Dem Stars Steel Orchestra was founded in Belmont, Port of Spain, in 1951. The members were family and friends, guys like Slapper Harding, George Hinds, Ricky Hinds, Ken Jones, and the late Nello Mitchell. Being members of the mother band, Dem Boys, these brothers decided on forming a stage side, with the love for the art form and culture, Dem Stars was formed. During the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953, Dem Stars made their first road appearance with Dem Boys. But due to the steel band riots of that period, Dem Stars never returned to the streets.

During the 1960's, family members migrated to the United States, and the younger family members decided on a rebirth. Thus, Dem Stars was reborn in 2000 in Brooklyn, New York, with the same structure as the original Dem Stars of the 1950's. The members are family and friends. Under the leadership of Anthony Ike Hinds, the band has become a force in the steel band world.

Being one of the few steel bands that function year-round, the Dem Stars band has performed at many functions. Within the past few years, such functions have included the World Trade Center (2000), Kings County Hospital Health Fair, St. Jude International Night, National Night against Crime (NYPD), Washington, DC Carnival, United States Steel Band Association Panorama 2002 (fourth place), Long Island Carnival, Reflection in Steel at Brooklyn College, and the annual Christmas House Lighting (New York State Assemblyman Frank Seddio). Dem Stars Steel Orchestra became a New York State non-profit organization in 2001.

The bands objectives are: (1) to develop and promote awareness of an interest in the culture of the islands of the Caribbean; (2) to foster an appreciation of the steel pan instrument by presenting professional performances, instructional classes, and other events; and (3) to manage and operate a bank of musicians skilled in playing the steel pan for the purpose of giving performances that would develop an understanding and appreciation of the steel pan music.

On Memorial Day 2002, Dem Stars, Inc. had its first installation of officers and their launching at the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Present were New York State Senator John Sampson, New York City Councilman James Davis, and New York State Assemblyman Frank Seddio. There were performances by the Ujamma Dancers, Utopia Pan Soul, Jason Peanut Isaac, Philippine-American Dancers, and Dem Stars Steel Orchestra.

The bands programs continued throughout 2002 to include teaching the kids, ages 6 years through 17 years, the music theory of Steel Pan music. These classes were held at Dem Stars indoor location located at, 8520 Foster Avenue, Brooklyn.

On Sunday, April 20, 2003, Dem Stars and other member steelbands held the first and only Pan Forum in New York City in the art of Pan Tuning. As we know, the steel pan is the only instrument invented in the 20th century. The Forum was conducted by Professor Ellie Mannette, Ph.D., of the University of West Virginia. The bands objective was to continue to direct these programs to the kids in the community.

Dem Stars kids and parents performed at the Pathmark Culture Festival at Kings Plaza, Vibrations in Steel at Wingate High School, and at the West Indian American Day New York Panorama in August 2003 (photos include). In the Fall of 2003, Dem Stars started an after-school program where kids were able to come in and do their homework, learn computer theory, and the steel pan instrument. In addition, Dem Stars performed once again at the Vibrations in Steel Christmas Concert at Wingate High School. Also, six members of the adult staff went to the Twin Island Trinidad and Tobago and performed with the Starlift Steel Orchestra, during Carnival 2004 and at the University of Massachusetts.