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.
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 10 winters in the Caribbean aboard his yacht “Catherine,” touring throughout the the Antilles. 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 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)
Marina Key (BVI)
The Fred (STX)
978 Sanctorum (SXM)
Yacht Haven Grande (St. Thomas)
Sailing Week (Antigua)
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)
S/V Roseway (42m Classic Schooner charter)
St. Croix Music Festival
and many more…
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), along with countless social media mentions and interviews. His publishing company, CueBro, is currently re-releasing his 20+ recordings, coming in 2023 (currently unavailable online).
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 in the islands. From Solo Piano to an 8-piece Funky Soul group, 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…
* Base rates are for performance and minimal sound/ lighting for performances on the island of Sint Maarten.
Jazz Bleu
Piano or Organ, 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.
Base Rate: €500/ 2hrs (duo), €750/ 2 hrs (trio), €1,000 (quartet)
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 included. Base Rate: €2000/ show 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/ 2hrsStell 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/ 2hrsWe 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
Musique Magnifique
acoustic: accordion, flute, violin
Jarad, Christel and Audrey met at the 30th Antigua Classic regatta aboard the classic vessel “Samsara,” and have been periodically performing together ever since. This trio is perfect for a wedding ceremony, arts events where a true ear for the classically minded must be met. Perfect for on-location needs in out of the way spots as I beach weddings, yachts, etc. Base rate: €750/ 2 hr