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Barry Olsavsky

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Barry Olsavsky is a 1985 graduate of the University of North Florida with a bachelor's degree in percussion performance. Barry worked with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra for 20 years as a section percussionist which included performances in Carnegie Hall, as well as touring performances around the US. Barry has worked with many of the top names in the Classical and Pop world including Luciano Pavarotti, Doc Severinsen, Chuck Mangione, Bernadette Peters, The 4 Tops, The Temptations, Tony Bennett, Lou Rawls, and James Taylor to name a few. After a long career with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Barry retired in 2004. Barry currently spends much of his time with the national touring group Caribbean Sound Steel Pan & World Music Ensemble, Steel Bamboo and The Conch Fritters. Barry is Lead Pan Player, arranger and composer. When he is not touring Barry performs throughout the Southeast with Tropico Steel Drums as a solo or ensemble providing steel drum music for corporate events, private parties, weddings and restaurants. In addition, Barry is Executive Director of CST Entertainment Productions LLC, the parent company of Caribbean Sound, Steel Bamboo, The Conch Fritters, Tropico Steel Drums and CST School of Percussion. 

Barry is a recording artist on steel drums and percussion having recorded on 6 CD's with Caribbean Sound, 2 CD's with Jimmy Parrish and the Ocean Waves Band and The Conch Fritters, his own solo CD "Caribbean Treasures" as well as commercials. 

During the school year Barry is the Percussion Instructor at Freedom Crossing Academy in St Johns County working with 6th, 7th and 8th grade percussion students in concert, jazz and marching band programs. Barry currently has endorsements with Sabian Cymbals, Gon Bops Percussion, Salyers Percussion and Encore Mallets

Barry performing on steel drums with Jimmy Parrish and the Ocean Waves Band.  They opened for Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena 4/21/08

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