Get to know us!
Your Party Band for All Occasions!
Make your next event the party everyone remembers with the band that had them on the dance floor, did you hear them singing along, too? From classic rock to modern pop — and musical genres in between — The DIVAS Band create magic on the bandstand that flows throughout your event.
OUR BEAT
The DIVAS Band honors and replicates the sounds of the original artists across music genres . . . without using backing tracks or audio tricks. We’re the real deal. When you work with The DIVAS, you get spectacular musicianship, reliability, and a performance that delivers fun you wish would never end. Guests will dance and sing along from set to set—and that makes for very happy booking offices.
Our beat
The DIVAS Band honors and replicates the sounds of the original artists across music genres . . . without using backing tracks or audio tricks. We’re the real deal. When you work with The DIVAS, you get spectacular musicianship, reliability, and a performance that delivers fun you wish would never end. Guests will dance and sing along from set to set!
band members
We are a group of four musicians with alternating guitarists, who love performing together and creating a great experience.
Donna Gebbia
Keys, Lead & Background Vocals, Musical Director
Since 1982, Donna has performed professionally throughout the New York metropolitan area. Donna began playing music at the age of 8, starting with piano and saxophone; she found her true passion for singing and playing keyboards during the synth-heavy era of the 1980s and has remained an integral contributor to countless musical projects ever since. She has played numerous tour and festival locations throughout the U.S.
Some of Donna’s many collaborations include Richie Havens, Bill Perry, Dan Lawson, The Duprees, The Harptones, “Home Again - A Tribute to Carole King,” Loretta Hagen, The Sly Geralds Band, Carpenter/King, Ladeez in the House, Aleah Long, Nedra Johnson, Toshi Regan, Stefoné, Catie Curtis, Philip Michael Thomas, Catherine Russell, Lovejoy, Suhir Blackeagle, The Jersey Girls, Broadway’s “Flamin’ Amy” Coleman, and the Lavender Light Gospel Choir.
Donna, who studied music at SUNY Purchase, is renowned for her full-range vocal abilities and musical direction. She also provides charting, video editing, and synth-programming services to other musicians.
Teri Avella
Bass / Backing Vocals
Teri graduated from Aaron Copeland School of Music at Queens College as a classical trumpeter and has played Carnegie Hall, but it was her picking up the bass guitar in the high school jazz band that led her on a musical path toward original rock music. Teri’s experiences include a stint with the NJ cover band Good Girls Don’t and a performance on MTV’s Ultimate Cover Band Battle. Teri has performed and recorded for artists such as Loretta Hagen and Wurley Minerva. She also performed and recorded internationally on Vancouver (British Columbia) singer Fiona Lehn’s album, “One For Me” and for the Swedish rocker Kate Englund. Teri chooses Spector Basses.
Debby Maggiulli
Drummer /Vocals
Debby started playing bongos at the age of 4 and got her first set of drums (Ludwig classic) at age 8. Since then, she has performed with numerous club and corporate event bands, including show bands and original acts. She opened for Richie Havens, David Allen Coe (songwriter of “Take This Job and Shove It”), John Gorka, and the oldies band “Randy and the Rainbows,” and she performed and recorded for award-winning artist Loretta Hagen. Debby’s performances have taken her from Nashville to New York in a range of venues including the Bluebird Cafe, Tropicana Hotel, Bethlehem Music Festival, and numerous clubs and outdoor concerts all over the NY/NJ/CT tri-state area over the many years of her musical career.
Vocals
Higher Power II
Jackie Blu & Connie D'Onofrio
Vocal Duo's
"Higher Power II" is a dynamic vocal duo renowned for their captivating renditions of classic hits and vocal masterpieces. With a harmonious blend of voices, they breathe new life into beloved songs, captivating audiences with their soulful performances. From timeless classics to contemporary favorites, Higher Power II delivers an unforgettable musical experience, leaving listeners craving more.
Nicole Contessa
Vocalist
Meet Nicole Contessa, a seasoned singer whose captivating voice has graced the music scene for over 15 years. From igniting the stage with Tuned Up, a vibrant party rock band, to paying homage to legends with the Son's Of Skynyrd, a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nicole's passion for music knows no bounds. By day, she channels her creativity as an interior designer, infusing spaces with her artistic flair. Yet, it's when the sun sets that Nicole truly shines, thrilling audiences with her electrifying performances and igniting the night with her infectious energy. With a love for collaboration and a knack for inspiring crowds, Nicole Contessa is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the stage.
Gigi Onofrio
Vocalist
Singing professionally since an early age, Gigi sang and was the choir director at both her elementary and high schools. She was also the church music director where she sang, played guitar and keyboards at weddings and special events. A multi-talented performer, Gigi can sing in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. As a true believer in doing what you love, she also enjoys writing original music and feels blessed to have the opportunity to work with great musicians. Her love and passion for music is contagious and shines through at each and every performance.
Guitarist
Lou Tedesco
Lead guitarist / vocals
Lou is an official member of the Black Rose Band, but joins us on stage as our lead guitarist and we couldn't be happier. Having been a founding member of the band "The Touchables" which played the NJ/Tri-State area club circuit during the late ’70s early ’80s, Lou possesses a vast amount of stage experience. Lou was also a principal writer of the original tunes the band recorded and performed. During this time Lou shared the stage with such notables as Bon Jovi, 38 Special, John Waite, Huey Lewis, and David Johansen to name a few. Lou’s musical influences include The Beatles, Stones, Yes, Led Zeppelin, and all New Wave 80’s bands. In recent years Lou has performed with Drama, Bad Kitty, and NJ’s Most Wanted Band.
Gary Hagen
Lead Guitarist / vocals
Gary Hagen, our good friend, is an accomplished guitarist who started his career in the 70s touring with a funk band that traveled through the South. From there he went on to play with many cover and original bands and songwriters in prestigious music venues throughout the Tri-state area. Gary is a professional sound and recording engineer who cut his teeth in his demo studio in Nashville Tennessee where he worked with many well-known musicians and songwriters. He is currently playing guitar for us, The DIVAS Band, and also plays for his wife, Loretta Hagen, a singer-songwriter, and her band who shared the stage with many well-known artists. Gary produced and played on Loretta’s CDs as well as many other artists' recordings.
additions
- 6-8 piece band with
horn section - DJ services
Special occasions
Dr John Bongo
PERCUSSIONIST
Johnny “Bongo” Ramspacher is a percussionist from Central New Jersey, who has appeared with various artists and bands for many years. He is a versatile musician who loves to add layers of rhythm to whatever genre of music is being performed. His engaging personality adds even more flavor to the scene!
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