Who is Vinnie DeRosa and the Vitamin D Crew?
Band members are a rotating cast of buffalo’s finest who I fondly call friends. You may find me on a hit with any of the following smashing individuals:
On Keys, AJ Scibetta, Tony Rhodes, Breezy, Rocco Dellaneve…
On Bass, Brad Robbins, Matthew James Castronova, Zuri Appleby, Rishon Northington…
On Drums, D.Ray, LarZo, Steve Padin, Prude, T.Webb, T.Spoon…
On sax the most amazing Chris Rudroff, Ken Witman, Nelson Rivera, Trumpeter Carlos Day joins the fray.
Occasionally my brother Anthony DeRosa adds second guitar and vocals when he’s not tied up with his own projects. Without stretching that list any further, these are significant contributors to the vibe and sound of Vinnie DeRosa and the Vitamin D Crew if you will.
How did the name of the band come about?
Vitamin D was an idea for a band name coined by keyboardist Aj Scibetta. It sort of stuck.
Where are you from originally?
We are all from BUFFALO and proudly serve this community delicious live sounds all year round drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of musicians who always kept the flame a glow here, from the churches we’ve played through the school bands we all partook in to the rich arts and cultural history that we all were indoctrinated into by simply growing up here. There is an artistic edge coupled with an honest desire to entertain in this roving camp of souls.
What’s your day job?
I myself have been engrained in the local food service community for well over the past decade since starting my first job for the now deemed “Aroma Group of Restaurants” where I’ve been able to hone my skills in culinary but much more importantly in person to person service and developing an understanding for what somebody really wants.
What do you feel when you play?
It is exhilarating to engage in collaboration with these aforementioned musicians be it at a private engagement, a local club/bar/venue, (Trattoria Aroma – Bryant) or the larger outdoor summer stages.
Where do you prefer to play in Buffalo?
Anywhere and everywhere is a worthy location for a positive vibration.
Covers or originals?
We bring a steady string of covers and originals in the styles of Pop, Funk, R&B, Rock, Soul, Reggae and the Blues. Might even bring a classic standard back to new life while putting a true Hip Hop feel in the reel. Gotta stay fresh cause that’s what life’s about. We are strong in our chops yet thus far weak in our management and social media prowess to which all responsibility falls to me.
Any recordings?
Soon I will be releasing a collection of recorded music which has been recorded and mastered to a greater extent at GCR audio under the care and expertise of Justin Rose. Other contributors to the record include Richie English of English Rose Productions responsible for string arrangements, and a production and mixing cred going to Darryl “Delite” Allemby on the track “She’s Thinkin” which has been a popular live cut and features Artist and Rapper NOV. Title “So Much More” was recorded and produced out in Geneseo by Mike Brown at Temperamental Recordings Studio. The work is still in progress and is anticipating a year’s end release.
Where can people catch an upcoming show?
MURDER AT THE MUSEUM!! Friday October 18 at The Buffalo History Museum: a 1920/30’s costume party…live music from Vinnie DeRosa & friends, cash bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and MURDER!!! Call 716-873-9644 x:0 for tickets.
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