance definitely added that extra "WOW" factor. You can definitely tell he loves to play! Thank you, Kent!
Caribbean/Island Music
Many guests enjoyed the music!
Steel Drum Player
Booking Info
Price Range: $250-1500
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Liability insurance
What to Expect
I perform live steel pan music that sounds like a full band. Small setup space but large sound! During breaks I'm also playing pre recorded music that I select. Kind of a value added bonus of having a caribbean style DJ during breaks. You guests may wish to inquire about my unique instrument as many many people have never come in contact with one. I love to briefly explain how it works and it's origin. Also my Bose sound system gathers looks as well. Both are unique and memorable as is my music.
About
Kent performs for many different events. In 2022 he was on Jimmy Fallon for the "Show me Something Good" segment with friend Rick Smith Jr (Dude Perfect), In the Fall of 2020 Kent was featured on his very own segment on LakeShore PBS show, Eye on the Arts, had a full feature article written about him at the Beacher newspaper in Long Beach IN and has been on many news segments all around Chicago. As a professional drummer/percussionist, Kent uses these skills in creating his backup tracks that he uses for his steel drum performances. Being classically trained at Indiana University in percussion and now a teacher of percussion at La Porte and Knox High school in Indiana. Kent brings these beautiful sounds of percussion to his work. Marimbas, vibraphones and afro cuban sounds fill the air when Kent performs.
Kent has been playing steel drums professionally since 2004. Since then he has performed over 1,800 events, just like the one you're planing now. Kent has been playing music professionally since 1994 in several great bands & was even featured on WGN radio in 2004 for a 2 hour interview
Additional Booking Notes
I require 4x6 ft of space & close proximity to powered outlet if possible. (if not I must be informed 24 hrs in advance so I can bring a battery backup). Also: Dry flat space. I accept Check Credit Card or Cash. I book months ahead of time generally but occasionally I do have a date free still, it never hurts to ask!!!!
Past Booked Events
September 12, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
August 25, 2023 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Corporate Event |
July 30, 2020 • 6:30pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
September 11, 2019 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Children's Birthday Party |
May 03, 2014 | Other |
Set List
I play 90+ songs ranging from Bob Marley to Jimmy Buffet to classic island music.
Influences & Inspiration
Being a percussionist I'm influenced by so much. Drum Corps, orchestras, rock bands, Jazz, percussion ensembles and the simple sounds of nature.
Setup Requirements
power
4x4 minimum of Dry flat space
Protection from the elements (I bring a patio umbrella )
Parking
Testimonials
Hi Kent,
I just wanted to personally thank you for such great entertainment on Sunday! It made our son’s first birthday so memorable.
I’ve listened to both of your cd’s…and there GREAT!!! I heard under the sea 4 times driving to work today!!!! Listening to you playing that song brings such wonderful memories, and for that alone I wanted to personally thank you. I can’t wait to have another party so we could have you again!!!
Thanks again for everything, you were and are greatJ!!!!!
Ps: I’m so happy Alfie found you!!!
Lea S
– Lea S
Dear Kent,
You probably haven’t even had time to get out of out parking lot, but I would like to THANK YOU for the wonderful concert and the educational information you shared with the residents today at Miller’s Senior Living Community. The day was a wonderful success. You were just the right touch we needed for our Caribbean Buffet and Party. We think you are an expert!!!! The residents loved you and what you DON’T know is you had the staff dancing around the corner in the Dining Room. Thank you for sharing your talent and for a wonderful experience!!
Sincerely,
Cindy F.
Acitivty Director
Miller's Senior Living Community
Plymouth, In. 46563
– Cindy F.