Sheela began her “professional” singing career at the age of 40 and started in one of CNY’s premiere bands, Atlas singing with former front man, Ricky Chisolm from 2002 to 2006.
She formed and led her own band, AboutTime well known for combining a mix of classic rock and old school dance music and had a successful and consistent run for 5 years.
Her versatility and ability, but more importantly, her LOVE to sing just about anything has been heard in many crowd-pleasing performances over the years with many of Syracuse’s renowned musicians such as Radio Fever; ScarsNStripes; Hard Promises; PrimeTime; Marc Copani; Kim Fetters & Andy Rudy duo; Mario DeSantis and his orchestra (with Maria DeSantis, Ronnie Leigh, Keith Condon, and Israel Hagan); Bill DiCosimo; Edgar Pagan; John Spillett, Andrew Carroll; AfterFX; John Puma Band; The Custom Taylor Band; The Critics; UBF; The (original)State Street Band; Syracuse's own-The Blacklites; The Chris Terra Band; Stroke; Jimmy Cox; Pinky; Souled Out (Connecticut); The Swinging Johnsons (of Myrtle Beach); Kane; Elephant Shoes; Emerald City; FATE; 50/50; MC3; KatTale; Loren Barrigar (and Mark Mazengarb); The Coachmen and more.
Opened for Michael McDonald (formerly of The Doobie Bros.) and receiving unexpected praise from him on her vocal ability to sing Patti LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade” (a song that nicknamed her “Little Ms. Dynamite” back in 1999)
Sheela was hired to sing "Wind Beneath My Wings" for a very special 80th birthday party held here in Syracuse in 2009. It was a "surprise gift" for Frances Pardee from her husband William Usery, Jr. Mr. Usery was once a labor union activist and government appointee. Both passed away in 2016 but the special song is something of meaning and still remains a special memory for Sheela. ( Read about who William Usery, Jr. is by clicking here )