Portland Steel Drum – Yascha Noonberg

Yascha Noonberg grew up in Ellicott City, Maryland, where he began studying music at a young age with a focus on drums and percussion. In 1994, he performed as the 1st chair drummer in the Maryland All-State Jazz Ensemble, an early milestone that set the stage for his musical path.

After graduating, Yascha moved to Denton, Texas to study music at the University of North Texas. During one semester, he randomly selected steel drum band as an elective – a decision that would unexpectedly shape his career. That same semester, world-renowned steel pan performer and composer Robert Greenidge (longtime collaborator with Jimmy Buffett) arrived at UNT to premiere his composition Fire Coming Down.

It was Yascha’s first experience playing steel drum. With only a few months to prepare, he learned one of the most challenging pieces he had ever tackled on a brand-new instrument. The experience sparked an immediate connection to the steel pan’s melodic voice.

Inspired, Yascha contacted David Beery, an up-and-coming steel pan builder in San Francisco, and purchased the painted low C lead pan he still performs on today.

While living in Texas, Yascha also performed with the alternative rock band Farmer Brown, which was selected to play at the Blockbuster Rock Fest at Texas Motor Speedway alongside Bush, Counting Crows, 10,000 Maniacs, and The Wallflowers as part of one of the largest-attended rock concerts ever.

He later performed on steel drum and percussion with Denton-based band Riddle Me This, appearing at venues and festivals throughout Texas.

In 1999, Yascha relocated to Portland, Oregon, where he founded Starfish Studios, a music school and recording studio. Over the years, he taught private and group lessons to hundreds of students of all ages, sharing the joy of music across multiple instruments. The studio also became a creative hub for producing albums for local artists and recording Yascha’s own music both as a singer-songwriter and as a steel drum performer with his group Calynco.

A true multi-instrumentalist, Yascha is equally comfortable performing on drums, piano, bass, guitar, percussion, and steel pan. During the early 2000s, he could often be found performing nearly five nights a week at Portland favorites including LaurelThirst Public House, White Eagle Saloon, and Blue Monk.

The steel drum remains a uniquely captivating sound especially in the Pacific Northwest. Through Calynco, Yascha has provided music for countless weddings, festivals, private events, and even flash mobs. One memorable performance featured a steel drum rendition of Take On Me at the Benson Hotel, created for a national conference attended by Hollywood celebrities.

Today, when not performing, Yascha enjoys spending time with his wife and four children in NW Portland. He also maintains an active professional career in real estate with Living Room Realty.