With an extensive repertoire of traditional socas, calypsos, beguines, and other styles, the Panhandlers have become a mainstay at a number of Bay Area events, including the San Francisco Aids Walk, numerous community concert series, and the annual Pan in the Schools Jamboree, a day long festival for elementary and high school steel bands. In 2002, the group became the “unofficial steel band” of the San Francisco Giants, when they were invited to perform at the Playoffs and World Series at Pacific Bell Park.

The CSM Panhandlers have recorded 4 CDs, to date - all of which have been enthusiastically applauded by the steel pan community and the general public. Their recordings feature original compositions by renowned composers, fresh arrangements of classics, and innovative treatments of popular songs.

“Pacific Bell Park . . . There is a steel band, 15 members strong, from the Chabot Panhandlers of Chabot College in Hayward, California. Play ball. The World Series is back in San Francisco.” George Vecsey New York Times, October 23, 2002

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Join the Steel Drum Band Summer Session

The 2008 summer semester at the College of San Mateo will be structured for beginners with little, or no musical experience. Join us on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm and try your hand at this wonderful musical experience. You can register and sign up for classes on-line at http://collegeofsanmateo.edu/.

Course number (CRN): 53954 / Instructor: J. Munzenrider