Debra Devi, Dean Shot & Eric Heilner

Bring your friends and family together in The Loft at SOPAC for an intimate evening of world-class Blues music.  Curated by Mike Griot, this evening filled with luxurious harmonies and swingin’ rhythms is perfect for any Blues lover will feature Blues and Rock guitarist Debra Devi and guitarist Dean Shot.

About Debra Devi

American Blues Scene calls Debra Devi “one of today’s top female blues/rock guitarists.”  She plays “dreamy blues-rock and blistering psychedelic jams” (Relix) driven by her soulful voice and expressive guitar playing.  Devi’s Jamification Station Vol. 1 EP reached #5 on the Relix/Jambands.com Top 30 Radio Chart, staying on the chart for three months.  Devi has opened for artists including Joe Louis Walker, Ana Popovic, Jesse Malin, Marshall Crenshaw and Fantastic Cat.

Devi is also the author of The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu (foreword by Dr. John), which won the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award, and high praise from Bonnie Raitt and Joe Bonamassa.

Devi Live at Colony Woodstock

About Dean Shot

A singer, guitarist and artist of unmatched intensity and integrity, Dean Shot is in a class by himself when it comes to combining his many influences into his own unique voice.  One of the true bright lights in a continuingly dimming American music scene, Shot has spent over 30 years honing his craft and developing his undeniable style.  Shot was born and raised in West Orange, NJ—a TRUE local legend/talent.

Shot has toured the world entertaining audiences of all ages and demographics.  Shot’s early mentors included Hubert Sumlin and more recently spending Kim Wilson.  Shot spent the last six years as both a member of Wilson’s esteemed Blues All-Stars and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.  Shot is him primed for the next chapter in his musical journey.

Shot is now focused primarily on his own creativity and music, which has hardcore blues and roots fans very excited and filled with anticipation on what is on the horizon.

If you consider yourself a fan of great music and art, do yourself a favor and run to see Dean Shot perform!

Dean Shot performing with Junior Watson in 2023

About Eric Heilner

Eric Heilner studied classical piano as a child, but a teenage encounter with the music of Meade Lux Lewis led to a lifelong love of boogie-woogie & blues. In the 1970s he toured with bands on the college concert circuit and played keys on several albums.   In his 30s he gradually retired from the music business, tucked his electric piano in the corner of the attic, and become a respectable member of society raising a family.

In the 2000s, with encouragement from his family, Heilner ventured back into the music world.  Since then he has been a regular on the North Jersey blues circuit playing with many of the top blues bands in the area.  He currently performs locally with the bands Better Off Dead and Cold in Hand.

Heilner also composes contemporary classical music, his pieces have been performed in New York, Moscow, Vienna, Kiev,  Milan and Los Angeles.  In 2020, together with producer Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, etc) he released an album of his compositions Modern Sounds in Classical Music.   The album has garnered excellent reviews and is available for listening on all standard streaming services.

Heilner Playing in the Gulf Coast Relief Benefit Concert

Accessibility & Accommodation

If you or a member of your party needs assistance, please notify SOPAC at the time your tickets are purchased. Contact the SOPAC Box Office at (973) 313-2787 or boxoffice@SOPACnow.org.