BIO
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that cool island sound
Calypso Ted's music is a breezy blend of smooth jazz and the happy sounds of the Caribbean steel drum. It's the kind of music you listen to when you want to unwind, get your groove on and leave your troubles behind. Ted's many musical influences include jazz greats Cal Tjader (vibes,) Boney James (sax,) Poncho Sanchez (conga) along with calypso masters Harry Belafonte and the Mighty Sparrow and pop giants Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley.
beginnings
Ted was born and raised in the windy city of Chicago, famous for its hotdogs, pizza, Cubs baseball and jazz/blues music. He currently calls Atlanta GA his home, but he often finds himself in a Key West state of mind. Ted began his musical journey as a teenager playing rock drums in garage bands on the Northwest side of Chicago. Fresh out of high school, he started gigging professionally on drums, playing a variety of musical styles at clubs, weddings and parties. Along the way, he developed improvisational skills on the jazz vibraphone. His early experiences included a couple of years on the L.A. music scene, cutting demos in recording studios and playing showcase clubs like Madame Wong's, Club 88, the Pixie and the Palomino.
formal training
After a hiatus from music to start a family and work as a network engineer, Ted jump started his musical career by earning a BA in Music Education from NEIU. After graduation, he was a first call substitute director for band, orchestra and choir programs at Niles West, Niles North and Evanston Township High Schools. Always growing musically, Ted developed a passion for Caribbean music that included playing his favorite instruments - congas and steel drums.
live performances
Ted began performing as the steel drummer CALYPSO TED in 2010. He sings and plays live solo steel drums and percussion along with audio tracks, delivering a full-on calypso band experience. His music is filled with joy and rhythm. He wants his audiences to enjoy themselves and take a break from the stress of everyday living.
Calypso Ted specializes in playing steel drums for Tropical Themed Events. He carefully selects his songs in advance to match the party's theme. His most popular themes are the Caribbean Cruise, Calypso Carnival and Hawaiian Luau. For a list of themes, visit his Party Themes page. During a show, he will also take requests and has enough experience to switch things up "on the fly" to suit the mood of the audience.
Calypso Ted specializes in playing steel drums for Tropical Themed Events. He carefully selects his songs in advance to match the party's theme. His most popular themes are the Caribbean Cruise, Calypso Carnival and Hawaiian Luau. For a list of themes, visit his Party Themes page. During a show, he will also take requests and has enough experience to switch things up "on the fly" to suit the mood of the audience.
educational shows
Ted also presents educational shows designed to teach calypso and steel drum music history. His drive for teaching is fueled by a desire to inspire young people to explore different types of music and be creative.
recording projects
Ted has a soft spot for the early calypso recordings of the 1950's and 60's where the steel drums sounded natural and the congas were swinging. He is currently working on an albums worth of new original music in the home studio he jokingly calls "The Beat Lab." He prefers writing simple, catchy melodies on steel drums that float on top of dancey rhythms played on cowbells, congas and bongos. He plans to release new music in early 2024.
For contact and booking info - visit CalypsoTed.com