The Eastport Oyster Boys

The Eastport Oyster Boys is a musical ensemble with a long history in Annapolis. Originally a duo called "Them Eastport Oyster Boys" and officially proclaimed Musical Goodwill Ambassadors of Annapolis, they have performed all over the world.

Eastport Oyster Boys: (Left to right) Andy Fegley, Mike Lange, Tom Guay, and Kevin Brooks. Photo by Joe Evans Ches. Bay Magazine

Before The Band

Eastport Oyster Boys, formerly Them Oyster Boys, was formed following the breakup of a local Eastport band Crab Alley. After 10 years of Crab Alley, co-founder Jeff Holland and bass player Kevin Brooks formed Them Oyster Boys.

Founding Members

Jeff Holland discovered Annapolis after sailing the upper East Coast with his father in 1978. After passing a fleet of the Navy's Luder yawls on the Severn River, they dropped anchor and found their new home. Brooks contributed to local newspapers in the 1980's as well as writing songs about the Chesapeake Bay. These songs lead to the creation of Crab Alley alongside Janie Meneeley.

Kevin Brooks joined Crab Alley as the bass played in the latter half of the band's existence. After the band parted ways, Brooks soon partnered with Holland again as a duo that played on the Schooner Woodwind cruises. The duo would go on to form the first rendition of the band, Them Oyster Boys.

Early Years: Them Oyster Boys

As a duo, Brooks and Holland played throughout the Eastport peninsula and played a large role in the succession of Eastport from Annapolis and creation of the Maritime Republic of Eastport. Their music ranges from Celtic to soul, and tells true and exaggerated stories of the Chesapeake Bay and maritime activity.

Performances

While the group largely plays in and around Maryland, they have played farther from home as well. The band plays events in multiple ways. Brooks plays solo, Brooks and Gauy play as the EOB Duo, and the full four-piece plays private, public, and non-profit events. Notable performances include:

• Performance for President Jimmy Carter and the Carter Foundation
• Kinsale Jazz Fest, County Cork, Ireland
• State of Maryland Musical Ambassadors, Viljandi Folk Life Music Festival, Viljandi, Estonia
• Prince Theatre, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
• Private Performance for NATO and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• Stanley Foundation, Washington DC