The PANorama Caribbean Music Fest is a musical adventure set to the soothing sounds of steel pan music. The festival’s casual atmosphere appeals to the island community and people of all ages who are intrigued by the unique sounds and style of steel drum music! Fusing together the rhythm of steel bands, ocean breezes, and great Caribbean food, the breathtaking Virginia Beach oceanfront becomes an “island paradise” for the weekend.

A co-produced event between the Virginia Arts Festival and Beachevents, the PANorama Caribbean Music Festival at its core is a steel drum band competition featuring over 20 high school, college, and community bands from throughout the United States. Bands attend workshops on Friday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. These workshops are led by nationally-known steel drum artists and educators. On Saturday, the action moves to the 24th Street Park, where bands compete for ratings and the coveted Grand Champion Award.

In the evenings steel drum headliners play on the main stage. All performances are free to the public.

In 2008 PANorama Caribbean Music Fest was recognized as one of the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events. The festival also holds membership in the Student Youth Tour Association (SYTA).

2010 Headliners: Andy Narell and Friends with the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Steelband

Entertainment Schedule

Friday, May 7, 2010
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Steel Band Workshop at the Virginia Beach Convention Center featuring guest clinicians Dr. Larry Snider, Cliff Alexis and Dr. Eugene Novotney.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Headlining performance by Andy Narell and Friends and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Steelband

Saturday, May 8, 2010
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Steel Band PANorama festival featuring approximately 20 steel bands from all over the USA
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM, Steel Band PANorama Grand Champion Exhibition Performance
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Headlining performance by Andy Narell and Friends and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Steelband
Sponsored by Mallet Man, Smarty Pans, Engine Room Publishing, and the City of Virginia Beach.

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