Deb "Sweetgroove" Berlinger
Young Deb was constantly in the kitchen cupboards, pulling out canned vegetables, removing the labels, setting them up like drums, and banging on them. Desperate to know what vegetable they were having for dinner, Deb's parents bought her a toy drum set at the age of four, and it’s been nothing but noise and rhythm since.
Deb grew up in Ft. Myers, FL where she played percussion in concert, jazz and marching bands, and rock bands. She also attended music programs at Edison Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi. Most of her playing involved special productions where drum solos where featured. Through the 70’s and 80’s, she played in various local groups in the Tampa and Panama City areas. But in the mid- to the late 80’s she quit playing and sold everything.
Around 10 years ago, the music bug bit again and she picked up congas, djembe, and various Latin percussion instruments with friends. But, once again, those cans in the cupboard started looking good and in 2004, she invested in another drum kit and has been honing her skills ever since.
In addition to her work with The Mayhaws, Deb plays percussion with Charles Atkins, Trial by Stone, Tallahassee's only Hindi chanting group, Om Sweet Om, Blue Chameleon, and The Dead Keys.
Visit Deb at www.deborahberlinger.com