Please contact me as early as possible, the summer is my busiest period and I hate to disappoint.

I have a vast experience of performing at weddings; processional music can be provided, also during the signing of the register (please contact me for details) and also for cocktail receptions, birthday parties, barbeques, Caribbean events and beach parties of all types, even wakes and pirate ships!

As a soloist I normally perform a mixture of lively calypso, soca, reggae, ska, pop and MOR with my own pre-recorded backing tracks, giving the effect of a full acoustic band, ideal for events and venues where space or budget are limited. I carefully arrange and produce these tracks myself making use of live percussion and pan multi-tracking produced to much higher standards than commercially available backing tracks. The pan is not loud and raucous, a soloist is ideal for those smaller scale venues when a band would simply be too much, and the sound is more akin to that of a cocktail pianist or string quartet. Conversely the pan can be miked up and amplified, to provide music for larger-scale and outdoor events.

If you require my acoustic classical sets, please advise me in advance, there is no extra charge for this, but I will need to bring the appropriate extra instruments (double-tenors) with me.

Playing times are usually 2 x 45 minute or 3 x 30 minute sets, although longer times can be agreed, and I always appreciate refreshments during my breaks!

I need approximately 5 foot square (more if I bring the double-tenors) of flat, level playing area, with safe access to one electric socket. If your event is outdoors, I need a shaded area (direct sunlight can damage the pan), and it is advisable to have a contingency plan in the event of bad weather, as I cannot play in the rain.

Please let me know if there is no access to an electric socket (i.e. your event is in the middle of a field) so I can bring my battery-powered "Amp-Can".

I do not play as part of a band, but do perform as a duo with Jim Bernardin (subject to availability)

With over twenty years performing experience you can rest assured that I appreciate the importance of punctuality and reliability, and that I consistently offer the highest possible standards in all areas of my service. I will always endeavor to make your event a special event.

Please take a look at the Repertoire page for more information on the music I play, and for music clips please visit myspace.com/rachelhayward

Praise for Rachel's performances:

"Thank you so much for helping to make our big day so perfect! You were fantastic and will come highly recommended by us in the future"
Annie and Steve

"Thanks again for making our birthday really wonderful! Everyone said how they absolutely loved the music and for many of them it was the first time hearing live steelpan so it was really special!"
Helene Laurent

" I just wanted to thank you for making our wedding so brilliant. We had an amazing time and have had so many great comments about you."
Anaya Rahim

"Thank you so much for your fantastic steelband playing at our wedding, everyone there was so impressed and kept saying how wonderful you were!"
Shivana and Paul