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Ray's Island Sounds
- Lafayette, LA
- Steel Drum Band
- Travels up to 500 miles
- $300-$1500
Overview
Watch the video! You'll just know you've heard ocean waves crashing against the beach while Ray's Island Sounds provides a Caribbean backdrop to your festive party. Whether you're planning a luau, engagement party, wedding, or corporate event, Ray's Island Sounds brings the tropical paradise to you. Ray's setup is compact and plays lead pan with a Bose sound system that provides the highest quality of sound. Listen to audio samples. Compare and notice the authenticity of instruments featured like marimbas, vibraphones, and brake drums. What you hear is (really) what you get. Ray's Island Sounds captures that undeniable Caribbean feel that transports you to an island... wherever you are!
16 Reviews
As a first time Gig Salad user, I wasn't sure what to expect and Ray's Island Sounds really beat my expectations. Most importantly of course, his steel drum sounds were perfect for our luau-inspired event and he performed for the full three hours! We got so many compliments from our guests. As the party host, I have to say that his professionalism was just as important to the success of our event and to my peace of mind. His bid was clear and complete. I knew exactly what we were paying for (versus other bids where it was hard to tell how many instruments, what equipment, who would be playing at our event, etc.). Ray made it easy to arrange everything electronically. He arrived well in advance at the venue so he knew where to set up and then returned to get everything in place right on time. He also worked well with the other entertainment (hula dancer) we had scheduled by helping connect her music to his sound system. I know I sound like I'm a paid reviewer, but I promise I am really just a very satisfied customer. I would definitely use Ray for a future event!
Steel Drum Player
Ray's Island Sounds played at a wedding reception that we hosted. Ray was very professional and the music was fantastic!! He had a wide variety of songs and everyone really enjoyed it. We will definitely use him again!
Steel Drum Player
Ray was better than I had imaged. The music that he played at our tropical party made everyone feel as if they were at the islands. Friendly, very professional, great music. Thanks Ray!!!
One Man Band, Steel Drum Band, Steel Drum Player, Caribbean/Island Music
Ray was friendly and extremely nice throughout the entire booking process. The Steel Drums were a huge hit with our guests and everyone from the kids, adults, and employees were amazed with how cool the sounds were. It was unique and provided the perfect ambience for our Island/Luau themed party! Thanks Ray!
Steel Drum Player
Response from Ray's Island Sounds:
Thank you so much! It was a pleasure.
Nice sound with an easy, friendly steel drum player who was willing to play whatever we asked
Steel Drum Player
We booked Ray for a pool party and he was awesome!! Everyone was blown away by his steel drums and full set up. He played great island tunes and made us feel like we were on a beach! We will definitely be booking him for future pool parties!
Beach Music, Steel Drum Player, Caribbean/Island Music
Ray was hired to provide entertainment for an upcoming Caribbean wedding and he provided the perfect mood for this party. The Bride and Groom were blown away by the ambiance he created. Not only is he a fine musician, Ray was such a pleasure to work with. All the pre-planning was very easy; he arrived early and took care of his own set-up and I think he would have played all night if we had wanted him to. I hope to hire him again!
Beach Music, Caribbean/Island Music
We had Ray for a party out by our pool and he was fabulous and really set a wonderfully festive tone for the party that got everyone in the Caribbean spirit. Fabulous island sound that our guests have been raving about all week.
Steel Drum Player
I booked Ray for my daughter's backyard Luau birthday party. He contacted me promptly, arrived early and stayed late. His set up was very professional from his equipment to his attire. He even brought drum sticks from each of the kids to play a special song with him. Everyone at the party raved about the music and now their daughter's all want the same Luau party with Ray. His music was simply awesome and the steel drum was so unique. The sounds brought you to the Islands!! Ray is fun, polite and great to work with. He would be perfect for a variety of different events. You will not be disappointed - book him!!
Beach Music, Hawaiian Entertainment, Steel Drum Player
Ray did a beautiful job! He was very professional and nice.
I had special requests for my wedding and he was able to accommodate them all.
His music was the perfect touch we were looking for.
