DARLINGTON — Boogie and the Yo-Yoz always bring high-energy entertainment to every stage from which they perform. They are excited to be entertaining guests in Darlington for the first time, at this year’s Luke Fest, located at the Festival Grounds in Darlington, on Saturday, August 22. Boogie and the Yo-Yoz take the stage at 9 p.m. Anyone who is a fan of music, no matter what your favorite music genre might be, Boogie and the Yo-Yoz has a song for you.
“We perform a wide variety of party music from 70’s rockers to 2020 pop-hits; from country to pop punk; from popular favorites to 90’s ballads,” shares Kevin Baker, Manager and Drummer for Boogie and the Yo-Yoz. “We are not a Pop band, a Country band, or a Rock band. We are an ‘everything band’, because we basically perform a little bit of everything.”
The Boogie and the Yo-Yoz is home-based in Appleton, although all ten talented members live in several locations throughout Wisconsin. All members of the band lend their vocal talents during each show. They are all talented musicians, each with their own skillset which brings the extra energy to the stage.
Eric Peters, who is the founder of the band, plays lead guitar, and travels from Hortonville. Lead vocalist, Lorenzo Fredenberg, and Jordan Danielson, who is the sound engineer, both live in Manitowoc. Paige Baker who sings lead vocals, and drummer Kevin Baker, are from Green Bay. Jake Opperman plays rhythm guitar and saxophone, and enjoys singing onstage, and lives in Fond du Lac. Singers Dave Lange, who plays bass, and John Leja who plays rhythm guitar and trumpet, both come from Appleton. The violinist, Sarah Koenigs lives in Medina. Mike Barden plays keyboards, and travels to shows from his home in Stevens Point.
Beginning in 1995, the band originally began under a different name, but soon learned it was best to have a name that people would remember. Yogi & the Boo Booz, was inspired by the original drummer’s nickname, Brian “Yogi” Yogerst. The name caught on, and the band’s popularity began to grow. Early on, the band released two albums, “Breakaway Live”, and “Makin’ Tracks”, neither of which are in circulation. In 2012, they released the album “Under the Covers” featuring six cover songs and six originals. “Christmas With You” highlighted their diversity of styles and featured their spin on some holiday classics. Their website offers the option to listen to their music.
The band is looking forward to meeting with the audience while performing in Darlington. The ten-members are bringing an assortment of merchandise items.
“Yes, we have merchandise available,” says Kevin Baker. “We have limited edition Boogie baseball jerseys with the number 31 on them, for the number of years we’ve been a band. We also offer a variety of T-shirts, can koozies, window decals, silicone bracelets, and we even have air fresheners for your favorite vehicle!”
“We are excited to perform for the first time at Luke Fest this year!” shares Boogie and the Yo-Yoz.
The BlackBridge Boys will open the Luke Fest stage at 4 p.m. as the gathered crowd enjoys each other’s company, and looks over the silent auction items that are available to bid on until 7 p.m. The live auction begins shortly thereafter.
This is the tenth concert for Luke Fest, which is one of the largest fundraisers in the area. All proceeds go back into the community as the Wiegel Strong Foundation continues to show their support of local organizations, special causes, area schools, and individuals throughout the area. For more information log onto wiegelstrong.com, or follow the Wiegel Strong Foundation on their Facebook page.
