ABOUT RN+A

“Horns and keys are mixed in with expanded guitars and drum beats, blanketed in the poetry of Rebel’s lyricism, often sung, but also spoken. The “cocktail of sound”, as she describes it, serves to deliver earnest contemplations. The music satisfies, but it also acts as disruptive art; social commentary drawn from a place of personal experience or historical relevance.” — Justin, Red Chuck Productions

rebel noire and the accomplices are award-winning mixologists of music, blending jazz, R&B/soul, rock and a hint of hip hop influences for a distinct evocative sound. Together, they create original songs exploring themes of power, resistance, and the complex textures of human love. In March 2025, they were nominees for Best Jazz Single, Best R&B Album and Single of the Year in the inaugural Naptones Award, and received the statue in the Best Jazz Single and Single of the Year categories.

Frontwoman rebel noire (vocals/djembe) writes in the spirit of Black Womanness with an unusual poetic style. she joins forces with accomplices and artists — Colby Becton (drums); Devin Brewer (keys and drums); Devin Vargo (lead guitar); and Jason Brewer (bass) — resulting in dynamic performances that are haunting and raw.

Since they began assembling in 2019, the band has made appearances at y Art festival, The Lerner Theatre , the TASTE of Tippecanoe Festival and South Bend Fringe Festival. They have opened for reggae legends, The Wailers, and closed out for Tomato Flower. they have three independent EPs, truthteller (Januarry 2022), UNARMED (October 2023) and LOVEVOLVE (September 2024).

photo credit: J Korn Photography

Recent Press

Elkhart County Symphony presents season ending concert, rebelSYMPHnoire (May 2025)

Photos: The Naptones music awards celebrate local artists (March 2025)

The Naptones awards ceremony celebrates Indiana musicians in 13 categories (March 2025)

Rebel Noire and the Accomplices celebrate the release of their new EP (Oct. 2023)

band bios

  • the birth of a rebel began at Red Oak House in Elkhart, where she performed her original songs a capella with a borrowed church tambourine. In 2017, she began connecting with Elkhart artists and honing her distinct songwriting style. After her first international performance at Bloodwood House in Mittagong, Australia, her desire to pursue music more fully and intentionally surged to new levels. Since then, she has been leaning into her artistry with increasing passion. In 2019, she released two singles in collaboration with local artists, Three-Legged Chair. In 2019, she started assembling her band, "the accomplices," to bring the music in her head to life. today, she is frontwoman, songwriter, vocalist and occasional Djembe percussionist in the group. she also continues to write and recite poetry on the side.

  • Colby has been playing drums all his life, starting when he was just a toddler and could hold a pair of spoons. He has traveled all over the world with a variety of artists, from big name performers to local acts in different cities. Music and drums have been his focus for a long time and, “Now it's time to start a journey with rebel.”

  • Devin B. is a multi-instrumentalist, song writer, aspiring producer, seasoned performer, and above all else a lover of music and art. He is the second longest accomplice in the band, starting out on drums and then becoming the keyboard and synth player for the group. He is also the mastermind of @OVRGRXWTH, an Elkhart based fusion band with high energy music that covers many different styles & genres.

  • Devin V. is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, drums, vocals, bass and keys), audio-engineer and producer based in South Bend, Indiana. Beginning at the age of three, he took to the drums. Knowing music was a daily operation out of love and necessity, he then followed up with guitar and bass. This passion later ignited a fire to dive into engineering professionally. With background in many genres and nearly two decades of performing experience, he finds his joy in creating with others and creating comfort for those around him — whether in a studio or live setting. In his personal time, he loves traveling and spending time with his wife, Jenna, their firstborn son Wesley, and their dog Stella.

  • Jason reconnects with his goal of reaching the state of creative flow every morning. Collaborating with other creatives in multiple modes of expression makes that pretty easy most days. He considers himself to be "just a self taught rock-punk who fell in love with jazz." He is grateful to be actively engaged in this work, and is often surprised by the results.

alumni accomplices

We’re grateful for all the musicians and friends who have helped shape the good ship rebel over the years, including: Abraham Medelllin (guitar); Evan Judson (trumpet) Evan Krabill (sax), Olivia Copsey (support vocals) and Tyrus Tucker (drums)