On April 29 at Fulford Hall Magenta Music presents the sounds of the Caribbean with Bernard Fernandes and his steel drums, our own Saltspring version of a Caribbean Carnival called Steelpan Extravaganza.  Bernard is bringing a set of steel drums for this event, and in tandem with Swing Shift Big Band there will be a concert featuring him, his workshop participants, and a few sax solos from Monik Nordine.

Monik and Bernard met up in Port of Spain this February to hear the pans at the Panorama competition after a two year hiatus because of Covid, and what a party! Bernard will be bringing twelve tenor pans to Salt Spring for people to try out at Fulford Hall – the newest pan band on the coast.  Joining Swing Shift Big band as a soloist for some of their repertoire is sure to be an ear tingling experience with some added spice from Monik Nordine on the alto saxophone.

Originator of the bands ‘SweetPan Entertainment’ and ‘Carib X Press’, Bernard performs as a solo artist on steel drums, piano, vocals, & guitar. He has arranged for and/or led La Tropical, Karib Brass, Cinnamon, Fernandes & Co, Sweet Pan & Panarimba. With Fernandes & Co, an instrumental & vocal group featuring Caribbean, Latin & North American music, Bernard released a CD of all original music in 1994. For three years, prior to the closing of the Music Gallery he was Music Entertainer at Science World, BC. Finishing his music degree in 1992, he makes his living teaching, making & composing music.

Bernard will be bringing twelve tenor pans for folks to try out in the workshop at Fulford Hall on April 29.  The Steel Pan Food Truck will be joining us at Fulford Hall with some Caribbean delicacies and colourful clothing and dancing is highly encouraged.   

Workshops will run in the hall from 3pm to 6pm and the concert will take place from 7pm to 10pm

The cost for the workshop is from $39 to $99 depending on the amount of time and includes admission to the concert.  Concert tickets are $20

Tickets and sign-up are at Mondo and Company in Ganges

Sponsored by: Apple Photo, Mondo and Company, The Steelpan Foodtruck, Bandemonium Music Society and The Salt Spring Jazz and Blues Society