Debra brings her unique violin sound to the stage. With more that 55 years of playing experience in multiple genres of music she is thrilled be the violinist a vocalis for Sly Ways . She began playing at age 1 and loves to play the piano, guitar and flute. She has played played all over the United States and done two tours in Ireland

I begin playing piano when I was 2 1/2 years old. Called up on the piano bench and just started playing. My first performance was at a place called the winery and Decatur where my mom was waitress. I played a piano in the bar for an enthusiastic crowd. I began playing the violin when I was eight years old because of my grandfather. I originally played in the Millikan University symphony when I was 12 until I began my college education at Southern Illinois University. There I learned to play Bluegrass and blues and jazz, and played in several bands.i had the opportunity to meet and learn from John Hartford and take lessons from Byron. Beeline I also played in the southern Illinois University symphony. When I moved to Florida, I played i Multiple bands from Fort Myers to Gainesville. I was fortunate enough to meet Sly Geralds this past year and we just connected musical.ly. I also play piano guitar, and flute.as well as violin. I live tos sing. Sly Ways is the most exciting project I have ever been privileged to help develop.

Sly is a singer and songwriter who has traveled the world and back with some of the most influential musical artists of our time. He has spent the last several years recording and sharing the stage with musical giants such as Maceo Parker, Al Green, Levon Helm, Richie Havens and Bob Dylan to name a few. He has now put his many years of experience to use as the leader and front man of the Sly Geralds Band. Sly has gathered a group of seasoned professionals to help bring his original music to life. Their style seamlessly blends elements of blues, jazz, funk, soul and rock. Sly’s music gives a nod to the masters of roots music while still maintaining a contemporary feel. His time spent in New Orleans has influenced his writing, as has living in New York City for most of his life. The experience of seeing a live performance of the Sly Geralds Band borders somewhere between a rock show, dance party, Mardi Gras parade and tent revival. The rhythm section throws down an infectious groove driven by Sly’s thunderous bass while the guitar and horns soar high above. Sly’s banter with the audience is equally impressive. He cajoles the audience into leaving their workday worries behind and joining him on the dance floor to “shake what their mama gave them! The band is also up to the task when it comes to entertaining the crowd by playing “the hits. You never know when they’ll break into a smoldering version of a “classic song” by Al Green, James Brown, The Rolling Stones or any number of blues, funk, rock or soul standards. The Sly Geralds band makes regular appearances in the hottest clubs in the New York metropolitan area as well as blues festivals around the U.S. and abroad.
Now, entertaining in beautiful Sarasota, Florida.