Bio
The Sledge Grits Band
A unique blend of diversity and talent...
"Unique Blend of Rock and Soul"
The Sledge Grits Band has made quite a splash in the local and national music scene. They have performed from coast to coast, have been featured on the CBS Early Show, opened for acts such as Ludacris. They had 2 concerts and showcased at NAMM and played major festivals including, the Monterey Bay Blues Festival, the Watsonville Strawberry Festival and the Castroville Artichoke Festival. Their musicianship is far beyond their years and they are known for turning skeptics into believers! These girls are wowing audiences both young and old.Since the band came together in 2008, they have been a part of 200+ shows.
The Sledge Sisters have been performers all their life. Always involved in talent shows, dance recitals, and elaborate productions put on for family and friends. The girls picked up instruments about 4 years ago. Keiko, Kariel and Mimi all started on the guitar. They needed a "metronome"to practice to. So, bo-Pah kept time for them on the bottom of a gumbo pot and..... A DRUMMER WAS BORN! Mimi became the singer, Kariel gravitated to the bass and Keiko stayed with the guitar. (bo-Pah grew into a full kit at 5 years old and retired the gumbo pot.. although it does make a showing every now and again when Daddy has his Zydeco CDs on ).
They live in California now but, they were raised in Florida. The name of the band reflects their roots. Grits... a southern comfort food... also stands for girls raised in the south. In their case however, they are Girls Raised in the Sun. When asked how they can be so passionate at such young ages, they reply..." We have been through a lot in our short lives. Our Daddy has MS and that has been a hard struggle for us. Music has helped us through sooo much and we think that's what people see when we perform. Our passion..."
They are definitely a "have to see to believe", kind of band...
They can be described as Heart lead by Mariah Carey... Big shoes to fill but, their feet are growing fast:)
”Mimi”
9 years Old
Lead Vocals, guitar
Mimi has been singing for 2 years. She began on the guitar when she was 5. Mimi has an unbelievable vocal range and has an understanding of music far beyond her years. When not singing Mimi enjoys dancing, writing stories or playing dolls with Bo-Pah
"Kariel"13 years old
Bass, backup vocals
Songwriter
Kariel has been performing since she was 9. She started on the bass 3 years ago and is interested in learning all styles of music. She is actively involved in her community and is a bass player and singer for the Blues in the Schools program. During her Free time Kariel enjoys reading, dancing, fashion and acting. She is a straight A student.
"Bopah"
7 years old, Drums
Bopah has been playing drums for more than half her life. She started by keeping the beat for the band on the bottom of a gumbo pot. She leaves audiences speechless with her skill level. Bo-Pah enjoys learning the bass, making gifts for others and being active in the playground.
"Keiko"
14 years old
Guitar and backup vocals
Head Songwriter
14 year old Keiko has been performing all of her life. She started playing guitar when she was 10 and has found an intense passion for it over the last 2 years. She is vice chairperson of the Salinas Youth Commission and is involved in the Blues in the Schools program as a singer. During her free time Keiko enjoys writing songs, learning French, acting and reading. She is a straight A student.
The Sledge Grits Band
Salinas, CA
United States
