Trinidad North Steel Drum Band

Anyone who knows anything about the History of steel drums in America will tell you about David Gettes and his band Trinidad North. Since 1985 Trinidad North has brought their infectious sweet sound to literally millions of people. They have performed in Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos, the US Virgin Islands, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, Costa Rica and the United States, where they are based. David Gettes was one of the first individuals to "scientifically study" the building and tuning of steel drums, beginning in the 1980s under the direction of the legendary , Ellie Mannette" of Woodbrook Trinidad AKA "The father of the modern steel drum". David became Ellie's apprentice and studied with him for 7 years learning many guarded secrets and techniques on how to build, tune as well as perform on all the different steel drums (Pans) that comprise a Steel Orchestra. Some 30 + years later, and after building a few school steel drum programs in the United States, and Turks and Caicos, David and Trinidad North are now performing the music that always makes people feel good. Trinidad North usually perform as a duo (solo and trio also available). People often comment they sound like a trio or four piece as the drum set - steel drum rhythms are so tight, and the steel drums that David tunes and plays, produce both a haunting deep sound and the characteristic higher pitched happy steel drum sound, at the same time, resulting in Trinidad North's characteristic 'fuller' sound. David developed his signature technique/sound performing along side other passionate steel pan greats including Andy and Jeff Narell, Jit Samaroo (Renegades Steel Orchestra from Port of Spain, Trinidad), Robert Greenidge (w/ Jimmy Buffett, and the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra from Laventille, Trinidad); Joel Keel (Rolly Grey and Sunfire, Tobago) Anthony Cezair (Pepper Pot Steel Orchestra, Florida); and the Trinidad and Tobago Steel Band of Baltimore – TNT Baltimore. Regional drummers that perform with Trinidad North include: Chris Henning (drummer with NFL films- Dean of the Music Dept. at West Chester University), Mike Windish (drummer with /Chubby Checker); Paul Downie (drummer with Sonoma Sound); Wesley Rast (drummer with Cultureal- Reggae Band, Dance and Drum Instructor at Princeton University and Swarthmore College); and David's favorite drummer, his son, Jeremy Gettes. Trinidad North has performed at parades, graduations, weddings, private parties, business openings, conventions, fund raisers, senior communities, backyards, hospitals, and all kinds of festivals. They have performed on yachts, battleships, and rooftops, in zoos, museums, libraries, elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges and universities, botanical gardens, parks, and stadiums. Trinidad North performs regularly for Autism, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Heart Care, PTSD, and HIV/AIDS charity fundraisers. They were selected for public and private performances for VIP's attending concerts with: Earth, Wind and Fire, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, The Roots w/ Snoop Dogg. They also played a fundraiser with the Wailers (Bob Marley's remaining band) in Times Square NYC for Veterans with Brain Trauma Injuries. Trinidad North was recently (October 2014) featured on CBS News, NBC National Nighty News, ABC News (Good Morning America) and CNN, for their impromptu performance on the PA turnpike to calm motorists stuck in a long traffic jam following a bad multi vehicle accident. It turned into a limbo dance party, and has come to symbolize the positive attitude Trinidad North bring to every event they perform at. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please read their reviews on our site and listen to their song files. They are truly exceptional, love to perform, and are professional in all aspects. They would be the perfect group to hire to make your event wonderful. They typically play a mix of Island music- old and new Calypso, Reggae, and SOCA, along with Bossa Nova, Jazz and even Rock standards, all on steel drums!! However, with more than 200 songs in their repertoire they are able to customize the music to fit your event as you desire. They have been hired through Gigmasters more than 90 times and every client has left positive feedback! Many stated they would hire them again in a heartbeat, without any hesitation. Trinidad North is without question a first class act in every way, To see if they are available we suggest you contact them as soon as possible as they book up in advance, especially on warm weather weekends.