All About Sh-Boom
Overview
SH-BOOM is a nine piece rock 'n' roll nostalgia band performing the greatest hits of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Their highly entertaining and energetic delivery of the greatest rock music ever written, has kept the group on top for over two decades. SH-BOOM performs extensively throughout the central U.S., with their popularity centered in Missouri and Illinois. SH-BOOM has also performed in Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Acapulco, Cancun, San Juan, the Bahama's, and on cruise ships. In addition, SH-BOOM has hosted numerous "fan getaways" to resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, two Caribbean cruises, and a 20th Anniversary trip to Memphis, TN.
SH-BOOM's current schedule concentrates on special fundraising and corporate events, in addition to appearances in the region's most popular public venues and outdoor festivals. Over the years, SH-BOOM events have helped raise literally hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities and non-profit organizations.
Over the years, SH-BOOM has assembled an incredibly loyal fan base. The success enjoyed by SH-BOOM has evolved from a unique blend of talented members, off-stage friendship, and humor. The result is an on-stage delivery of spontaneous and infectious fun. An extensive repertoire, professional showmanship, and unique parodies of musical celebrities like Elvis, Ike & Tina, and the Blues Brothers, allow SH-BOOM to delight audiences of all ages.
SH-BOOM offers a completely self-contained production package which includes an adaptable variety of sound and lighting systems, supervised and operated by a professional stage crew.
With remarkable consistency, SH-BOOM has been a smash hit at over 1,700 appearances since 1983. Schedule their masterful services with confidence and proudly observe the result.
A Closer Look
Versatile Musicians...
Performing together since 1983, this energetic ensemble includes a male vocal quartet, two guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and horns. The vocalists display a dramatic range, from deep bass to soaring tenor. The instrumental line-up boasts some of the top musicians in the Midwest.
"Guest Star" Parodies...
In addition to performing songs from the most prolific era in music history, SH-BOOM also presents parodies of superstars such as Sonny & Cher, Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Blues Brothers, Ike & Tina, Tom Jones, James Brown, Queen, Paul & Paula, and many more, all choreographed and professionally costumed.
Extensive Song List...
With over 350 songs from more than 300 artists, you're not likely to see the same show twice. Choreography, props, and costumes are incorporated into the show to capture the audience's attention, and keep them continuously entertained.
Every Venue Under the Sun...
SH-BOOM adapts to a wide-variety of venues including fairs, festivals, corporate events, conventions, institutional fundraisers, concerts in the park, Caribbean cruises, benefits, nightclubs, car shows, company picnics, and much more. SH-BOOM has proven very popular with theme-oriented events such as 50's soc hops or 60's and 70's parties.
Sh-Boom Unplugged...
SH-BOOM is also available to book as a vocal quartet. The vocalists from SH-BOOM occasionally perform "acappella" for smaller, more intimate venues. The acappella quartet frequently performs the National Anthem at professional sporting events such as St. Louis Cardinals baseball and St. Louis Blues hockey. Anthem performances also include St. Louis University men's basketball, River City Rascals professional baseball, MISL professional soccer & professional basketball. SH-BOOM has also performed the National Anthem for George W. Bush.
Reliable and Professional...
SH-BOOM is a Midwest institution, performing together since 1983. Uniquely, SH-BOOM has retained many of the original band members. SH-BOOM has performed over 1,700 shows together, while re-booking more than 90% of venues played. Clients frequently comment that SH-BOOM delivers more than expected, with 100% audience satisfaction every time! SH-BOOM's show is appropriate for families and all age groups. While on stage, SH-BOOM band members wear a colorful and coordinated wardrobe.
Booking Information
To receive information about booking SH-BOOM, call (314)487-4266, or send an email to sh-boom@sh-boom.com. Please let us know a tentative date and location for your event and we will provide you with pricing and availability.
Newsletter...
SH-BOOM spares no expense in marketing to their fan base. The band publishes a newsletter, the Yakety Yak, which is mailed to over 1,500 fans. Additional flyers are distributed at SH-BOOM events. An event promoted in the Yakety Yak can draw additional support from loyal SH-BOOM fans. SH-BOOM's mailing list is made available to clients if they choose to execute their own mailings. The list can be customized for mailings to select areas.
Email Blasts...
SH-BOOM regularly promotes upcoming events via email blasts to over 1,000 email addresses. The band keeps their fans informed of any breaking news, new events, and last minute changes... all via email.
SH-BOOM maintains an active presence on Facebook where the band promotes public shows and events. The band routinely posts pictures from events on Facebook, as well as many items of interest to fans.
24-Hour Hot Line...
Fans keep track of Sh-Boom events by calling the 24-hour Hot Line:
- (314)48SH-BOOM or (314)487-4266
Merchandise...
SH-BOOM merchandise is available for purchase at most public performances.
History of Sh-Boom
People often ask how the band originated. Here is a brief history about SH-BOOM:
Dave Caito (vocals) and Brad James (vocals) first appeared together as members of the band, "Big Daddy Glasspack and the Muffler Kids", circa 1978. Their first performance together was a choir concert and talent show at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis . Rob Miller (bass guitar) and Scott Lackey (vocals), also Lindbergh grads, appeared as separate entities in the same show. At the time, all four were students in Lindbergh's choral department.