Beach Music
Ray's Island Sounds was the perfect addition to our donor recognition event. His music provided a festive, welcoming atmosphere and kept guests entertained. Ray was professional, prompt and very courteous. We would definitely use him again.
Caribbean/Island Music
Ray's Island Sounds is FANTASTIC! I booked him for a wedding on a chartered boat. The bride, groom, and guests were huge fans by the time the boat docked at the end of the wedding! As the wedding planner, I enjoyed working with Ray. He was so accommodating, fun, and willing to go the extra mile..without being asked! He was always a step ahead of the game. I appreciate his hard work and of course his talent! Excellent music! Overall satisfaction was incredible!! Thanks so much, Ray!
Ray's Island Sounds played at our double graduation party - age group was varied. Music was great for the whole evening, and we received numerous compliments. Thanks so much to Ray for making the double grad party a huge success. HIGHLY recommended and we will use his services again. Kim
Caribbean/Island Music, One Man Band, Steel Drum Player
Highly satisfied with Rays Island Sounds! Ray was very professional and has an amazing talent on top of a great attitude! He was a delight to have at our dinner event. The Board Members were thrilled to have such a fun and relaxing event in the middle of a hectic conference. Ray's music transported us from Texas to the Caribbean with only a few beats of the steel drum! Thank you Ray! You were great!
Caribbean/Island Music, Steel Drum Player
Rays talents are second to none! Felt we were in the Caribbean. He plays a great mix of familiar tunes but with a Steel Drum Caribbean feel. Very professional and accommodating. Our poolside party was the talk of our friends for many months!
Caribbean/Island Music
I've used Ray for many of my beach weddings & he is great! You can't go wrong with Ray!
Caribbean/Island Music, Beach Music
Booking Info
Price Range: $300-$1500
Gig Length: 30 - 300 minutes
What to Expect
A client of Ray's Island Sounds can expect to feel that cool Caribbean vibe instantly at their venue. The soothing sounds of the steel drum are the perfect touch to any party. Professional stage lighting can be provided as well which gives ambiance to night or indoor gatherings. Volume is a consideration and is always determined by the client. A background whisper to a rockin' reggae block party can all be handled with Ray's bose sound system.
PAST CLIENTS INCLUDE: Palace Casino and Resort, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Silver Slipper Casino, The Warf, Aquarium of the Americas N.O., Audubon Zoo, Tommy Bahama Co., Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition, New Orleans Lawn and Tennis Club, Southern Mississippi Alumni Association, Le Triomphe Country Club, Houston Yacht Club, Southern Yacht Club, Diver's Destination, All the Details Beach Weddings, Kiwanis southern regional convention, University of Louisiana, Krewe of Triton, Krewe of Gabriel, Krewe of Rio, Comfort Suites Hotels...
About
Ray's Island Sounds provides steel drum band entertainment as a solo, duo, or trio performance ensemble. Ray has over 25 years of experience entertaining clients at numerous venues as a soloist or with a band.
His steel drum blends well with a number of genres of music. Ray’s songlist consists of Calypso, Reggae, Latin, and Brazilian musical styles. Ray also covers popular artists such as Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet, Jason Mraz, Kenny Chesney, Harry Belafonte, and others.
No job is too big or too small. Also, a variety of moods can be created with the sounds of the steel voice. Whether you want light dinner music, a full blown company cookout, cool grooves by the pool, or a night time backyard bash, let Ray’s Island Sounds be a part of it.
Additional Booking Notes
Ray only requires a 4'-4' space and typical electrical power for solo performance.
