Can't stop the Boogie.

After Boogie Chillun, Jason joined a contemporary rock and pop band called Rumboogie.  A few years later, he and other members of that group spun off a new band that featured a full horn section.  Although Jason wanted to call it "Horn Utopia," his new band mates out voted him in favor of The Boogie Men.  Jason just can't stop the boogie!

The Boogie Men have established themselves as New Orleans' premier horn-powered band, making regular appearances at Rock'n'Bowl, local festivals and even Jazz Fest.  Check them out at:
http://www.boogiemen-nola.com/

Before they was Chillun...

Mark and Creature first played together in a band called Love Brutus.  What the heck is that, you ask?  Well, here it is in a sentence: "She was upset that I forgot her birthday, but then I whipped out my Love Brutus and she forgave me."  Got it?

Jason and Tim first performed in a combo called The Bailey Street Blues Band.  The band was created to provide music for Jason's New Year's Eve party.  They never gigged as a group again, but went on to various levels of fame on their own.  The band included Fred LeBlanc (Cowboy Mouth) on drums, and Scott Paretti (Bobby Cure and the Summertime Blues) playing in and conducting the horn section.  Oh, yeah, and Jason and Tim, too.

From a promo piece for the band, circa 1986:

 

 

Mark Bancroft -- Vocals and Harmonica

 

“Blues” Mark Bancroft is the Boogie Chillun’s front man, belting out vocals and harmonica with unmatched passion.  He’s a rare performer, able to capture and audience’s attention and wrench the blues from their souls.  Blues Mark has been there and back; from the good-‘ole-boy bars of Dallas to the bible-thumping midwest.  But everywhere he’s been, there’s been blues, thanks to the cookie can full of harmonicas he always carries.

 

Jason Bourgeois -- Guitar

 

Lead guitarist Jason Bourgeois is Boogie Chillun’s resident scientist.  Jason earned a bachelor degree in geology at LSU, Baton Rouge, where he also first studied guitar.  “The years I spent at LSU were extremely valuable.  Baton Rouge is alive with the blues,” Jason reports.  He had, on occasion, sat in at Tabby Thomas’ Blues Box, a Baton Rouge landmark.  Currently Jason is working on his masters thesis at UNO.

 

Tim Ruppert -- Bass

 

Bassist Tim Ruppert lives in Metairie and has been a longtime supporter of local music.  “Everyone should to out and see a live band at least once a week,” Tim suggests.  “There’s a vast wealth of talent in this town but we all just take it for granted.”  Over the years, Tim has promoted local bands, worked as a DJ on WTUL radio, and even published a local music magazine, Background NOISE.

 

Mike Neyrey -- Drums

 

Mike “Creature” Neyrey is originally from the legendary suburb of Bucktown.  He has been known as Creature since his childhood when his friends first called him “Creature from the Black Lagoon.”  Many bands have had the benefit of his dependable drumwork, but only recently has he settled into a blues band.  “I’ve played heavy metal, pop, punk--you name it.  But I really feel good about the blues,” Creature explains.  That must be why he smiles so much.