Deborah Stafford had been a staple of the Colorado Blues scene for many years with her band, Deborah Stafford & The State of Affairs. But after Covid shutdowns in 2020, and in order to fulfill her goal of winning The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, in 2021 Deborah put together the dream team. She created a new band, added a horn section and keyboards, and thus was born The Night Stalkers. They have been "Stalking the Blues" ever since. Deborah & The Night Stalkers play a variety of original Funky Blues, Soul & Roots Rock, and their horn-driven grooves will get you shakin' it!  With great original songs and covers from artists like Al Green, Etta James, Ray Charles, Amy Winehouse and Ray LaMontagne they mix the best of blues with funk and soul . Their award-winning horn section, hot guitar licks by Jeff Bowen (formerly of My Blue Sky), soulful keyboards by Tone Show, and the smoldering vocals of Deborah Stafford take this band to the next level. In May 2022 they made it to the semi-finals in Memphis and opened The (now defunct) Trinidaddio Blues Festival to rave reviews. They won the CBS Blues Challenge for the second year in a row and went to Memphis again for the 2023 IBC. 2023 also saw them headlining at Blues on the Mesa,  Red, White and Blues, and opening Rock & Rails. In 2024 they were headlining Rock & Rails, Louisville Street Faire and Frederick Miner's Days among their other shows.

 

Deborah started songwriting with her guitarist from State of Affairs, Dave "Doc" Dougherty, and they partnered on many great songs she still does today. She has written with JIm Deschamp and her current writing partner is the leader of her horn section and arranger, Doug Rasmussen. Deborah continues to make her mark as a singer and songwriter with heartfelt lyrics and songs you walk out humming. This band is going places! 

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"Great solid band with a big sound! Well written songs..."

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"Seasoned and smooth. Horn section compliments this band very well...There is a lot going on up there & you guys make it look so easy.  Great musicianship Wow! Nice! Splendid! Well Done!"

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 "Ocean of Tears is a winner. If you don't do it, sell it to Ruthie Foster with horn band.  Etta James would kill for that song.  Nice Work!"

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CBS & Memphis judges