SOUTH PARIS – Tinpanic, a group of Auburn musicians, will bring a warm island breeze to Oxford Hills Friday, April 15.

Playing instruments that have the rhythmic, mellow sounds of the Caribbean Islands in the 1940s, the band will give a concert/dance at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. The event will benefit Oxford County Special Olympics.

Founded in 2002, Tinpanic has performed its driving calypso music at festivals, private events and public functions. The 13-member steel band plays a variety of music, from Duke Ellington to Tito Puente, and from Pete Seger to Leonard Bernstein.

Steel-drum bands originated in the 1930s, stemming from Trinidad’s rich carnival tradition and used as marching bands. The costumed masqueraders wore drums slung round their necks, and the instruments were made from castoff metal containers. Later in the 1940s, the musicians began tuning their drums to produce unique and more sophisticated music.

This is a family-friendly event and Caribbean attire is encouraged. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.; the band will play at 7 p.m. For advance tickets, $5, call 743-8616.