Award-winning steelpan musician Josanne Francis blends styles including traditional calypso, jazz, Indian, funk, rock & classical. She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Strathmore, Times Square, Haiti's PAPJAZZ, and China, and featured as a soloist at many universities, orchestras and festivals across the US. .
Josanne was delightful. She sat clear expectations about what she needs to perform in terms of outlets and electricity, she arrived on time, dressed, beautifully, played very well, and was kind enough to agree to stay for an additional hour when they need a rose. She has a great sense of humor, and provided a very classy and touching addition to my father’s 80th birthday party. It made the event as it drew lots of guests outside on a hot summer night
Josanne’s presence/performance was the perfect addition to our tropical themed baby shower! She set the mood for a celebration and left my guests wanting “more, more, more”! Thank you, Josanne!
Photos from this event
Josanne's performance was excellent. She was on time, professional, and very friendly, not to mention a great steel drummer. Our guests were very happy and I would certainly recommend her.
Response from Josanne Francis:
It was indeed my pleasure performing for your family & friends! Especially the unique connections that we discovered!
Josanne did a great job. Everyone at our party enjoyed the music. She played happy birthday when requested. Very good experience.
I hired Josanne for my Brunch party. She was on time, super professional and everyone enjoyed hearing her play. I would definite hire her again for future events.
Thanks so much Joanne for your wonderful steel pan music. Everyone was so happy to have so much beautiful music. You are the best. Thanks 🙏
Response from Josanne Francis:
You are very welcome!!!
Price Range: $300 and up
Gig Length: 10 - 180 minutes
Languages: English, A Little Spanish
A client would expect to see a very beautiful Caribbean woman in a place you won't expect---behind the steeldrum! Not only is she beautiful, her music is moving, engaging, and expressive. Intricate melodic passages, simple melodies, familiar tunes with subtle nuances- all produced with a wand-like touch as she appears to glide her mallets over the notes on her drum, all the while moving to the beat. Josanne Francis' performance is a whole experience.
Professional character - Josanne is very easy to work with and conducts herself in a very professional manner both on stage and off stage. She has performed for audiences at venues ranging from patrons at bars to embassies where she entertained diplomats, presidents and prime ministers.
Born and raised in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Josanne Francis is an internationally known steelpan performer and music educator. Her music delivers that special 'extra' that separates her from even the greats, and catapults listeners into a unique and exceptional place.
With hands that seem to float like the wings of a butterfly with a 'wand-like' touch, her music is not devoid of power when needed. Ms. Francis' music blends together and draws influences from traditional Calypso music, Jazz, Indian, Funk, Rock and Classical music- a unique mix which is not typical for the instrument.
Josanne has performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, and has appeared as a guest artist at festivals and universities across the United States, including the San Juan Conservatory of Music, San Juan Puerto Rico and the Caramoor Jazz Festival, NY. Josanne was recently one of 6 Artists in Residence at Strathmore for the (phone number hidden)8 season. She currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Cultural Academy for Excellence, Inc. and runs her own steelpan educational company called Steel on Wheels Inc.
- Will not perform in direct sunlight (must be covered by tent) as this would affect the tuning of my instrument
- Will require access to outlet for trio and solo performances where I would be using tracks
- No electricity required for unaccompanied performance (for example, beach wedding ceremony)
| August 12, 2023 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Birthday Party |
| June 05, 2021 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Baby Shower |
| August 09, 2020 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
| July 02, 2020 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
| March 14, 2020 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Cocktail Party |
| February 07, 2020 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
Set list is massive!
Many
Varies
Chantilly, VA 
Steel Drum Player
14 Verified Bookings Vanna C. said “Sherwin Performed at my 50th Birthday party. He arrived early and was a true professional. All my guest raved about his performance. He was engaging,…”
Bowie, MD
Steel Drum Band
18 Verified Bookings Caitlin E. said “Having Lennard at our Summer Picnic made the entire event! The vibes were so good, and everyone had an amazing time!! Highly recommend!!”
Baltimore, MD
Steel Drum Player
36 Verified Bookings Linda S. said “Andre made our small gathering special! Everyone loved his music. He was very professional, contacted me in advance to ask about attire, arrived well…”
Alexandria, VA
Caribbean/Island Music
8 Verified Bookings Chris L. said “Stacy was hired as the main steel drummer for both of my properties. We had mini getaway parties by the pool and Stacy added awesome flavor to the parties.…”
List your services
Log In
