Dr. D has over 10 years experience with the steel drum playing live events. For two years, he led the tenor section of the Florida Memorial Steel Ensemble, which won the World Steelband Festival in 2000. Formerly of the island band "Pan Paradise," Dr. D has made a name for himself in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area, performing solo at the area's annual Rolly Roundup and headlining twice a month at the Bimini Boatyard Bar & Grill in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Dr. D (or Donnel as he is also known) is synonymous with reliable, professional steel-drumming, making it a point to arrive at least 1 hour early at every event.
Also known as "Dr. D" or "The Singing Panman", Donnel was born in Trinidad and Tobago and has always had a crush on the national instrument. The Steel Drum, or Steelpan as it is known to Trinis, resonated with him from the first time he heard a note played. However, his parents forbade him to join a steelband, for fear that he would be exposed to the violent conflict that sometimes resulted from band rivalries. Consequently, the desire to play was suppressed for over 10 years.
That all changed in 2000 when Donnel migrated to the United States. He joined the Florida Memorial Steel Band at FMU under the watchful eye of Dr. Dawn Batson. Using all that pent-up enthusiasm to his advantage, he dedicated himself to the craft. He learned in the shadow of such contemporary greats as Khuent Rose, Leon "Foster" Thomas, and Freddy Harris III.
He remained with the band through all four years of college. At the same time, Donnel led the bass/baritone section of the Ambassador Chorale (hence the nickname "the Singing Panman"). Since that fateful Fall day in 2000, Dr. D never looked back.
In a way, the steel drum was his first love. He genuinely believes it makes every song sound better. Even after concluding his legal studies at Nova Southeastern University, Dr. D continued to perform at weddings and other social events, from Naples to Key West. Donnel and his steel drum are available for bookings as a solo artist, duet, or three to six member band for weddings, parties or corporate events.
