Calypso & Reggae Bands

Want to transform your party or event into a tropical paradise?
The award-winning The Steel Magnolias are just what you're looking for! We are a group of women who play beautiful island music as well as popular favorites on authentic steel drums from Trinidad. We even bring along our own festive decorations to create the ambience of the islands. Our set includes decorative sand and water, a treasure chest filled with sparkling jewels, lighted palm trees and fish, as well as a crocodile, parrot and flamingos that move to our music! We also have bubble machines to add to the atmosphere! Would your guests like to try dancing in a conga line or under a limbo pole? No problem, just let us know! We can even dress them up in island shirts, hula skirts and leis. Our area's only all-acoustic steel drum band (no recorded back-ups), the Steel Magnolias are perfect for parties, weddings and corporate events.
Here are somements from a few of our satisfied
Steel Magnolias' music captivates the audience and draws them in to listen and have fun. Everyone from kids to adults -- enjoyed the band's performance, and your presence is so lively and energetic! Your colorful set creates an atmosphere that is so cute and engaging .
- Carolezoom Patterson, Program Manager, Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts
The music was GREAT. I truly believed it got everyone in a festive fun mood for the evening. Thanks for being part of a record breaking event.
- Heidi Albertson, U. of Oregon Club, Board of Directors
I have had the opportunity to hear this great group play a number of times and have continually been impressed with their performance. The music is upbeat, great to listen to and does not prevent guests from conversing with each other. To hear them makes one want to hear them again.
- Jean Phelps, Executive Dir., Relief Nursery
I wanted express my extreme thanks for the Steel Magnolia's concert you held at our Training and Support Center. What a great afternoon we had together! The band was very professional in handling the business and set-up side of the transaction and then incredibly fun in supporting our event.
- Gary Gray, EVP, Umpqua Bank
We loved your music!! it was so festive and we had lots of people tell us how uplifting and great your music was. Thank you again for playing for !
- Mary Lou Finigan, Eventmittee Chair
Your entire band looked like they were having so much fun! Your music put everyone in a festive mood. It was great to see so many people with smiles on their faces and a large party of that had to do with feeling like they were on vacation with your island music. Thank you.
- Molly England, 2005 Rotary Club Auction Chair
About the band:
Susan Minor, Director, divides her time between family, friends, and music. Her passion is writing and teaching curriculum-based musicals in elementary schools, where she also shares her many smaller steel pans, providing hands-on workshops for students of all ages. A native of sunny Florida, island music brings sunshine to her heart.
Tama Rowan has spent her life contributing musically to hermunity as a performer, school fine arts director and music teacher. In addition, she has conducted several choirs, including the Junior Boychoir of the Oregon Children's Choir, and has served as Vocal Director for the Rose Children's Theater. When she's not making music, Tama can be found with her family participating in one of many activities they are all enjoy.
Liz Diehl is a whirlwind of creativity, and is internationally known for her unique and beautiful needlework designs. Her musical path began as a child in Kansas, and included 10 years with a symphony orchestra before moving to the Northwest to start her family. We feel very fortunate to have this talented and busy woman make time to play with us!
Donna Courtell has sung professionally in New York City, Los Angeles, the Pacific Northwest, and in Kansa City opposite Tanya Tucker. Locally, she sings with the Starliters and Blue Skies big bands, and the Jewel Tones group. She even has time to deliver singing telegrams, perform in dinner shows, and run her own talent agency! In addition to singing, Donna plays a variety of percussion instruments for our band.
Barb Ewing is a southwestern soul whose path led to the beautiful Northwest in 1980. She is an elementary music teacher, and has sung in several chamber choirs, from college days to the Eugene Vocal Arts Ensemble. Barb plays many instruments, is fascinated with steel drums, and performs around Eugene, mostly on keyboard. She loves playing piano with her daughter, Melodie, and working on projects with her husband, Steven.
Debi Noel taught music for 17 years in elementary schools, and is currently teaching at the college level. She sings with the Blue Skies Big Band and the Jewel Tones , participates in musical theatre, and plays piano, recorder, accordion, and now steel drums! Debi also enjoys dancing, the outdoors, and spending time with her life partner Gary and their golden retriever.
Click on the following links for our other services:
Eugene, Portland Oregon Hawaiian Luau's
Eugene OR, Portland Polynesian & Hawaiian Bands
Eugene OR, Portland Steel Drum Players
Eugene OR, Portland Wedding Bands

Among other cities, Steel Magnolias may serve the following areas: Portland, Salem, Eugene, Beaverton, Bend, Corvallis, Medford, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Banks, Chiloquin, Springfield, Tigard, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oak Grove, Burns, Aloha, Cottage Grove, Gresham, Keizer, Lake Grove, Lake Oswego, Newport, Cedar Mill, Albany, Kerby, Pleasant Hill, Cave Junction