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Heller Highwater is a five piece dance band with roots in R & B and Classic Rock. Where ever Heller is playing there is a party going on.Based out of Bend, Oregon, Heller Highwater creates a vibe that audiences of all ages can move to. With the cool sounds of Motown, rock, soulful blues and a touch of Country it's a style of musical groove that makes people want to get up and shake it on the dance floor or just listen and enjoy. Influences like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Etta James on the R & B side. Then throw in some Stones, AC/DC, Delbert Mcclinton, Susan Tedeschi and many others and everyone can find something to love.
The musicians are skilled, versatile and expressive. The goal is to provide the very best musical experience possible for our audiences. In short we’re all playing music for the right reasons….We love it!
Lead Vocalist Heather Drakulich took classical vocal instruction early in her career but eventually gave in to her passion for Rock and Soul. That early training shines through and reveals a vocal powerhouse who will keep you entertained with her passion, energy and style. Heather did a stint with a Seattle area band called “New Moon” who opened for the Shirelles while on tour. Some of her important influences are: Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Bonnie Raitt. Heather is spending time writing these days with one of her tunes prominent on the new CD.
Tom Brouillette, lead guitar and vocals, is a smoking hot player with range. He can play everything from country to blues to rock to acoustic sweetness. Tom Studied at the Guitar Institute in Hollywood taking instruction from the likes of Robben Ford and other top artists. He played a wide variety of venues in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area over several years, winning a major battle of the bands competition in the process resulting in a recording contract and local air play for the music.
Keyboardist Lou Schmerber adds a rich foundation to the band sound taking on leads as well. He covers not only the more traditional Organ, electric and acoustic Piano sounds but also adds horns, Synth and maybe even some percussion. Lou adds rich vocal harmonies and is our go to guy for dicing out harmonies on tricky material. Lou grew up in a musical family taking several years of piano lessons back in the day. Lou played with “The Blue Royals” in the Portland area for several years.
Drummer/Percussionist Lance Van Buren keeps the band honest with a highly creative and consistent beat. He also has a strong singing voice taking the lead on some tunes. Lance started out as a Rock guy keeping it simple and solid with a love for syncopation. While playing Blues Jams for about 13 years he learned many blues styles and also Latin rhythms. Lance has played with a number of bands with diverse styles.
Bass Player Dylan Little holds down the low end and keeps the room grooving. His roots sprout from rock music ranging from blues and roots rock to hard rock. Dylan has played with multiple bands around Central Oregon since 2011. He is influenced by and enjoys playing many different genres of music. His deep roots in ROCK keep the music driving and tight
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Drive, Suite 100,Bend, Oregon, United States
