There is nothing that transports you to an island party quicker than the sounds of a real Steel “Pan” Band, and with 15 regular members, “The Panhandlers” are the biggest steel band in Vermont.
This group has a lot more to offer than just quantity as it’s members (spanning 6 decades in age) have been pounding out huge happy sounds from their recycled 55 gallon oil drums for 5 years now, much to the delight of listeners across New England. The band’s rigorous practice regime and heavy performance schedule has polished it to a shine that matches the chrome of the “front line”.
It’s members have performed at parades, gazebos, parties and festivals; such as The Green Mountain Chew Chew, The Quechee Balloon Festival, The Tunbridge Worlds Fair, The Rutland Ethnic Festival, The Strolling of the Heifers, Lake Champlains Northern Lights Cruise Ship, and The Vermont Brewers Festival, and a host of others.
The mainstay of the bands repertoire is of the island variety but ranges from easy going calypsos like Jamaica Farewell and Yellow Bird, spicier numbers like Hot Hot Hot and Oye Como Va, to all out turbo powered competition pieces from Trinidad's “Panorama festival.”
This band’s music seems to speak to everyone across the wide spectrum of age and musical taste, setting toes tapping and inviting hips to move. The Panhandlers take you to a place where the cares of the world melt away into visions of white sand, azure blue water, swaying palm trees, and having FUN!
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