Mo DeBree originated with Kevin and Kelli Moss in the Spring of 1998.  Their idea was to draw together a crew of seasoned musicians acclaimed for their sound quality, not their volume level; to play standards, deep-in-the-mix and original arrangements of blues and R&B music. Once the players were assembled, rehearsals began in May of that year. 

In February 1999, Mo DeBree made its debut at Medley’s Restaurant in Shockoe Bottom.  The original members were Mike Edwards, drums; Kevin Moss, bass guitar; Russell Marsh, keyboards; the late, great Joe Sheets, guitar; and Kelli Moss, lead vocals. 

Every single month since that first gig, Mo DeBree has provided quality musical entertainment at countless restaurants and functions, and amassed an ever-growing family of loyal fans and Mo DeBree Dancers.  We are overwhelmed and gratified by the response we receive at every performance, including public venues and private functions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Lodge events, parties, benefits, and the Virginia Museum’s Art After Hours program. 

Over the years, Mo DeBree has been fortunate to include many talented musicians in the band, including the late, great blues guitarist Rick Meek; Brian Fones on guitar and vocals; Steve Utt, keyboards; Matt Noah, keyboards and vocals; Ron Hill, guitar and vocals; and most recently, Velpo Robertson, guitar and vocals.

The enormously talented Velpo Robertson had lent his considerable skills on guitar and vocals as a sub since Mo’s inaugural year. Velpo joined the band full-time in 2011, when Mo DeBree started playing weekly Tuesday (“Tuuuuuuuuueeesday!”) night gigs at Shenanigans. Along with long-time drummer Johnny Morris and keyboardist John Holmes, who joined in 2008, Velpo had been integral to the exceptional variety and quality of Mo’s music, which only comes with experience and time. After more than 50 years of playing music full-time, Velpo announced he was retiring. Sadly, Velpo enjoyed very little of his next venture into retirement, passing away suddenly in early  2020.  Velpo was our greatest resource for essential musical trivia and always a great ‘hang.’ A devastating blow not only to Mo DeBree, but the entire Richmond music community-musicians and listeners alike. We’ve begun picking up the pieces,  moving forward and we’re delighted and excited to welcome guitarist and vocalist Steve Young to the band, and to introduce him to our wonderful friends, fans and Mo DeBree Dancers.

This year marks another interval of continued expansion in our musical direction and venues.  Mo DeBree is proud to continue our legacy in Richmond as an extraordinary R&B band that rocks blues straight from the soul.