“Never Say Never” best applies to Debra Taren, lead vocalist for the Deb Taren Band. Never a vocalist in her youth, she “never” intended to become one as an adult.  Taren credits her uncle Conrad of Los Lobos for kick-starting her appreciation for music, at a young age.  Deb’s introduction, by her uncle, to such groups as Jimi Hendrix, The Yardbirds, King Crimson, Uriah Heap & The Animals, coupled with her mother’s regular record playing on their home stereo of 60’s, Latin and jazz hits, helped to develop Taren’s deep appreciation for music of different genres. 

Taren has always been a fan of live music – it wasn’t until she was challenged to try her hand at a karaoke singalong that Deb considered “singing” as an artistic outlet worth exploring.  Deb became a virtual “secret songstress” for only a likened few.  Stepping out of the karaoke closet for a close friend, she met with an audience that celebrated her clandestine talent – this performance led to an offer by a local notable punk group (Los Illegals) who shared her same interests in alternative music – which resulted in a collaborative series of acoustic shows that mixed two guitars backing Taren’s campy versions of songs made popular by Nancy Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Eartha Kitt, Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Garbage.  Deb playfully describes this union as her musical “Molotov” cocktail.  It was this type of luck and chance that led her to gigs with other bands and live “call up” performances wherever she went – from L.A., to Europe and the Far East.

     Deb’s diverse taste in music compelled her to start her own band, The Debi Dagger Band, a group that appeals to audiences of mixed demographics - a music for everyone kind of band, ideal for street scenes and festivals. A few years ago, Taren fell in love with the Long Beach music scene, consequently, The Deb Taren Band was born.  Although she wouldn’t describe herself as a blues singer, Taren enjoys blending her smooth vocals with a hint of raspy to arrive at a mix of jazz and a lighter style of blues. 

Fresh from playing The Long Beach New Blues Festival, The Deb Taren Band left the audience wowed and energized with their upbeat collection of blues originals & stylized versions of blues classics done up in the styles of jump, swing and boogie woogie.

Deb is excited to return to NAMM this year for the Deb Taren Band’s acoustic performance at The Anaheim Sheraton.  The band’s set list will be an eclectic mix of Django, jazz, blues, a show tune or two and possibly a Latin or 60’s song classic.  

Taren is proud to be sharing the stage with musicians: Jazz Guitarist “extraordinaire” Dean Grech, La Mirada Symphony Bassist, Herman Mendez and “mainstay” Percussionist, Steve Roybal.  Stay tuned!