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Hernando Today

Gypsy Star to perform at Hernando Open Market

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By TIMOTHY P. HOWSARE Hernando Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 16, 2010

HERNANDO BEACH - Where can you see a flamenco dancer performing with a band that includes a classical violinist and the plays everything from Latin, to Celtic, to African, to Middle Eastern with hints of jazz, classical and rock?

If your curiosity is piqued, then come to the Hernando Beach Open Market Saturday night to hear Gypsy Star.

The six-piece band is the brainchild of guitarist and composer Billy Keen.

Keen, who had played rock and rhythm and blues throughout his life, said he began listening to world music about 10 years ago.

"It stirred something with me and started writing with me in that mode and now I'm playing nylon string flamenco guitar," he said.

Keen was born in Pawtucket, R.I., and has played throughout the eastern United States, Canada and the Caribbean. He now makes his home in Tampa Bay.
Flamenco dancer Pollyanna Garcia, who also plays percussion, was born in the Bronx, N.Y. She has performed, taught dance and lectured in New York, California, Florida and the Midwest.

Lead vocalist Belinda Brodsky, also born in the Bronx, N.Y., has performed in musical theater and has done studio work recording jingles.

Violinist Kathy McKienzie is the newest addition to the band. She is concert master of the Hernando Symphony and also is a member of The Mostly Pops Orchestra of Florida.
Bass guitarist Stephen Roberts is an Englishman who has toured throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. In 2006 he moved to the U.S. and joined Gypsy Star in the spring of 2009.

Vail Hayes, drums, congas and auxiliary percussion, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and studied music at New York City College. He has played with various rock and dance bands in New York, California and Florida.

Keen describes the band's music, which is all original, as "very eclectic, very diverse, a fusion of any source in the world."

He said he started piecing the band together in 2004. The original lineup came out in 2005, with Brodsky as lead singer.

The released their first CD, "Gypsy Star," in 2007 and are currently working on their second album.

Keen said although the band is very different, they have been well received by audiences in the Tampa Bay area.

"When I first started writing, I wasn't sure how the response was going to be," he said. "I think there is a real opportunity to bring this music to typical American audiences who may otherwise listen to rock or Top 40 dance music."

Keen hopes the band can soon broaden its horizons and perform in Orlando, up and down the East Coast and possibly overseas.

"Most members live in the Hernando-Pasco area but our playing perimeter is limitless," he said.

If you go:

What - Gypsy Star
Where - Hernando Beach Open Market, 3375 Shoal Line Blvd. near the VFW

When - 6 to 9 p.m.

Ticket price - $5

For more information, call 352-610-4422

Community news editor Timothy P. Howsare can be reached at 352-544-5284 or thowsare@hernandotoday.com.

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