About Us - Keep It Real Band
The Keep It Real Band (formally New Life) from Boston, is a six piece dance band that will make your party or wedding reception an event to remember. Keep It Real Band's vocalists cover a diverse range of material from swing to the latest hits. Through out the New England area The Keep It Real Band has been providing entertainment for more than twenty years.
Keep It Real clients and venues have included:
Alan Alda (His daughter's wedding) - Steve Cooper (Channel 7 anchor) - Bob Copeland (Channel 4 weather) - Cranwell Resort in the Berkshires - Ritz Carlton Hotel, Boston - Newport Regatta Country Club, Newport, RI - Winchester Country Club, MA - Copley Marriott Hotel, Boston - The Hyatt Regency Hotel, Boston - Harvard University - Cambridge Fire Department (Annual Ball)
Biographies - Keep It Real Band
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Deborah Griffin - vocals
Deborah, our female vocalist, has been performing and singing since elementary school. She has been with the band for most of the last 10 years and has performed in other local groups that include Smack Dab in the Middle and occasionally as a featured vocalist with Java Jive. She has also performed the National Anthem for local United States Marine Corps events and for the Boston Celtics in the original “Garden”. With a dynamic vocal range, strong stage presence and diverse repertoire she helps maintain the bands reputation for masterful lead vocals and unforgettable harmonies. With 20 years of professional experience, over 10 years of classic/pop vocal training and musical theater as her foundation she has contributed to the band’s success by being a performer for audiences as well emcee at private functions and events. Deborah is known to walk through the audience in order to connect with them and bring a personal touch to the bands performances at private functions.
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Billy Pezzulo - vocals
Since the age of seven, Billy has acquired a passion for music and entertaining; however, his love for music surpasses that of just simply singing. Being trained in the Bel Canto method of Opera has allowed him to appreciate the technique, poise, and art of being a musician. As a young adult, Billy decided to chase his dreams and become an entertainer. He formed his own band and traveled up and down the east coast. It was then that Billy recognized his love for entertaining large crowds.
In his early thirties, Billy appeared on It's Showtime at the Apollo, live from New York City. After a few years, Billy utilized another talent and composed numerous songs that would later appear on his CD, Where the Eagles Fly. This was an amazing opportunity for Billy because he was able to collaborate with some of Gospel's greatest musicians. Billy believes that there is a difference between being a singer as opposed to being a musician and as a musician, his versatility is quite evident. Though his preferred styles of music are gospel and R&B tunes, he is able to perform a wide range of genres such as country, rock, and contemporary pop. By being able to incorporate numerous popular personalities into his performance, Billy is able to win and hold the attention of a large crowd. Some of his impersonations include Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Junior, Luther Vandross, and Wayne Newton. Billy's motivation continues to stem from the response he receives from his listeners.
When asked about his new role as the lead-male singer of Keep It Real he replied, "Being the newest member of Keep It Real has been exciting! I love seeing how the crowd reacts to us and it makes me want to perform even more!" This head-turning vocalist raises the bar for talent and continues to surprise his audience, even after forty-four years of experience.
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Rich Manzi - vocals, guitar, guitar midi
Rich joined the Keep It Real band in 1999. Prior to joining Keep It Real, Rich had been performing with a variety of bands playing many different styles of music.
From his experience in show bands such as the Christopher Michael Band and Spirit playing pure disco and funk and The Usual Suspects performing 50' and 60's to Full House which evolved from Country Rock to Classic Hits, Richie has embraced diverse styles of music and has the ability to masterfully perform all kinds of music.
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Carl Campbell - vocals, bass guitar
Carl has been playing and performing for more than 30 years. On playing with Keep It Real Band: "We have performed at literally hundreds of weddings and functions. The thing that I like most about playing in Keep It Real Band is that we remain a very versatile band and people really enjoy dancing to our music."
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Richard Raymond - vocals, keyboards
Richard joined Keep It Real right after graduating from Keene State College with a Bachelor Degree of Music. During his time performing with Keep It Real, the band has played all over New England and traveling as far as Montreal. His keyboards are at the heart of the band’s sound.
Richard works by day as the Network Administrator for a school district in New Hampshire.
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Peter Myles - drums & percussion
Peter is a veteran of the Boston music scene and has played in many bands covering all types of music.
Performing everything from show tunes with local theatre groups to funk, R&B and disco with local favorites, Breakaway to jazz with Rebecca Paris.
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Testimonials - Keep It Real Band
Pete and I just returned from our honeymoon and we're still on cloud nine from the excitement of our wedding. Keep It Real made the wedding a success. You guys were every bit as awesome as we knew you'd be. I was so happy to see everyone on the dance floor - young and old. Many people commented on how "great the band was" and I think you'll be getting more business from Cranwell. They were very impressed with you. The only regret is that I did not individually thank every member of the band for their outstanding performance. Please extend my sincerest thank you to all of them for making our wedding such a success. Keep It Real was absolutely the hit of the party. Please feel free to use us as a reference any time.
Kerry McDonald Kent
We can't thank you and your band enough for making our wedding so special. We enjoyed ourselves and were very pleased.
Thanks again!
Catherine + Greg K.
Thank you for making our wedding ceremony & reception a wonderful success! Everyone had a wonderful time thanks to your great music & fun attitude! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Sincerely,
Scott & Julie P.
Danversport Yacht Club
Once again, thanks for a great job! Everyone is still talking, great party, fabulous band! Not only a good time but we raised $5,000.00 for "The Home for Little Wanderers". Please send me some cards I can give out...
Till next time -
Larry
I would like to thank you and everyone else for playing at my husband's surprise 40th birthday party at Sal & Vinnie's in Norwood. All of the guests raved about the fantastic job you did. I was also very happy you honored my requests. It was wonderful to know that the entertainment component of the party went off without a hitch. I wish you and the rest of the band continued success. Thanks so much again.
Sincerely,
Stacy Baime
You were just great! Julie and Demtrios had a great wedding party thanks to your top-notched music celebration. You did everything that you promised us. You and Keep It Real were enthusiastic, energetic, and most amiable, all of which contributed to an upbeat party atmosphere which we all enjoyed. Keep It Real was absolutely perfect and we all very much appreciate what a great host you were for us. The band makes the party! Thanks again.
I remain.
Very truly yours,
Paul J. S.
We cannot thank you enough for performing at our wedding. The band was incredible. My guests are still raving about the music. You made the wedding a very memorable event for all who attended.
Many thanks,
Laurie and David L.
Thank you for a great time, Saturday night -- August 18th (Kerry and Jay's wedding), and the great success you help to make for this occasion. Everyone enjoyed listening to you play whether they were dancing or not. I know I love to hear you guys (and of course, Deb) play. Hope to see you soon at one of the restaurants you play at, and of course I'll bring a lot of people to hear the best band ever.
Thanx, again.
Ann C.
I am writing on behalf of the Junior Aid Association of Malden ("Junior Aid") to thank you and your band members for the wonderful performance at out Annual Charity Ball. So many of our guests have commented on the music. We thank you for making our event such a success.
Thanks again,
Maria A. Luise
President
Thank you so much for playing our wedding. You guys did an awesome job, it was perfect. Thank all the members for me and tell them we really appreciated it.
Love
Lorene and Bennett
Links - Keep It Real Band
Danversport Yacht Club
Emilie Sommer Photography
The Travis Roy Foundation
Focaccia Restaurant