A couple of years later, Brad, Dave, and Rob met again in the music department at St. Louis Community College at Meramec, located in St. Louis. They joined forces with classmates Rick Johnson (vocals) and Marc Gaither (vocals) to perform at school functions and community events. The name "SH-BOOM" was chosen by polling students and faculty on campus, and was first used in the fall of 1981.
After performing intermittently for two years, and with several personnel variations, Scott joined the group in 1983 to establish the vocal quartet that would remain intact for the next 15 years! Subsequently, the group enlisted four musicians who would provide SH-BOOM with the stability to move forward. With the line-up of Dave, Brad, Rick, Scott, Rob, Dave Market (guitar), Jeff Bartholic (guitar), and Dave Wack (drums), SH-BOOM gave their first performance at a private party at Jefferson Barracks Park in St. Louis County in May, 1983.
Mike Watermann (drums) joined SH-BOOM in 1984, Ben Lackey (guitar) in 1988, and Tom Gerke (guitar) a few months later in 1988. In 1998, vocalist Rick Johnson announced his retirement from SH-BOOM. Lamar Pilsing (vocals) was added to the group in the fall of 1998. In June of 2002, Mike (drums) moved to Santa Rosa, CA. Dennis Roussin (drums) was added to the group in 2002. In 2007, Ron Roskowske replaced Tom Gerke on guitar. In 2010, Scott Lackey (vocals/sax) retired from the band after 27 years. In January, 2011, Tom Lolley (vocals) and Justin Straight (sax/flute) we're added to the band.
Sh-Boom's current line-up consist of:
- Dave Caito (vocals, keys): Founding member 1983
- Brad James (vocals, keys, bass): Founding member 1983
- Rob Miller (bass, keys, vocals): Founding member 1983
- Ben Lackey (guitar, vocals): Joined in 1988
- Lamar Pilsing (vocals, trumpet): Joined in 1998
- Dennis Roussin (drums, vocals): Joined in 2002
- Ron Roskowske (guitar): Joined in 2007
- Tom Lolley (vocals): Joined in 2011
- Justin Straight (sax/flute): Joined in 2011
- Pete Colombo (stage manager and senior roadie): Joined in 1987
- DJ Kent (sound and lighting engineer): Joined in 1998
Sh-Boom Fun Facts
- Ben began as a member of the road crew, then auditioning on guitar when one musician left.
- Ben and Dave are cousins.
- Rob operates a recording studio called "Fastrack Productions", and teaches music in the public schools.
- Brad was a cellist with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra and toured with the group in Great Britain.
- Tom Gerke toured for several years with the nationally known Elvis impersonator, Ron Furr.
- Former drummer, Mike Watermann (1984-2002) resides in Santa Rosa, CA and still works in the radio industry. Mike was a well-known radio personality and executive in St. Louis. He now plays drums for various bands in the San Francisco area.
- Former vocalist, Rick Johnson (1983-1998) still resides in the St. Louis area and works for the U.S. Postal Service.
- "Big Daddy Glasspack" was Scott Nienhaus who's past credits include touring with The Byrds, Firefall, and the Nicolette Larson Band.
- Sh-Boom has provided the vocals for several radio jingles and commercials.
- In April, 1999, Sh-Boom was the recipient of the first ever, "Meramec Alumni Walk of Fame" award at St. Louis Community College at Meramec. The Walk of Fame was created as a site to recognize successful former college students.
- One of Sh-Boom's career highlights was an hour-long interview on KMOX radio with the late Hall-of-Fame Sportscaster, Jack Buck.
- Retired Football Cardinal Tight End and NFL Hall-of-Famer, Jackie Smith, once sang "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" with Sh-Boom.
- Sh-Boom has performed the National Anthem for over 10 years at Busch Stadium for St. Louis Cardinal baseball.
- Sh-Boom sang the National Anthem for a George W. Bush rally in 2000.
- Sh-Boom once purchased four pink bridesmaid dresses they saw at a wedding reception where the band was performing. The dresses became the wardrobe for Sh-Boom's "Sh-Bimbo's" skit! The wedding was that of the sister of former Sh-Boom vocalist, Lil' Ricky.
- Speaking of those dresses, Bad Brad once shook hands with former U.S. Attorney General, John Ashcroft (then, Missouri Governor) while wearing a dress. Brad wore the dress, not Mr. Ashcroft!
- Sh-Boom performed for one client for more than 27 consecutive years! Thanks to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Oakville, MO.
- Sh-Boom was one of the first bands in the Midwest to establish a web site in the mid-1990's.
- Sh-Boom estimates they have performed the song, "Louie, Louie" over 1,700 times.
- Sh-Boom once made Page #1 of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (it's a long story!).
- Sh-Boom has chartered planes some 55 times to fly to various performances. 53 of those flights were trouble-free!!
- In 2006, Sh-Boom was flown by charter jet to the famous Greenbrier Resort in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia for a corporate function. The resort is the site of the once-secret bunker constructed for the US Senate and House of Representatives during the cold war era.
- For Sh-Boom's annual Halloween shows at the Casa Loma Ballroom, the band has dressed up as all of the following; a polka band, a country band, the "Pit Bulls from Hell" punk band, escaped inmates, the KISS band, Gilligan's Island characters, dead rock 'n' roll musicians, the Wizard of Oz characters, an all-Elvis band, characters from the movie Grease...and numerous others we don't even remember!
- Three of the current band members are founders of Sh-Boom; Dave, Brad, and Rob. They have been tolerating each other since 1983!
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