Jazz Panist Gary Bridges Born in Antigua & Barbuda, grew up in Ovals, a small village in the heart of St. Johns, also the home of Brute Force Steel Orchestra. Gary’s interest and love for the Steel Pan started at a tender age of eight with the guidance of his friend Kemmoy Congo Thomas, who shared his musical gift. Gary attended the St. Johns boy’s school, and he became a member of the Steel Orchestra and played with them for a few years. Gary did not forget the members of the Rising Sun Steel Band, who devoted their time and patient to teach his class songs on the steel pan.

Gary just wants to say thanks for sharing their knowledge with the Band, which enabled him to develop his Steel pan skills. 1972 Gary became a member of AGS Superstars, one of Antigua’s leading Steel Orchestra; One Panorama in 1973, he played for eight years had a lot of fun and experience. Pictured are the members of the Super Star Steel Band, from left to right, Gary Bridges, Aubrey Lacu Samuel, Nattaniel Bowers, and Geron Brown.

1983 Gary relocated to New York; there he was exposed to a wide variety of music, but he fell in love with Jazz. Gary is a self taught musician who acquired a lot of his musical knowledge working with musicians across the United States. He had the privilege of sharing the same stage with some of the best steel pan players in the region such as, Robert Greenidge, Boogsie Sharpe, Liam Teagueand, Sir. Aubrey Lacu Samuel, O.H. Gary also played with Desperradoes , Blue Diamonds’ in Trinidad and the Pace Setters in Baltimore.

Gary makes his home now in sunny South Florida as a solo panist performing all around Florida. He is constantly attracting locals, and international ears, as he mesmerizes the listeners with his smooth and unique melodic improvisations at his live performances.

Gary Bridges is a very gifted musician, his 2009 solo debut CD demonstrate his skills and diversity as a musician.