SNUGGS…
Jarad “Daddy Snuggs” Astin is an accomplished Keyboardist, Vocalist, Music Director and Producer from the NYC and Philadelphia areas with over 25 years in the field. Specializing in Piano, Organ and Accordion, his incredible control over a wide range of settings and styles sets him in the top tier of musicians and performers - equally at home directing a pit orchestra as performing solo piano, from world renowned venues like Carnegie Hall and BB Kings to small clubs and everything in between - in addition, his music has been featured in film and commercial settings (I.e. “What Happened, Miss Simone,” Corona Beer, etc). At his core, he is a soulful jazz musician who adores the freedom of improvisation, allowing a personal connection with his audiences.
A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, at the time one of the finest conservatories in the US, Jarad had the good fortune to study with some of the top names in jazz - Pianist Ed Simon (Terrence Blanchard, Herbie Mann, Mythology Recording Artist and founding member of SFJazz), organist Dr. Trudy Pitts (John Coltrane, Rashad Roland Kirk, Pat Martino), guitarist Jimmy Bruno (Buddy Rich, Joey DeFrancesco, Joe Beck) , has shared the stage with a who’s who the NYC jazz scene at the worlds most renowned jazz venues.
Mr. Astin’s skills as a songwriter, composer and arranger round out his stage presence and professionalism, exhibiting mastery in many styles - from Soul, Jazz, Cajun, New Orleanian, Gypsy/ Manouche, Brazilian, Cumbia, Bossa, Funk, Hip-hop, Classic Country…”the only types of things you won’t really ever find me doing are Pop musics,” says “Daddy Snuggs” of his artistic preferences. ‘It’s really important as an artist to stay in realms that you believe in, that you connect to. Pop just isn’t that for me.” He is as dedicated to his identity as an artist as he is to his musical skills.
Also a USCG Captain, Jarad has spent the last 12 winter seasons in the Caribbean aboard his yacht “Catherine,” touring throughout the the Antilles, UK and the Mediterranean. Daddy Snuggs generally migrates back to the Mecca of NYC during the summer months, where he performs, tours and operates sailing charters aboard his schooner “Deliverance.” He and his partner, Flutist Christel Astin, have performed at a wide variety of ensembles, events and venues in the Caribbean region, including:
Antigua Classic Regatta
Heineken Regatta (SXM)
Founder: West End School of the Arts (post-Irma-Maria project on St. Croix)
West Indies Regatta (STB)
The Ritz Carlton (St. Thomas)
La Samana (SXM)
Pussers Marina Key (BVI)
The Fred (STX)
978 Sanctorum (SXM)
Yacht Haven Grande (St. Thomas)
Sailing Week (Antigua)
Secrets (SXM)
Club Comanche (St. Croix)
Rolex International Regatta (St. Thomas)
Abracadabra (Antigua)
Sandals (Grenada)
Secret Harbor Resort (Grenada)
Nonesuch Bay Resort (Antigua)
St. Croix Community Theater
Company O (Music Director, SXM)
S/V OosterSchelde (50m Topsail Schooner charter, SXM)
S/V Roseway (42m Classic Schooner charter, St. Croix)
St. Croix Music Festival
Sonesta Resort (Sint Maarten)
Grande Case Mardis kickoff (2022)
Company Hotel (St. Croix)
and many more small venues throughout the windward and leeward islands…
Along with is partner, Christel Astin, Jarad has been featured by many media outlets in the Caribbean, including All at Sea, Caribbean Compass, Irie Fire Studios(ANG), BVI Insider, VI Consortium (USVI), WEPA! (PR), Focus Magazine (SXM), Journal le 97150 along with countless social media mentions and interviews. His publishing company, CueBro, is currently re-releasing his 20+ recordings, coming in 2025. In the US and beyond, he has performed with some of the finest jazz musicians in the world and at the top venues of NYC (Smoke, Blue Note, Uncle Cheef, Cleopatras Needle, Lenox Lounge, the Copacabanna and many more).
A consummate professional and incredible performer, Jarad “Daddy Snuggs” Astin currently is based in Sint Maarten between November and May, and has a wide variety of ensembles available for festivals, private events, venues large and small - all of which are comprised of the finest performers from NYC and locally within the islands. From Solo Piano, an 8-piece Soul group and a Post Modern Jukebox spinoff, all of the ensembles mentioned here perform unique arrangements created by Mr. Astin, for performances found nowhere else. When you’re ready for that “special flavor,” look no further…
For Bookings:
stellandsnuggs@gmail.com
WhatsApp +1(718) 650-1267
* Base rates are for performance and minimal sound for performances on the island of Sint Maarten. For special needs please reach out - we can make it happen for you!
