SHEM CREEK BOOGIE BAND BIO
M.Q. Beard
The Shem Creek Boogie Band began playing weekly Thursday night gigs in 1991 at the legendary Trawler Restaurant, situated along Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant. Thus the name.
The band is comprised of M.Q. Beard on lead vocals and trumpet, Herb Stokes on guitar and backing vocals, John Sullivan on bass and vocals, Bruce Szego on drums and vocals and Jennifer Proveaux on keyboard and lead vocals.
Sullivan and Stokes are longtime veterans of the Lowcountry music scene. They’ve recorded, performed, and composed music together on various bands over the years, including Second Wind and Barnacle Bob. Their broad repertoire of classic rock, blues, soul, country, and pop standards reflects their vast experience as pro musicians. Sullivan acts as the Shem Creek band’s booking manager as well.
Frontman M.Q. Beard knows how to light up the crowd. Based in Mt. Pleasant, he has deep Southern roots with a passion for Beach Music and R&B flavor.
John Sullivan
Beard is always ready to entertain the crowd and keep the dance floor jumpin’. You’ll find him up front with tambourine and shakers in hand. He grew up on classic beach music by the Tams, General Johnson & Chairman of the Board, and vintage Myrtle Beach bands. He also plays trumpet as part of the “horn section” in the band.
In recent years, the SCBB lineup has featured drummer Frank Cothran, guitarist/saxophonist Christopher Cisneros, and keyboardist Larry “Sugarbritches” Williams, and Ballard Lessman on drums among other special guests.
Herb Stokes
Bruce Szego is a longtime musician in the Lowcountry band scene (with Cruis-o-matic and other acts), Szego can handle the drum kit, a battery of hand percussion instruments, piano, and keys — and he sings very well, too!
Jennifer Proveaux is the newest member of the band. Coming from a classical/ operatic background, she began playing the Charleston music scene in 2012. After playing with many types of groups, Jennifer’s love of harmony and performing many different genres helped her find a place in the SCBB. She looks forward to the great music SCBB will make together.
Theses days, as a tight-knit quintet, the Shem Creek band provides a full entertainment experience at shows and events.
When the band takes a break, DJ Magic Mike spins the latest Top 40 club dance tunes, classic and contemporary country favorites, and dance hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. DJ sets can also can include such line dances by request as “The Wobble,” “Cupid Shuffle,” “The Wop,” “Electric Slide,” and “Mambo #5.”
DJ Magic Mike also has an excellent set full of “Michael Buble-type” reception primers to set the mood during everyone’s arrival and dinner.
We can also offer music for ceremonies or somber occasions.
Just let us know your preferences and we’ll make sure your party is everything you always dreamed of.
Shem Creek Boogie Band, 2015 (photo by Michele St. Marie).