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About the Band

A Celebration From Coast To Coast

Tupelo Honey came together in 2019, built around a simple idea: put a room full of road-tested, world-class musicians on stage and let them do right by one of the most influential songwriters of the last 60 years. Van Morrison didn't just write songs — he helped invent an entire sound, Blue Eyed Soul, and that sound is the whole reason we're here.

This isn't a note-for-note tribute act. It's a full night moving through the era Van helped shape — his own catalog alongside the artists who point straight back to him: Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Palmer, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker, U2 and more. The band behind it has shared stages with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, The Rolling Stones, and Paul McCartney, and that experience shows up in every set — tight, soulful, and built to move a room.

That's exactly what's been happening. Tupelo Honey has sold out 500-plus capacity theaters and clubs on first appearances, closed shows to standing ovations, and built repeat relationships with venues and promoters across the country who keep bringing us back. Every show has the same goal: leave the room on its feet, singing along, and already looking forward to the next one.

100%Blue Eyed Soul

Helping You Succeed

Tupelo Honey is a partner in your success. We have thousands of social media followers and an enormous mailing list to help aggressively promote our shows. We understand — if you don't succeed, we don't succeed. We work hard to make sure you get the kind of attendance you want!

Meet the Musicians

A deep bench. One groove.

Tupelo Honey enjoys an extraordinary list of exceptional musicians. Members of our band have played with the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, The Police, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin and more. Our regular show has seven players, but we can offer your organization or venue configurations from 5–10 musicians to fit any budget. Learn more about our talented artists below.

Jim DeRosa
Jim DeRosa
Vocals

Jim has been singing and performing for over three decades, with more than 3,000 shows across the US and Canada. He's led Tupelo Honey since its founding in 2019, pairing a powerful, dynamic voice with years of experience as an emcee and comedian. Fun fact: he's known for leaving the stage mid-song to sing and dance with the crowd.

Cyriese Lambert
Cyriese Lambert
Vocals

Cyriese has been a member of Tupelo Honey since day one in 2019, bringing a voice with serious range and power. She's spent decades touring alongside acts like Gino Vannelli and Motown group Platinum Hook. Fans often say her ease with a crowd is worth the ticket price alone.

Shelia Slappy
Shelia Slappy
Vocals

An internationally acclaimed vocalist and songwriter, Shelia has performed across the U.S., Japan, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Her style blends jazz, gospel, soul, and world music into something elegant and heartfelt. Fun fact: few in the room can say they've sung on four continents — Shelia can.

Boots Anderson
Boots Anderson
Rhythm Guitar · MD

Boots' career stretches back to the 60s and 70s, including stints as MD/guitarist for boy bands New Edition and 4 By Four. He's shared stages with Luther Vandross, Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, and the Isley Brothers, and currently plays guitar for international act Atlantic Starr. As Tupelo Honey's musical director, he's the one keeping the whole band locked in.

Rob Wingler
Rob Wingler
Bass

A longtime fixture of the Jersey Shore music scene, Rob is also a session bassist with GRS Productions in Austin, Texas. He's a proud artist with Surine Basses, Bartolini Pickups, Rattlesnake Cable Company, and Fuchs Amplification. Fun fact: off stage, he co-hosts the Guitar Radio Show, interviewing musicians and talking gear.

Jerry Dalce
Jerry Dalce
Bass

Jerry has spent three decades as a professional touring bassist, playing nearly every genre from jazz and gospel to R&B and rock. He's performed all over the world with some of America's biggest acts. His feel and stage presence are as smooth as his playing.

Ralph Vargas
Ralph Vargas
Drums

Known as “Da Phunky Drumma,” Ralph has spent five decades behind the kit, performing with Teddy Riley, New Edition, Cameo, and Atlantic Starr. His drum loops have been sampled by countless rap groups and multi-platinum artists, with credits including Grammy-nominated projects. A founding member of Tupelo Honey since 2019, he's held the drum throne from day one.

Darryl Dixon
Darryl Dixon
Sax · Flute · Arranger

With over 40 years in the industry, Darryl's credits include Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. His last tour with Alicia Keys covered 103 shows across 30 countries. Fun fact: when he's off the road, he performs and records with his own horn section, Chops Horns.

Meredith Foreman
Meredith Foreman
Sax · Flute

A multi-instrumentalist and educator, Meredith performs on saxophone, flute, clarinet, drums, and percussion. As a substitute with the renowned Chops Horns, she's played the Apollo Theater and Carnegie Hall alongside Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, and Boyz II Men. She also performs with Beatles tribute band The Weeklings and has taught music for over 20 years.

