The Boys from left to right – Andy Fegley, Michael Lange, Tommy Guay and Kevin Brooks.
By Lani Gering
It is hard to believe that our absolute favorite Chesapeake based musical group, the Eastport Oyster Boys are embarking on their 30th year. We were introduced to them in January of 1998 at the inauguration of the Maritime Republic of Eastport when it seceded from Annapolis in one of the best marketing schemes to keep business flowing while the Spa Creek Bridge was repaired. Being part of that coup as Ambassadors to the Commonwealth, we were flattered to be in the thick of it.
Aptly appointed the Musical Goodwill Ambassadors by the City of Annapolis and the Maritime Republic of Eastport, the Eastport Oyster Boys love to share their musical celebration and stories of life on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.
Over these last 30 years, the Eastport Oyster Boys have educated, amused, and delighted thousands with their wit, wisdom, and special message of stewardship and appreciation for the Bay and its unique maritime culture and history. The Oyster Boys’ simple philosophy is wrapped up in the three basic necessities of life: “a good hat, a good dog and a good boat.” These words comprise the lyrics of one of my favorite songs of theirs – obviously – Good Hat, Good Dog, Good Boat.
The Eastport Oyster Boys are known for their engaging and interactive presence with audiences. Along with their original music and songs of the area, The Boys often engage in an abbreviated and sometimes ever so slightly modified history of the Bay, its unique culture and characters and allude to some inside anecdotes that oft times inspire The Oyster Boys’ material. Most of all, audiences remember the good fun they had and go home with a bit of the Chesapeake in their blood.
The Boys are a collaboration of four of the Chesapeake region’s finest and most experienced performers and bring with them a wide variety of instrumentation including acoustic/electric guitars, keyboards, banjo, fiddle, melodica, trombone and even hammered dulcimer. Their musical tastes cross numerous genres and include island rhythms, Americana, boogie, Celtic, Dixie swing, chanteys, waltzes and even some good ol’ rock-and-roll.
The core band members are Kevin “Brother Shucker” Brooks (guitar, banjo, vocals, songwriter), Tom Guay (electric/acoustic guitars, fiddle, hammer dulcimer, vocals), Mike Lange (keyboards, ukulele, melodica, vocals) and Andrew “Captain Andy” Fegley (trombone, percussion, vocals). Co-founder Jeff Holland left the group around 2010 to become the West/Rhode Riverkeeper.
Though calling the waterman’s village of the Maritime Republic of Eastport home, their music has been appreciated nationwide and as far as the shores of Nova Scotia, Ireland and Europe. They have been often featured in regional, national and international print media, radio, broadcast and public television and film productions over their 30-year tenure.
The group have several notable compact disc recordings available including “Miss Lonesome”, “Full Moon Cruisin” and “An Oyster Boy Christmas” as well as several independent releases by the members of the boys. In addition, their songs have been featured on several CDs spotlighting songs of Chesapeake life here on the shores of the Bay.
The Boys were introduced to Alexandria in January of 2003 when they entertained guests celebrating the Old Town Crier’s 15th Anniversary at the former Old Town Theatre (now Patagonia). The audience was highly entertained to say the least.
The kickoff of the 30th Shuck It tour on the 22nd is sure to be an evening of Eastport Oyster Boys music and mirth with special musical guests comprised of former members of the EOB’s – Randy Morris – Tuba and Bass Guitar, Scott Hymes – Keyboard, Todd Kamen – Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Rich King – Percussion, Keith Manuel – Percussion and Herbie Wheatly – Sax, Flute and Percussion. Along with these fine musicians, many memories will be shared of their travels as the Goodwill Ambassadors from the City of Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay. They have traveled world-wide entertaining and educating audiences in all age groups.
Proceeds from the concert will help to support the mission of Annapolis Musicians for Musicians (AMFM) which provides scholarships and emergency support for local working artists.
For More Information or to book the Eastport Oyster Boys for your event contact their Artist Representative at 443-510-0831 or email booking@oysterboys.com. Follow them on Facebook at “Eastport Oyster Boys” and check out their website: www.oysterboys.com. You can also find them on Linkedin: “Eastport Oyster Boys”.
Join Us for the 30th Shuck It Tour Kick Off
March 22nd 4-6 pm
Maryland Hall
801 Chase Street
Annapolis
Marylandhall.org
General Admission: $30 plus fee
Priority Seating: $50 plus fee
VIP Priority Seating and Reception: $75 plus fee.
Sponsored by the Boatyard Bar and Grill, the reception with The Boys and their guest performers follows the concert. Light bites, beer and wine.
Tickets are limited and may be purchased online at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=302053
Additional Sponsors: Flying Dog Brewing, Merrill Lynch, SpinSheet Magazine, Old Town Crier Regional Magazine.