Gigs & Digs
by Chris Sky Shaw and Spencer Hill

Them Eastport Oyster Boys
-- Musical Maritime Marauders --

As the heat of summer compels us to seek the cooling comfort of the watery spots along the coast or the Chesapeake Bay, and good times and laughter come into play, there are some folks who’ll add spice to your day – Them Eastport Oyster Boys.

Natives of the Maritime Republic of Eastport, Maryland (a stone’s throw from Annapolis) on the Chesapeake Bay, “Oyster Boys” Jeff Holland and Kevin Brooks have cooked up an amazing and amusing stew of maritime melodies sure to tickle your funnybone.

Rather than just going out to see a band, why not choose to do something special that you can add to your list of great memories? Them Eastport Oyster Boys will not only satisfy your musical expectations, but give your laugh box a workout as well – your cardiologist will approve! This act is just the kick in the pants you and your whole family will appreciate for years to come.

Jeff Holland and Kevin Brooks began performing together as members of the popular folk quartet Crab Alley, based in and around the Annapolis region along the Chesapeake Bay.

Both avid sailor and musician, Kevin (banjo, guitar, bass and vocals) has shared the stage with such musical legends as Chet Atkins, Charlie Byrd, Glenn Yarbourgh, The Wolfe Tones and numerous other national acts as well as regional artists Mack Bailey, Shannon Tide and Crab Alley. His ‘day’ job is executive director of the Maryland Rural Development Corporation.

Writer, songwriter and musician Jeff (baritone ukulele, vocals) was one of the original members of Crab Alley. He has also written many newspaper and magazine articles about the Chesapeake and has produced video documentaries on the region. He’s even written a popular children’s book “Chessie, the Sea Monster that Ate Annapolis”. In 1995 he was appointed the official Poet Laureate of Eastport by Annapolis Mayor Alfred A. Hopkins! In addition to all of the above, he owns his own public relations firm, Holland Lines, and is director of the Annapolis Maritime Festival.

Since Jeff Holland and Kevin Brooks began their collaboration a few years ago as a duo, their act has been seen by thousands, many of whom have taken the time to write them glowing letters of appreciation for the experience. While continuing to work as a duo, they also appear with the Back Creek Band (percussion, fiddle, keyboard and bass), and for larger events they add the Horn Point Horns (trumpet, clarinet, trombone and sousaphone) for the full effect.

Their new CD “Full Moon Cruisin’” released in 2003 is a gas from bow to stern. Without going into specific detail of each of the songs, what is most notable is the wide variety of genres they explore. From 40s country swing to 50s rock ‘n’ roll, or flamenco to bluegrass to 60s surf music – every song stands alone. Other genres include an old pirate style sea chantey, a mambo/mariachi, traditional Irish, modern American folk, and country.

But, while the musical genres vary widely, the theme of the act is absolutely focused. It’s all about life in and around the Chesapeake Bay. The melodies are familiar to everyone who’s ever owned a radio, but the lyrics have been completely reworked to reflect the atmosphere of the region. The docks, the smell of freshly caught seafood, the crusty nature of the typical mariner as he goes about his business.

Their presentation is infectious. It’ll swallow you whole right from the get go. Having cued up the CD to track one you’ll find it impossible to stop listening ‘till the very end. And then you’re likely to play it over again, just to see if you missed anything the first time. The lyrics are delivered in true storyteller style. You won’t want to miss a word. From the comical to the truly tender, these tunes will draw you in with the mastery of an experienced fisherman.

“What we’re trying to accomplish is to get people to appreciate this wonderful treasure we have in our own backyard by singing about it in a way that doesn’t beat people over the head with a message,” says Jeff Holland. “Our message is, we’re having fun here, this is a great place. Don’t you love it? Don’t you want to restore it? It’s almost a subliminal message. If we’re out here having fun and singing songs, then you can have fun on the Bay, too. And in order to have fun on the Bay, you’ve got to take care of it.”

Them Eastport Oyster Boys is more than just an accomplished and highly entertaining musical act – it is born of a genuinely inspired vision to contribute to the preservation of, and the sharing of a region they truly love.

Why not get together with friends or family and plan an outing to the Chesapeake Bay in the coming weeks, and to make the trip especially worthwhile and memorable, take in a live performance by Them Eastport Oyster Boys?

Them Eastport Oyster Boys can be seen aboard the schooner Woodwind during the Friday evening sunset cruises between May and October. The Woodwind sails from the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For reservations, call 410-263-7837. Check their website www.oysterboys.com for concert, festival and other public appearance schedule. For more information, to order CDs, or to schedule the Oyster Boys, call Chief Oysterette in Charge Jan Case at 410-280-3945, email: info@oysterboys.com.