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Ian Dobson Music Newsletter

Hi Tropical Sound Lovers!

Summer 2025 is in full swing, and we've been all over the place with our music and workshops! I’ve been blessed with a season full of amazing shows at libraries, schools, senior communities, and private parties. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

That said—we still have a few openings left for later this summer! Check out my calendar and 👉book your party ASAP.

Mi tierra bonita

Earlier this year, I had the chance to be in beautiful Mexico for a couple of months. It was a creative oasis! I recorded music while I was there and would love to share some of it with you. My favorite is Dos Gardenias! I hope to add all of these new songs to my repertoire very soon, I’ll let you know when they are available on my website, and will post some videos with the audios I recorded!

Here's a taste of some original improvised music from my time in Mexico:

Feeling Sick

Tropicadelia

Spooky Tropicadelia

While in Mexico, I also got to join several jam sessions with friends in Guadalajara, where there's a vibrant and growing jazz scene. So many young musicians and fans—totally inspiring! I've been posting some recordings from those sessions—have you heard them yet?

Keep up with events at her creative space in Guadalajara on Instagram @bruselitas373. 

And back to my homeland...

I returned to Seattle in late May and haven’t stopped playing since! So far this year, I’ve already performed in three states: Washington, Oregon, and Kansas.

My first public show of the season was at the Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA—what a blast! Then I flew to Kansas State University to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of their beautiful gardens. It was a magical evening—and I even made it into the local news (here's the link, in case you are interested).

Back in Washington, I’ve kept busy performing at schools, libraries, and community centers across the state—places like the Concrete Theatre, South Bellevue Community Center, and Stanwood Library, just to name a few. Add in a bunch of private gigs, and it’s been a wonderfully busy season so far!

But we’re just getting started! I have several public shows lined up throughout the summer. If you’d like to attend one, check out the full calendar. 

Me performing at Kansas State University in June

Book your show today!!

Still looking for a fun and meaningful show or workshop for your group? Here are some of our most popular programs:

🎶 BUFFETT…ish

Our newest show, featuring my jazzy, jam-band-style arrangements of Jimmy Buffett’s biggest hits—plus songs by other artists he often covered live. A joyful tribute to island vibes and feel-good tunes.

More info: https://www.iandobson.com/buffett-ish

🌴 Tropical Escape

A perfect musical getaway! I sing, dance, and play steel drums, ukulele, marimba, and percussion while sharing the story of how I became a steel drum musician. Great for retirement homes and concert settings.

More info: https://www.iandobson.com/tropicalescape

🥁 Steel Drum Party

Designed for kids of all ages, this interactive show explores different cultures through music. We highlight how people have used their creativity to invent new musical instruments and styles in the face of adversity.

More info: https://www.iandobson.com/steeldrumparty

🎼 Shows & Workshops Galore

From building your own instrument to music production and drumming, we offer engaging educational programs that kids (and adults!) will love.

Ask me for our electronic press kit or visit: https://www.iandobson.com/page/workshops

Don't miss our upcoming public shows! 

Hope to see you there!

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you this summer—whether on stage or in the crowd!

Keep dancin’

Ian Dobson

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