Services Offered
Past Booked Events
| September 04, 2021 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Birthday Party |
| December 21, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Christmas Luau / Lafayette, LA |
| November 02, 2019 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Fundraiser / New Orleans |
| October 26, 2019 • All-day event | LSU Tailgating |
| October 18, 2019 • All-day event | Private Event |
| October 20, 2018 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Private Party / Lafayette, LA |
| September 22, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Fiesta / Lafayette, LA |
| September 15, 2018 • 7:00pm - 9:30pm | Private Party / Baton Rouge |
| September 03, 2018 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | River Ranch Poolside / Lafayette, LA |
| September 01, 2018 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Fundraiser / Longview, TX |
| August 22, 2018 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Hilliard Art Museum / Lafayette, LA |
| July 28, 2018 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Birthday Party / Houma, LA |
| July 04, 2018 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | River Ranch Poolside / Lafayette, LA |
| June 30, 2018 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| June 23, 2018 • 10:30am - 3:00pm | Peach Festival / Ruston, LA |
| June 21, 2018 • 6:45pm - 8:00pm | Private Party / Lafayette, LA |
| June 15, 2018 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm | Private Party / New Orleans, LA |
| June 13, 2018 • 3:15pm - 4:30pm | The Blake / Lafayette, LA |
| June 06, 2018 • 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Audubon Zoo / New Orleans, LA |
| June 02, 2018 • 9:00am - 1:00pm | Library Performance / Deridder, LA |
| May 28, 2018 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | River Ranch Poolside / Lafayette, LA |
| May 27, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Private Party / Lafayette, LA |
| May 19, 2018 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Pirate Day in the Bay / Bay St. Louis, MS |
| May 05, 2018 • 6:30pm - 8:00pm | Krewe of Bonaparte / Lafayette, LA |
| April 26, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Cross International / Lafayette, LA |
| April 07, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Private Party Engagement / Metairie, LA |
| March 03, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Private Party Engagement / Lafayette, LA |
| February 24, 2018 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| February 13, 2018 • 10:30am - 2:00pm | Mardi Gras / Lafayette, LA |
| February 10, 2018 • 11:00am - 2:00pm | Island Cruises / Biloxi, MS |
| January 27, 2018 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| June 01, 2017 • 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Audubon Zoo / New Orleans, LA |
| April 07, 2017 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Rehearsal Dinner / New Orleans, LA |
| March 11, 2017 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| February 11, 2017 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| February 11, 2017 • 9:30am - 11:15am | The Blake / Lafayette, LA |
| February 04, 2017 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Mardi Gras Party / Bogalusa, LA |
| January 07, 2017 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| December 03, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| November 19, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| October 22, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| October 15, 2016 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| October 08, 2016 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Yacht Club / Cypermort Pt., LA |
| October 02, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | The Gathering of Artists / Opelousas, LA |
| October 01, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | The Gathering of Artists / Opelousas, LA |
| September 30, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | The Gathering of Artists / Opelousas, LA |
| September 10, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| September 09, 2016 • 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Private Party / Metairie, LA |
| August 27, 2016 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Private Party / Lafayette, LA |
| August 27, 2016 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Pool Side River Ranch / Lafayette, LA |
| August 20, 2016 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Private Party / Alexandria, LA |
| August 13, 2016 • 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Private Party / Baton Rouge, LA |
| August 06, 2016 • 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Private Party / Cypermort Pt, LA |
| July 30, 2016 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Private Party / Alexandria, LA |
| July 29, 2016 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Private Party / Biloxi, MS |
| July 23, 2016 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Private Party / Combine, TX |
| July 16, 2016 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| July 02, 2016 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | River Ranch CC / Lafayette, LA |
| June 25, 2016 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Pirate Day / Bay St. Louis, MS |
| June 24, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Nunmaker Yachts / Madisonville, LA |
| June 18, 2016 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | River Ranch CC / Lafayette, LA |
| June 11, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception / Port O Connor, TX |
