Boogie and the Yo-Yoz’ current roster is made up of an all-star 8 member team with a dynamic range of musical capabilities. Original members, Dave Lange (bas guitar) and Eric Peters (lead guitar) are backed up by an all-star cast including Kevin Baker on drums, Paige Baker as female lead vocalist, Lorenzo Fredenberg as male lead vocalist, Mike Barden on keys, and Jake Opperman on sax (and anything else that needs playing). Their newest member, John Leja fills a vacancy on rhythm guitar, but also plays trumpet and other instruments. Every member of this band is a career musician and entertainer. We are dedicated to bringing their fans the highest quality most engaging live music experience possible.
What Makes Boogie and the Yo-Yoz Different?
Energy
You know that phrase “give 110%”? Well, we invented it. We are always moving, singing, and entertaining. Boogie and the Yo-Yoz brings high-energy, top notch vocals, studio quality instrumentals, and a dynamic stage performance to every song we perform. Our ability to spread the lead around to different members keeps the group fresh and enables us to pack as much energy into every song as possible. Audiences are entertained from first downbeat to the encore!
Professionalism
Fun is the biggest perk of our job; however, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality fan and client experience we can provide. This means that we treat every event and venue with the respect that it demands. With Boogie and the Yo-Yoz, you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to get. Every show, every client, every fan is treated with integrity and respect. Our band members have made a career of entertaining the masses and endeavor to deliver high-quality, drug free experience every time! Translation: We are high quality, low drama, low risk and easy to work with!
Everyone Sings (and plays multiple instruments)
Every member of Boogie and the Yo-Yoz sings, and many could be lead vocalists in their own right. This combined with the instrumental diversity of the group gives Boogie and the Yo-Yoz a dynamic versatility unmatched by other show bands. Boogie prides ourselves on musical diversity. We have the ability to cater to all tastes in music due to our vocal and instrumental flexibility.
Horn Section
A live horn section puts a polish on our musical interpretation that sets us apart. Not many bands are able to boast a horn section. This allows us to play a bigger variety of tunes without sacrificing quality or taking ‘musical shortcuts.’ Add in choreography and the combination makes for a wildly entertaining ensemble that can please any crowd.
Full Production Capabilities
Every event is different, and Boogie and the Yo-Yoz has the resources to accommodate every situation. We travel with a seasoned sound company that has the ability to provide sound and lighting for crowds from 20 to 20,000. We can integrate into your existing production or bring a complete package, catering to the specific needs of your venue or event.
History
Boogie and the Yo-Yoz started performing for the masses in 1995 under our original name, Cornerstone. You’re probably saying, “WHAT?… I thought they were Yogi and the Boo Booz?”, and you’d be right. Only a few months in, at the recommendation of the band’s manager, we opted for a new name that people would not easily forget. That name, Yogi & the Boo Booz, was inspired by our original drummer’s nickname (Brian “Yogi” Yogerst). (Not after that pesky bear who steals picnic baskets.) Unfortunately, once our popularity started to grow, we caught the attention of Hanna-Barbera (creators of the Yogi Bear and Boo Boo characters from their famous cartoon). This became big news in the fall of 1997, as the band was forced to change our name or face legal trouble. At that year’s New Year’s show, we let the audience pick from 5 names to decide our future. At midnight on January 1st, 1998, based on the loudest cheers, we became Boogie and the Yo-Yoz and have held that name ever since.
Though traditionally a cover band, Boogie and the Yo-Yoz (Boogie for short) has written some original music. We released 2 Albums in the 90s that are no longer in circulation. “Breakaway Live” was all cover tunes, but the “Makin’ Tracks” album that followed did feature a couple originals. Then in 2012, we released the album Under the Covers featuring six covers and six originals. Our following Album, Christmas With You, features a selection of original Christmas music as well as Boogie’s take on some all-time classics. All of the originals were written in a different style to show our diversity. We are not a Pop band, a Country band, or a Rock band. We are an Everything band. Or I guess you could say a “Pocktry” band?? It’s safe to say, whatever your musical taste, we will have something for you.
Boogie has played a variety of shows types and venues including private and corporate events, weddings, from local taverns to regional outdoor festivals, opening for national acts, providing the backup band to pop-stars, and headlining county and state fairs. We have performed in front of audiences as small as few hundred at private events to crowds in the tens-of-thousands at festivals and other live shows.
Mission Statement
No matter who you are or how your day was, you will have fun with Boogie and the Yo-Yoz.