
The Pan Go Steel Band, formed in 1988 by Paul G. Ross has long been
the preeminent professional steel band in the Midwest. The musicians
that make
up this ensemble are among the elite percussionists in the Chicago
area with diverse musical backgrounds that encompass a wide range
of skills and a vast
breadth of musical experience. Combining percussive excitement, pinpoint
precision, dynamic range, and cutting edge musical arrangements with
world class steel pans of the finest caliber, Pan Go strives
to raise concert
steel band performance to new heights.
Pan Go is truly Chicago's "all-star" steel band, comprised
of the Midwest's most experienced professional pannists.
Paul G. Ross - Drums, Arranger, Leader
Joe Sonnefeldt - Single Tenor Pan, featured soloist
Kevin Jocius - Single Tenor Pan
Mark Smith - Double Tenor Pans, featured soloist
Lana Wordel - Double Seconds Pans
Steve Flowers - Triple Cello Pans
Glenn Donaldson - Electric Bass
The group's repertoire consists of original compositions written
specifically for them by Ross and arrangements in a variety of musical
styles from around the globe. Stylistically accurate renditions of
the Trinidadian soca are a key component of every Pan Go performance.
A strong jazz element is also integrated into their arrangements when Joe
Sonnefeldt
and Mark Smith play solo improvisations over many of the group's
pieces. These two musicians are widely regarded as the leading voices on
their respective instruments in the Chicago area.
Pan Go has performed at festivals and on concert stages throughout
the midwest. From Chicago's State Street Festival to the Jazz Showcase,
from the Illinois State Fair in Springfield to the Elgin Fine Arts
Festival, from First Night in Evanston to Swedish Days in Geneva,
the Pan Go Steel Band has raised the bar for steel band performance
in the midwest. Their 1998 CD release "For the Day" set a new standard
in steel band recordings. Their concerts have introduced thousands
to the joyous sound of steel band music while expanding perceptions
as to what a steel band can truly be.