Get Closer! Band 2024 -Individual Band Photos and Bios For when they say, "Debbie is backed by an Eight-Piece Band"; AND they are the Best!
John LeMaster - Pedal Steel Guitar
John is a veteran musician. He began playing pedal steel because he “…just liked the sound of the instrument...” Not long into his journey on steel, he was offered the position of steel guitarist in the staff band on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree in
Wheeling, West Virginia. While there, John played for many artists,including Crystal Gayle, Red Sovine, Ava Barber, Stella Parton, Dave Dudley, and Country Music Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Don Gibson. Among John’s other musical highlights: he has played steel guitar in several productions of the musical plays, “Always…Patsy Cline”
“The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas”and in other musical stage productions. When
not performing live shows, John enjoys recording steel guitar music for artists from around the world, and of several different genres, via his home studio and on-line technology.
Michael Bennick -Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo - Michael started playing guitar during the mid-sixties in his early teens. A teen age neighbor, Ed Phelps, who lived across the street, showed him the standards of the day like Little Black Egg and Gloria. Later he studied jazz with Robert Conti and classical with Manuel Fraguela. In tenth grade, he joined the Mach V performing at USO’s, military bases, high schools and private events. While a student a college, he started teaching guitar at Robert’s Music Studio in the Arlington neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida. Still playing in numerous bands throughout the 70’s such as the Soul Revival, Hammer, Kicks, Magellan, Bits and Pieces, Spring Fever, and Hot Toddy. In 1980, he joined Crystle Image which had long term house gigs at the Ramada Inn and the Crystal Palace at Jacksonville Beach. In 1989, he joined 4Play; his longest term band do date with which he still plays. In 1997, he became a staff guitarist at Beach Church playing in the praise band for twenty years. During this time, he was still avidly teaching private lessons to as many as 50 students. Some former students now or have played with Limp Bizkit, the Afters, and Maren Morris. Band wise, the 2000’s gigging situations changed. Most all gigs became one nighters so he branched out among several bands such as Double Down, Contraband, the Willow Sisters, Led Zymmelin to name a few. Besides bands, he’s performed solo at weddings and parties as a single. His association with Debra Rider began about a decade ago performing in area hospitals under the banner Body and Soul. They have been musical partners in Eventide and Debbie as Linda Ronstadt. A few years ago, he appeared in back up bands for Elvis and Country Megastar tribute acts at the Alhambra dinner theatre.
Kenny Levine - Keyboards, Piano, Backing Vocals
Born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut is a multi-talented keyboardist, vocalist, conductor, arranger, and composer. His musical journey began at age seven starting off on the accordion and expanding on to various instruments including saxophone, bassoon, electric and string bass while studying in college. With a composition degree from Jacksonville (FL) University, his writing and arranging credits can be heard on various movies, jingles and TV shows. Through his career he has performed and traveled with numerous bands and is currently based in Jacksonville, Florida where for the last 32 years he has been the leader, arranger and keyboardist for the popular variety wedding and corporate band “KTG”, (www.ktgentertainment.com). When not performing with his band, he also arranges and performs with Debbie Rider, (Linda Ronstadt tribute artist), as well as numerous other tribute artists at the Alhambra Dinner theater. During business hours Kenny can be found at his home recording studio working on original compositions with local recording artists, as well as numerous other musical projects. His ability to compose and arrange music in all styles is not only an asset to his studio clients but has earned him much well deserved respect in the music industry.
James Nicholson - Drums
From Marietta, Georgia and former resident of Atlanta, Georgia, James is now based in Orange Park, Florida. James is currently a professional drummer in the North Florida area in high demand. He holds a 2000 Berklee College of Music Performance degree and Atlanta Institute of Music degree. He continues to be featured in Jacksonville area bands including “Last Stand”. James is a signature artist for Solobeat Custom Drumsticks.
Torrey Kingry - Backing Vocals Born in Detroit, Torrey moved to Boston in 1982 where she began her music career. In 1990, Torrey moved to Jacksonville, Florida and has been involved in the local music scene since. She has played with The Untouchables, Fine Line, The Complete Unknowns, and Mum’z the Word, to name a few. She is currently performing with The Pink Paisleys as backup singer, well as playing several instruments including guitar, bass, keys, flute, recorder and even cowbell.
Bob Nicklin - Bass
Born in Martinsburg WV and always a Mountaineer at heart. Studied guitar, Piano and Bass at an early age. Veteran who proudly served in the US Navy. Attended WVU after enlistment. Toured extensively in various bands 1976 – 1981. Moved to Jacksonville FL in June 1981. Made a life and career here in Jacksonville Beach while playing music as a local weekend warrior. Wrote and recorded radio jingles. Performed worship music at Christ’s Church. Created Rocklin Bass Guitar LLC in 2009. With my wife Teri we promote fundraising for Alzheimers Association of North Florida by sponsoring “Hippies Pay it Forward” a 60’s music concert and costume event gathering with local musicians. Rocklin guitar is also a co-sponsor of “Mountain High Music Festival” in Crested Butte CO and “Legends of Music Row Music Festival” in Key West FL, raising a total of $69,000 to benefit womens breast cancer treatment. Currently retired, day-tripping, golfing, and gigging. Life is good!
Mark Dennison - Guitar, Nylon, Mandolin, Backing Vocals - Mark began his musical journey in his teens with the rock band "Asilum" which played clubs around north Florida and South Georgia. Later, he formed a new group called "Sygnal", his song "Missing in You" was chosen for the Rock 105 FM Best Original Bands Album. After playing venues for a few years he was hired by Club Visage, which spent 5 years touring the U.S., Canada and Osaka, Japan. Sometimes being a hired gun for many groups like "The Platters" and "Pops Fernadize" and opening act for "the Psychedelic Furs". Returning home to Florida, he is continuing to write, record & produce music from his home in St. Augustine, he is enjoying the music in is life. Besides songwriting, Mark is also an accomplished Guitarist, songwriter, recording engineer and producer. His roots are in Tennessee but calls Florida home now. Released Nov 1, 2013 - Mark is co-writer/ producer of Brenda David's CD "Rainy Day Love". Released May 1, 2014 - Mark's CD "Songs from the Red Couch" - written, recorded, mixed and produced by M. Dennison.
Teri Harris Levine - Backing Vocals
Teri discovered singing at the age of four around the family dinner table for “talent night” and fell in love with performing and singing. She performed in talent shows and state competitions throughout high school and immediately after graduating began her professional music career performing on numerous jingles and working non-stop with highly respected variety bands. Her sultry soulful voice and ability to carry a show as a great entertainer have kept her in high demand for over three decades.
Orange Blossom Opry - Weirsdale, Florida October 28, 2023 - SOLD OUT!
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale, FL
October 28, 2023
Photos Courtesy of Orange Blossom Opry Staff unless noted
