Co-produced with the Virginia Arts Festival, the PANorama Caribbean Music Festival at its core is a steel drum band competition featuring over 20 high school, college, and community bands from throughout the United States. Bands attend workshops on Friday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. These workshops are led by nationally-known steel drum artists and educators.

Friday evening features a concert in the 24th Street Park.

On Saturday bands compete for ratings and the coveted Grand Champion Award. In the evening, steel drum headliners play on the main stage. All performances are free to the public.

Friday, May 9

6:30pm-7:15pm, St. Croix Rising-Stars

8:00pm-10:00pm, Victor Provost Sextet featuring Bobby Thomas, Jr., Rudy Faulkner, and the Positive Vibes Youth Steel Orchestra

Saturday, May 10

10:00am-11:45am, Steel Band PANorama Festival (elementary and middle school bands)

11:50am-5:00pm, Steel Band PANorama Festival (high school, private studio, and community bands)

5:30pm-6:15pm, Steel Band PANorama Awards Ceremony

6:20pm-7:20pm, Performance TBD

8:00pm-10:00pm, Victor Provost Sextet featuring Bobby Thomas, Jr., Rudy Faulkner, and the Positive Vibes Youth Steel Orchestra

The PANorama Caribbean Music Fest has been recognized as one of the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events. The festival also holds membership in the Student Youth Tour Association (SYTA).  The festival is free and open to the public.