Mike DiLorenzo
Mike DiLorenzo
Keyboards

Mike has performed with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers including Whitney Houston, Bo Diddley, and The Shirelles, and has played Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. Fun fact: his 2025 single “Modern Times” has racked up over 1.2 million streams and hit #3 on smoothjazz.com's Top 100. His recent work blends soulful jazz with contemporary R&B.

Gerard Barnes
Gerard Barnes
Keyboards · Sound Engineer

A professional keyboardist for over 30 years, Gerard's influences span gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, and classical. He's produced or performed with Pink, Faith Evans, Eminem, Heather Headley, and Ginuwine. Fun fact: he once appeared alongside Bilal on The Jay Leno Show.

Fred Las Fagious
Fred Las Fagious
Keyboards

Performing since the 1980s, Fred has toured and recorded across nearly every genre in the business. Fun fact: his most memorable gig might be the one where Paul McCartney hired his band to play his wedding — and then invited Fred on stage to perform with him. That kind of reputation speaks for itself.

Robin Corley
Robin Corley
Sax · Flute

An original member of Platinum Hook, a Motown/RCA recording group, Robin performed before thousands at the Budweiser and Kool Jazz Festivals and on the world-famous stage of Carnegie Hall, sharing bills with The Commodores, Sister Sledge, Luther Vandross, and Italian superstar Loredana Bertè. He's since relocated to North Carolina but, as an original member of Tupelo Honey, still joins the crew whenever they're near his new home. “These guys are among the best musicians I've ever worked with,” he says. “Fans can always count on a great time when Tupelo Honey rolls into town.”

On These Stages

Some of the exceptional venues we've performed

Musicians Hall of Fame
Nashville, TN
The Paramount Theater
Peekskill, NY
Boulton Performing Arts Center
Bay Shore, NY
Newberry Opera House
Newberry, NC
Havana
New Hope, PA
Swanee Theater
Kannapolis, NC
The Strand Theater
Lakewood, NJ
Nissi's
Lafayette, CO
McLoone's
Asbury Park, NJ
The Theater at Innovation Square
Rochester, NY
City Winery
Various Locations
King Ranch
Corpus Christi, TX
Newtown Theater
Newtown, PA
The Oncenter
Syracuse, NY
The Theater @ North
Scranton, PA
Sunoco Performing Arts Center
Harrisburg, PA
The Grunin Theater
Toms River, NJ
Miller Theater for the Performing Arts
Reading, PA
Belfry Theater
Lake Geneva, WI
Rehoboth Beach Amphitheater
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Rivers Casino
Philadelphia, PA
In Their Words

Testimonials

What venues, promoters, and event planners say about booking Tupelo Honey.

We've booked Tupelo Honey into several of our venues, most over 500 capacity. They've always sold well and given our guests a great show. We continue to work with them and will do so into '27 & '28.
Karl Staubnau
Innovation Arts Management
I've been working with Tupelo Honey for years. They play here three times a year and are a guaranteed sell-out each time.
Mark Stevens
Havana Supper Club
They played our location in Pittsburgh last year and sold out on their first appearance. They also ended the show with a standing ovation. We are now booking them at as many locations within our company as we can.
Bri Fallahee
City Winery Inc.
Everywhere we've booked them has rebooked for additional shows. They are standout performers and some of the nicest and easiest acts to work with.
Amy Nagle
La Jolla Talent Booking Company
Their show is incredible. The talent they have on stage is extraordinary and they work incredibly hard to make sure the entire audience is engaged and enjoying themselves. We love working with them.
Steve Love
Love Productions
Live Dates

Catch us on stage

Where to find Tupelo Honey next.

Date Venue Ticket Links

No shows currently on the calendar — check back soon.

Past Shows (0)
What You'll Hear

Music from the soundtrack of your life

Sing and Dance To:

Brown Eyed Girl Wild Night Have I Told You Lately You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman I Can't Make You Love Me Domino Moondance Dancing in the Dark Higher Love Addicted to Love Into the Mystic Gloria You Can Leave Your Hat On Hot Legs Someone Like You Crazy Love

A sample of what's in rotation — the full setlist flexes to fit your room, your crowd, and your run time.

Watch

Live Videos

A taste of the show, straight from the stage.

Live Footage
Live Footage
Facebook Reel
Get In Touch

Contact & Booking

Would you like a quote for your organization or venue? Email us today and we'll respond within 30 minutes.

Get a Fast Quote

Click the email link below and let us know:

  • The location of your performance
  • The date of your performance
  • Your name
  • Your phone number
  • Your projected budget

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Email jrderosa@mac.com
Download our full Press Kit (PDF)  ·  Tupelo Honey Press One Sheet  ·  Download Stage Plot (PDF)
ContactJim DeRosa
Based InNew Jersey & the Jersey Shore
Available ForClubs · Festivals · Theaters · Private Events