| June 09, 2016 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Audubon Zoo / New Orleans, LA |
| June 04, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Diamond Jacks Casino / Bossier City, LA |
| June 01, 2016 • 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Audubon Zoo / New Orleans, LA |
| May 28, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| May 13, 2016 • 5:45pm - 6:45pm | LPSS Arts Expo / Lafayette, LA |
| May 07, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| April 30, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| April 09, 2016 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Private Party / New Orleans, LA |
| April 02, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | City Park / New Orleans |
| March 12, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Company Party / New Orleans, LA |
| March 05, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Engagement Party / Metairie, LA |
| February 27, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| January 23, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| November 21, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
| November 18, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Aquarium of the Americas / New Orleans, LA |
| November 10, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Private Party / Beaumont, TX |
| September 19, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Private Party / Lafayette, LA |
| September 12, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Regatta LA / Lake Arthur, LA |
Set List
ISLAND CALYPSO
Anna
Archie
Ask
Cruisin Jamaica
El Caribe
Jamaica Farewell
Light Footin
Lornabarret
Mary Ann
My Lady
Ritmo Suave
Rum and Coca Cola
Sarah
Sunset
Tobago Jam
Yellow Bird
ISLAND LATIN
Bailando La Soca
Brazilian
Cachita
Canadian Sunset
Deserted Island
Fiesta Latina
Guantanamera
Hot Hot Hot
Island Currents
South of the Border
ISLAND POP
Another Day in Paradise
Cantina Band
Come Monday
Evening Walk
Fernando
Fields of Gold
Groovin
I do Adore Her
It’s Five O’clock Somewhere
Just the Two of Us
Margaritaville
My Lady of the Gulf
No Shoes No Shirt No Problem
Put Your Records On
Red Red Wine
Small Embrace
Spanish Eyes
Sunday Morning
Under the Sea
When the Sun Goes Down
Ya Ya
You are my Sunshine
ISLAND REGGAE
I’m Yours
I Shot the Sheriff
Iko Iko
Is This Love
Kingston Town
A Message to You Rudy
Montego Bay
One Love
Pretty Girl
Reggae Blues
Three Little Birds
ISLAND HAWAII
Aloha Oe
Blue Hawaii
The Hukilau
Pearly Shells
Sweet Someone
Tiny Bubbles
War Chant
ISLAND WEDDING
Ave Maria
Bridal Chorus
Canon in D
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Ode to Joy
Panis Angelicus
Salve Regina
Simple Gifts
Tantum Ergo
Trumpet Voluntary
Two Minuets
Wedding March
I'm Yours
Kiss the Girl
Over the Rainbow
What a Wonderful World
Lucky
You and I
ISLAND CHRISTMAS
Good King Wenceslas
Deck the Halls
Happy Christmas
Jingle Bells
Let it Snow
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
White Christmas
Influences & Inspiration
Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, Tito Puente, Harry Belafonte, Andy Narell, Spyro Gyra, Sting
Setup Requirements
A simple grounded outlet at least 25 feet from performance area
Testimonials
We just want to say "thank you" Ray for providing wonderful music for our surprise birthday party this past Saturday. Your music was enjoyed by all!! The guests had nothing but wonderful compliments about your music and talent. Thanks to you and your music the mood of the party remained upbeat and joyous at all times. Not to mention that you had it all under control and I had one less thing to worry about! Thanks again Ray for driving out to the big state of Texas and sharing your amazing musical talent with us!
– Anna and Bruce Buchanan - Fort Worth, TX
"Perfect"
– All The Details Beach Weddings - Gulf Shores, AL
Ray provided a performance that was precisely what we had discussed. He showed up early to allow plenty of time for setup. He was conscientious and tailored his performance depending upon what was happening at the anniversary event. People who attended are still talking positively about his performance three weeks later. Thanks Ray!
– Shannon Schiro - Franklinton, LA
Ray did a fabulous job from the moment we booked him for the cocktail hour of our daughter's four hour reception. He contacted us immediately to find out what we were looking for and continued to provide us with peace of mind all the way through his performance. Our guests were delighted to be able to talk without having to shout to be heard and at the same time having a true party tone set for the rest of the evening. Other compliments for Ray from our guests were that he was really enjoying making great music. We were thoroughly satisfied with Ray and would definitely recommend him to anyone considering using his talents for their event. Thanks Ray!
– Mary Lou Imbraguglio - New Orleans, LA
Everything was perfect. Ray's Island Sounds helped us pull off a "storybook" beach wedding. He handled a special request the day before the event. We had at least 20 of our guests say this was the best wedding they had ever been to.
– Sam and Shelly Parks - Galveston, TX
Thank you so much for playing at our home for our party. You made the party! Your setup was so professional, and the music was perfect for the occasion. Everyone at the party felt like they were in already in Jamaica! I didn’t have to worry about a thing because I knew you had it covered. The party wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without you there. My husband and I will certainly be calling you in the future for similar occasions! Thank you so much for everything!
– Kristen and Blaine Breaux - New Orleans, LA