Percussionist Steve Butters and his steel drum group, Pan Chicago, have been livening up the Chicago area with sounds of the Caribbean since 2000. Whether you're looking for the the beautiful subtlety of a solo steel drum, the party grooves of a duo, trio or quartet, or the exhilarating power of a full 12-piece steel orchestra, Pan Chicago will make your next event special.
Steve Butters
Steve Butters has been performing professionally in Chicago since 1991 after completing a graduate degree in music at the University of Illinois. He has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia as a soloist and a member of such diverse groups as Tone Road Ramblers, Ensemble NoAmnesia and Maverick Ensemble. He has recorded for the Opus One, Einstein and Drag City labels. Though still widely regarded as an interpreter of contemporary percussion music, Steve began focusing on the steel drum soon after moving to the Chicago area. In addition to performing, Steve is currently on the faculty of Elgin Community College, where he is the percussion instructor and directs the Elgin Community College Steel Band program.
ECC Steel Band
The Elgin Community College Steel Bands have been providing high-quality, authentic steel band music since 1987. These two high-energy 15-piece groups perform two concerts annually at the college, as well as performing at festivals, corporate events, private parties, parades and school assemblies throughout the year. The dedicated musicians of the ECC Steel Bands put on a show that is wonderfully entertaining and educational at the same time. Performances typically include discussions of the history and manufacture of the instruments, as well as information about the various styles of Caribbean music the band performs.
For more information about hiring the band, or hearing the band in concert, please contact the Elgin Community College Music Department at 847-214-7240 or get in touch with us here.
If you are interested in learning more about the steel pan, or percussion in general, Elgin Community College is the place to do it. In addition to directing the school's steel band program, Steve teaches private lessons that cover drumset, snare drum, marimba, vibraphone, timpani, orchestral percussion, latin percussion, and, of course, steel pan. All levels and all ages are welcome!