Jazz Bleu
Piano, Upright Bass, Drums
The classic setting of bass/ piano duo, piano trio or combo with Hammond Organ are and will always be the core of jazz music. Swing, Bossa, Samba and Groove, with an extensive repertoire that includes Herbie Hancock, Oscar Petersen, Miles Davis…along with the classic standard repertoire, of course. Bring a taste of real NYC Jazz to your event with Jazz Bleu. Featuring local favorites dummer Fred York and bassist Georgi Stankov.
Base Rate: €500/ 2hrs (duo), €750/ 2 hrs (trio), €1,000 (quartet w/ flute)
Philly Godmother
Organ Jazz trio
That Hammond organ sound is always a hit - playing at the level of a Jimmy Smith brought right to your door, no BS. Swing, Bossa and Souljazz are just a taste of what’s to come. Get ready for a dynamic show you didn’t think possible in this corner of the world! Mr. Astin was a student of the late, great Trudy Pitts (John Coltrane quartet), and his latest record features guitarist Ed Cherry (Dizzy Gelispie, John Patton, et all) and drummer Brian Floody (Brad Meldhau, Sharon Jones et all). This is A-list Jazz from NYC, call to schedule, travel expenses not includedBase Rate: €2000/ 2 hrs (int’l trio)€550/ 3 hrs (local trio)
The Boogaloo Mutineers
8 piece Funk and Soul, instrumental and Vocal
An incredible mix of classic Soul and Funk with influences of Latin and West Indian styles, this dynamic ensemble is made up of nationalities from around the globe, much like the Love Island that is Sint Maarten. Features a 3 piece horn section, group vocals, incredible arrangements and a stage presence like no other ensemble. This is a party band for those with discerning tastes. Base Rate: €2000/ 3 hrsStell and Snuggs
acoustic: accordion, flute/ukulele with or without vocals
Christel and Jarad Astin are partners on and off the stage. Both conservatory-trained performers, their shows deliver a level of musicianship in a class of its own. From fully instrumental sets of South/ Central American and European styles to classics songs from the US South and jazz, the enormous breadth of their repertoire puts them in perfect harmony with a fine wine-tasting event as with a Honky-Tonk. Instrumental works, vocal harmonies, exquisite flute work - very rarely does one encounter a duo as unique and talented as these two, and their connection on and off stage is electrifying. Base rate: €500/ 3hrsWe work with the best staging companies in the Caribbean to bring that “extra something” when the situation calls - with connections up and down the Caribbean chain. Base rates are for performance and minimal sound/ lighting for performances on the island of Sint Maarten. Should your event require something more, be in a different location, or should there be any other special requests, please let us know and we will tailor the scene that best fits your event. Don’t settle for a wedding band, show your guests the true depth of artistry!
For Bookings:
stellandsnuggs@gmail.com
WhatsApp +1(718) 650-1267
Christel Rice
Traditional Irish Flutist Christel Rice has performed with some of the most world renowned artists in the genre - members of the Chieftains, Lunasa, artists John Whelan, Tony Demarco, the Wayfarers and many more. Her performance credits include renowned international festivals such as the Milwaukee and Bethlehem Irish Fests, various Flaughs in the NE USA amongst others. She is available to perform as a duo, trio or quartet.
Base Rates: (3 hrs)
Duo - €350 (flute, guitar with or w/o vocals)
Trio - €450 (flute, guitar, perc w or w/o vocals)
Quartet - €600 (fl, guit, bass, perc + vox)
Post-Modern Cabaret feat. INGER
Another unique group to the Caribbean, this “vintage” cabaret a-la Post Modern Jukebox takes modern pop from the likes of Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Queen and more and arranges them in a jazz cabaret style for an amazing experience available nowhere else! The musicians in this group have collectively performed at nearly every venue and festival on St.Maarten and beyond with their list of credits just too long to name here. Available as you see with a sextet or in smaller less formal formats for smaller venues and events, this group brings an energy Journal le 97150 calls “the most refreshing act we’ve seen in 20 years” and Sonesta resorts acclaimed as “Finally!”
Base Rate:
Sextet, 2 hrs - €1400
Quartet, w hrs - $1000