The BoogieMen Experience

Founded in 1990, “The BoogieMen” is a high-energy ten piece band which specializes in “Rock & Soul Music”. The band, under the direction of Michael Riley, who also plays Rhythm Guitar, is fronted by an electrifying duo of vocalists, Ashly Wester and Daren Taylor. They blend to make our vocals a dream come true. The harmonies are surreal and when taking a lead, either of them can “bring down the house”. The horn section consists of, Jay Heath on Saxophone, Luke Jones and Shawn Marren on Trumpet, they cradle our songs with their “swells”, then “Rock the Cradle” with their powerful horn blasts. Alex Keller wields a blazing ax on Lead Guitar, while Dave “Alvie” Alvarez, an “Original BoogieMan” plucks a thunderous Bass. Cherylyn tickles and then hammers the keyboards, while Ken Giunta, “Percussionist Extraordinaire” drives the band, to compliment the powerful music of this Rock & Soul Orchestra “The BoogieMen” cover everything from Aretha to Zeppelin. The band likes to keep their music local due to the fact that everyone has day jobs and family commitments. With eight vocalists we blend a variety of musical talents and tastes, which include Folk, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Rock and Soul, thus presenting a Kaleidoscope of musical expressions.

The band has played the following events: The Annual Punta Gorda Block Party (29 years), Boca Grande Tarpon Street Party (10 years), Charlotte County Waterfront Festival (9 years) Englewood Community Hospital Festivals (5 years), St. Joe’s International Fall Festival (8 years), United Way Fundraisers (5 years), Punta Gorda Kiwanis 4th of July Fireworks (30 years), Charlotte and Bonita Springs Chamber Banquets (10 years), Englewood Sunrise Rotary’s Spring Fling (4 years), Boca Grande Green Gala and Tarpon Tourney Street Party(5 years), Special Olympics, (5 years) and opened concerts for:
The Beach Boys, Kansas, The Edgar Winter Group, Grand Funk RailRoad, Rick Derringer, Bertie Higgins, Dr. Hook, The Lovin Spoonful, Derek Trucks, Confederate Railroad, The Rascals, “Dangerous Dan Toler”, Herman’s Hermits, Rare Earth, Tinsley Ellis, The Outlaws, Grand Funk Railroad, The Grass Roots, Blues Traveler, Here come the Mummies, countless private parties, dances and weddings and our favorite haunt for 28 years at Harpoon Harry’s on Charlotte Harbor, in Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda, Florida.

“Do you like good music, yea, yea, that sweet soul music”
Contact: “The BoogieMen” at (941)214-0326 – Michael Riley

Member Biographies

Mike Riley

When my older sister’s friend opened the trunk of his mint green 57 Plymouth and there was a sunburst Fender Stratocaster, some 45’s and sheet music scattered about, it was like opening Pandora’s Box for me.

Inspired by The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Lonnie Mack, Troy Seals and The Temptations, I knew as a child that someday I wanted to have the biggest, baddest band in town.

The BoogieMen turned that dream into a reality. The band has become a vehicle to help non-profits and charities in our community raising funds and awareness for their good causes. I am proud to say that we just played our 158th charity gig and it was as good as the first.

Everybody says…”BoogieMen”

David Alvarez

An original Boogieman, Dave “Alvie” Alvarez hails from New Haven, CT, where he bought his first bass guitar at fifteen. Since the mid-sixties he has played with a number of northeast bands, including WICC Talent-Showcase winners the Dynatones of Devon, the Surfing Refries, and Some Dead Bears; more recently, he has recorded with the Brislin Brothers on their latest release, “Now That They’re Here.” Joining BoogieMen founder and leader Mike Riley in 1989, he has enjoyed the band’s long and sometimes crazy ride for some twenty-three years, forging a reputation as a solid pocket-player, sometimes curmudgeon, and the sobriquet of “the least interesting man in the world.” A teacher of high school English, Reading and World History, he looks forward to many more years of playing with the “best bunch of players in the world.”

Ashly Wester

As a second generation Floridian, I have always known Charlotte County, Florida as my home. My love of music and performance was expressed early through my musical theatre background in many productions including an International Tour of The Sound of Music. I am fortunate that I have been singing with The Boogiemen for over 16 years. Performing with this charismatic group provides an outlet for my creativity and an opportunity to give back to the community that I love.

Jay Heath

Jay Heath, sax player.

Luke Jones

Luke Jones is a trumpet player, music teacher and father. He’s previously played at Disney and on Royal Caribbean Cruises. He loves fishing and playing Triple G’s for days.

Shawn Marren

Shawn Marren, trumpet player.

Cherylynn

Hi I’m Cherylynn who plays piano.

Ken Giunta

My journey with the BoogieMen has been a GREAT experience. The opportunity to share the stage with so many talented performers is an honor. I look forward to many years and many shows with this great band. Please support local music and Ace drums.

It’s not the Destination It’s the Journey.

Alex Keller

Guitarist, vocalist, front man, sideman, settled in Florida in 1990 after spending a majority of his life on the road as a professional musician.  Playing roadhouses, clubs, the Holiday Inn circuit, honky tonks, night clubs, dinner clubs, concert halls, etc, etc. His passion for the guitar and the dream to “hit the big time” has led to a rich and diverse amalgam of styles and situations on that journey. Had the pleasure  to appear as opening act for, Patty Smyth and Scandal, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, Savoy Brown, Duke Jupiter, The Bouys, The Call, Hanoi Rocks, and Mel Tillis.

Still playin, still livin the dream.

Daren Taylor

My name is Daren Taylor, I grew up in Idaho with seven siblings, singing at every event possible! I owe my singing talents to my Mother. She raised us to be performers, and was kind enough to place me in vocal lessons at five years of age. She placed me in multiple performing groups growing up, and helped me record my first demo at the age of 15. There was no opportunity in Idaho, so I joined the Army when I was 20 years old. I served as a combat medic for ten years before sustaining injuries which rendered me non-deployable in the eyes of the army. The remainder of my years in the army, I served in multiple positions with army entertainment, where I toured first as a performer, then as the director of the US Army Soldiers Show. I then toured as the non-commissioned officer in charge of a smaller touring group called USA express. This was followed by USO tours, concerts for service members, wounded warrior benefits, touring with the performing group 4troops, and multiple performances with C.A.M.M.O. (The Center for American Military Music Opportunities)

After everything that happened, I landed in here in Florida. Shortly thereafter, my mother-in-law pointed out a local singing competition called Charlotte Idol. My kids couldn’t stop talking about “that really funny guy in the hat that announced all the singers! ) something told me that competition wouldn’t be the end of my Florida music experience, in fact, I’d hoped it wouldn’t be. During the finals, I sang one of my favorite songs “Don’t Stop Believin.” It was after that performance, the “man in the hat” introduced himself to me as Riley, and told me about his ten piece band called The Boogiemen! I told him I’d love to get back on the stage, and to let me know if he ever needs a singer! A few months went by, and a strange number started ringing to my phone, sure enough, it was the man in the hat himself, Riley was calling me too ask if I still wanted to get back on the stage! I’m so proud to help carry on this 25 year tradition, and add my voice to The Boogiemen!

Thank you all so much for this opportunity, and let’s keep it going!!!