Billy Keen ~ Guitar, Vocals, Composer
Gypsy Star founder, Billy Keen, a New Englander, was born in Rhode Island, USA. Starting out on drums, he formed his first rock band at the age of 13. He played a variety of instruments before settling on guitar as his instrument of choice. By age 20 he was on the road full time, first playing in the New England area and eventually throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. He now makes his home in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Over the years, he became increasingly interested and inspired by various musical styles from around the world and began composing songs reflecting these new influences. He formed Gypsy Star in 2005 and produced their first, self-titled, CD in 2007 as well as their newly released (October 2011) CD Once In A Dream.
Belinda Brodsky ~ Lead Vocals, Lyrics, Percussion and Keyboards
Born in the Bronx, New York, USA and growing up in New Jersey, Belinda played drums in a marching band and performed in musical theater in her teens. Later, she worked for a large entertainment agency. She also did studio work as a vocalist, recording jingles for the metropolitan areas of New York and New Jersey. After moving to Florida, Belinda performed with various local bands and joined the newly forming Gypsy Star in 2005. As a co-writer, she brings many of the lyrics to Gypsy Star's songs.
Vail Hayes ~ Drums, Congas and Percussion
Born in Brooklyn, New York, USA, Vail studied music at New York City College and performed with the N.Y.C. College Jazz Band. He has played with various rock and dance bands in New York, California and Florida where he now resides and where he eventually met and joined up with Gypsy Star in 2008.
Pollyanna Garcia ~ Featured Dancer and Percussion
Born in the Bronx in New York, USA, Pollyanna has performed, taught dance and lectured in New York, California, Florida and the Midwest. She first performed with Gypsy Star in 2007 as a “special guest” dancer. By the Spring of 2008, she stayed on as a permanent member of the band, playing percussion as well as dancing.
Stephen Roberts ~ Bass guitar
Born in Southsea, England, UK, Steve has toured throughout the United Kingdom and Europe including Norway, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Turkey. He also worked on various recording projects beginning in the 1990‘s. In 2006, he moved to the U.S. and performed with rock bands in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. He joined up with Gypsy Star in the spring of 2009.
Jaime Paredes ~ Flute, Wind Controller / Woodwinds and Keyboards
Born in Colombia, South America, Jaime pursued his musical studies at the Bogota Conservatory where he performed with the Youth Symphony Orchestra. He also played in various groups such as the Barranquilla Jazz Ensemble. He toured Europe in the summer of 2002. As a composer and musical director, Jaime formed his own band called Taller Acoustico. In 2006 Jaime came to the United States where he's been working on various musical and recording projects in Tampa, Florida. He joined Gypsy Star in the summer of 2010.