Chris Arpad, Neighbor

Solo Steel Pannist Chris Arpad radiates a laid-back beach party vibe somewhere between Margaritaville and Tommy Bahama style. It’s a role he’s enjoyed for over three decades - an ambassador of genuine joy and good times. His infectious steel drum melodies and smooth vocals invoke an easy mood of celebration, perfect for an island state of mind escape. And who doesn’t love a little island getaway?

Over the years Chris Arpad and his steel pan artistry has been prominently featured for many notable island theme promotions: with Cayman Islands division of tourism, Air Jamaica Vacation events, and Levi’s First Stage performances in 2000 & 2001 for Jimmy Buffett Memorial Day concerts. And the 2006 Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, “Smooth Sounds of Summer” promotion where he opened for bands Foreigner, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Los Lobos concerts. You may have seen his past televised performances for the 40th & 44th annual Miss USA Pageants, or his appearance for the “Art Gallery episode” performance for the TV series “Live Like A Star” – all fun events.

Arpad began his steel pan career in Wichita, Kansas at Wichita State University in 1985, where he formed his first band, Stainless Steel. The group was a regional success at the time, billed as “the Midwest’s Only Steel Drum Band”, touring the states of Minnesota, Kentucky, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. Stainless Steel opened concerts and shared stages with such notable acts as Carlos Santana, Andy Narell, Stanley Jordan, comedian Sinbad, Tower of Power, Bonnie Raitt, Head East, Jeff Healey, and Steel Pulse; appearing at the annual South by Southwest, aka “SXSW”, Music and Media Festival held in Austin Texas, in 1990 and 1991.

Chris Arpad is proud to entertain at annual Cancer Survivor events in Riverside, CA, as well as the many special concert events for Convalescent Care and Medical Care Center facilities he has had the opportunity to perform. Music is healing and it shows on the faces of all it reaches. Recently Chris shared his performance at the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity in Costa Mesa, CA raising over $60k for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.