Stanley E Dahl
- Web Site:
- http://www.myspace.com/jumbies
- Email:
- dahls@central.edu
- Phone:
- (515) 231-2120
Metro Arts is proud to feature steel drum musician Stan Dahl.
Currently assistant professor of percussion at Central College in Pella, Stan also directs and performs with Tropical Steel, a Des Moines-based steel band, and performs steel drums/vocals with the Caribbean-Funk band Jumbies. Among his many accomplishments, Stan performed with the Panyard Steel Orchestra at the 2007 Percussive Arts Society International Convention. The convention, the world’s largest percussion event, features more than 150 concerts, clinics, master classes, and presentations. Inspired by some of the world’s great reggae and Latin leaders, including Bob Marley, Santana, and Tito Puente, Stan says he enjoys performing any music that he can relate to, dance to, and relax to.
Stan has been with Metro Arts for 10 years and been active in Metro Arts Education on Location as well as Jazz in July. Stan will perform with Tropical Steel on May 23 at Yellow Banks Park campground though Education on Location. The public is invited to join and learn more about steel drumming.
Where it all began…
Growing up in the Jewell, Iowa, Stan learned to play the piano, drums, and guitar all in the 4th grade. Most students at that age begin to learn one instrument; Stan however decided he would become a master of all three. Stan continued playing all 3 instruments through elementary and middle school and once hitting South Hamilton High, he focused on playing percussion. After High School he went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Iowa State University.
Stan attended his first steel pan workshop in 1991 at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Originated in Trinidad, the steel drum is created out of a 55-gallon drum, typically the kind that stores oil. The steel pan can create sounds that range in several octaves and be used for many purposes. Steel pan music has been used in multiple forms of music genre, from sets of Broadway musicals to recordings to steel band performances. Stan continued playing steel pans and percussion at Arizona State University with the ASU Pandevils from 1994 – 1997. During this time he completed his graduate degree with a Master of Music in Percussion Performance.
Stan moved back to Iowa in 1997 where he purchased his own set of steel pans and became the director of the Des Moines-based steel band, Tropical Steel. Shortly after, Stan helped formed the Caribbean-funk band, Jumbies, where he performs steel pan and vocals. Both groups have been active with Metro Arts Jazz in July during the summers.
Honors and Awards….
As a clinician/artist, Stan has appeared at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference, Iowa Music Educators Association Conference and the International Association of Pan Convention. In 2000, Stan received grants from Central College and the Iowa Arts Council to research and study steel pan in Trinidad & Tobago. He has also given numerous lectures and performances on steel pan at colleges/universities, high school and elementary schools throughout the United States and Mexico. Stan is a member of Metro Arts artist roster as well as the Iowa Arts Council roster, offering steel pan workshops/residencies in schools and communities. Through these workshops, students learn about the history, folk songs and rhythms of Trinidad & Tobago through the playing of steel pans.
Stan has performed with musicians such as Andy Narell, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Liam Teague, Ken “Professor” Philmore, Ray Holman, Cliff Alexis, Chris Wabich, PANic All-Stars, Panyard Steel Orchestra, Deighton Charlemagne, Junior Gill and the BWIA Invaders. He has also recorded several CDs for steel pan with Tropical Steel, Jumbies, Central College Flying Pans Steel Band and his solo album Steel Drum Sounds of the Caribbean.
Upcoming Performances….
May 2 – solo performance
11-11:45am
“Learnapalooza”
West Des Moines Valley Southwoods
May 5
7:30-8:30pm
“Cinco de Mayo Percussion Celebration”
Central College Percussion Ensemble/Flying Pans Steel Band Concert
Central College, Pella
May 9 w/ Tropical Steel (also on July 18, Aug 8, Sept 12, Oct 3)
7-11am
Downtown Farmers Market
SW corner of 4th/Court Ave
Des Moines
May 9 w/ Flying Pans
6-7:30pm
Tulip Time
Pella Opera House
Pella
May 16 w/ Jumbies
8pm-Midnight
Cabanas
Rock Island, IL
May 22 w/ Jumbies
10pm-2am
The Industry
Iowa City
May 23 w/ Tropical Steel
6-8pm
Metro Arts: Yellow Bridge Park
Des Moines
June 6 - solo performance
3-3:45pm
Scandinavian Days
Story City
Jumbies will also be touring during the summer with performances in Des Moines, Ames, Okoboji, Iowa City, Quad Cities, Chicago, and throughout Colorado.
To learn more about Stan please contact:
(515) 231-2120 cell
Email
http://www.myspace.com/jumbies
http://cdbaby.com/cd/stanleyedahl