(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Find out why American Blues Scene calls Jersey City blues/rock artist Debra Devi "one of today’s top female blues-rock guitarists" at SOPAC Blues in the Loft in South Orange, NJ on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Doors open at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:00pm. The show opens with exciting blues/rock pianist Eric Heilner, followed by fiery blues guitarist Dean Shot, and Debra Devi.
The Sunday Blues in the Loft series is curated by BLUES People bassist Mike Griot. "Mike is such a great guy and I love that he’s bringing so much attention to the blues,” Devi says. “Last time I played at SOPAC I sat in with Andy Aledort to celebrate the release of Alan Paul’s book on Stevie Ray Vaughan. I’m excited to come back with my full band and rock out!”
Devi has become a popular draw at blues festivals, opening for Ana Popovic, Joe Louis Walker, Greg Sover, Bruce Katz, Jesse Malin, Joan Osborne, Willie Nile and more.
Devi is also the author of the award-winning book The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu (foreword by Dr. John), and will have copies on hand.
Dean Shot is in a class by himself when it comes to combining his many influences into his own unique voice. Shot has spent over 30 years honing his craft and developing his undeniable style, touring the world as both a member of Wilson’s esteemed Blues All-Stars and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.Shot’s early mentors included Hubert Sumlin and more recently Kim Wilson.
Eric Heilner, a lifelong rock & roll / R&B / blues keyboardist, did not take the usual route to composing. It wasn’t until he was in his mid 60’s when he first felt the compulsion to compose. Heilner started studying composition at the Juilliard Extension in NYC and within a few years he was composing fully developed pieces for chamber ensembles and orchestras. His pieces have been performed at various venues in New York City, Moscow, and Lviv.
Tickets are $20 and available for purchase online. South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is located at One SOPAC Way in South Orange, New Jersey.
Since 2006, South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council’s performances, including the Classical Concert Series, Jazz ‘N the Hall performances and Seton Hall University Theatre productions. SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The South Orange Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
