Boogie Knights
| Collaboration | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Boogie Knights |
| Members: | David Keeler, Robert Ahrens, Lance Woods, John Scheeler, Barbara Thompson, Julie Jones, Linda Swann, Sharon Palmer, Heather Scheeler, Kate Greenberger (not all at the same time) |
| Date(s): | early to mid 1980s |
| Focus: | filking |
| Fandoms: | |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Boogie Knights was a group of filk singers from the Baltimore, Maryland area. They performed at a lot of cons in the area, specifically Shore Leave.
The Filkers
- Theodoric of York, Medieval Disc Jockey: DAVID KEEPER
- Lt. Syd de Vicious (Ret.) Pacifist & Comic Relief: ROBERT AHRENS
- Baron Manilow, Lyricist & Straight Man: LANCE WOODS
- John of Denver, Precocious Minstrel: JOHN SCHEELER
- Anne of Denver, Feminist Vocalist BARBARA THOMPSON
Links
- Boogie Knights mailing list: mailing list, Archived version
- Their web page: Boogie Knights - Home, Archived version.
- Some filk albums: Boogie Knights, Archived version.
- Filks: Boogie Knights - Songs, Archived version
- Members: Boogie Knights - Members, Archived version
Songbooks
About
Unknown Date
Their own description:
Once upon a time far, far away... Actually, it was in 1982 in the vicinity of Baltimore, Maryland that five young people (well, they were young then) appeared on stage at Shore Leave 4, warbled a few a capella songs, and launched themselves on a path that would forever affect their lives. Now more than 20 years and nearly 200 songs later, they're still at it.What's so special about the Knights? How did they come to be? Why do they insist on keeping a name that went out with leisure suits and curly perms? And what's with the kazoos?
The Boogie Knights came into being during a period where everyone they knew of as filkers were doing songs about Star Trek, Star Wars, and other high profile science-fictiony things. Where were the tales of daring-do? Where were the stories of brave but less-than-intelligent knights, vulnerable damsels with a mean right hook, frightened livestock, and war for the sake of just kicking some serious butt? Where were the songs about mysterious creatures, old beggars who speak in riddles, paisley-clad wizards, confused cutpurses, and magic spells gone awry? Where werer the psalms to gods long-forgotten, or at least temporarily displaced? and Most importantly where was the top-40 music?
Into this void, stepped the Boogie Knights... A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
Actually, it was Easter 1982 at Balticon in Baltimore, Maryland. David Keefer was in line to compete in the masquerade as yet another Vulcan Master when he decided the costume was lame. Pulling off the Vulcan ear tips and doing a quick rewrite on the emcee's cue sheet, "Theodoric of York, Medieval Disc Jockey" was born.
A couple months later, Dave had convinced a handful of friends that they should expand the concept and compete at Shore Leave. Thus, Bob Aherns, John Scheeler, Barbara Thompson, and Lance Woods -- as Syd de Vicious, John and Anne of Denver, and the Baron Manilow -- joined him on stage singing a small set of song snippets they'd written and dubbed "Stars on Two Score Five." The costume presentation was a hit. [1]
A description from their mailing list:
Songs of daring-do with nary a hey nonny nonny. Since 1982, the Boogie Knights have parodied everything from commercial jingles to TV and movie themes, from golden oldies to the latest top-40 songs, all done with a Medieval or Fantasy touch and a wicked sense of humor.
1988
A description from the 1988 Shore Leave program book:
"Polymorph your mother, fireball your Dad!" Sound familiar? If not, you haven't been to a performance of the Boogie Knights. Why not? You're missing one of the zaniest minstrel shows around. Mixing medieval history satires and pop music, the Boogie Knights exhibit a real talent for fun and parody. Get thee to a performance. SOON.
1995
A description from the 1995 Shore Leave program book:
In early 1982, David Keefer turned to Lance Woods and said, "You want to call us what?" On that day, the Boogie Knights were born. Using modern music and medival [sic] themes, the Boogie Knights combine a generally silly attitude with an overall lack of seriousness and enough talent to be dangerous. The result has been the creation of over 130 song parodies and original numbers, appearances at eight different conventions and state's renaissance festivals, and one night club gig that is best left forgotten. Three song books - A Little (Boogie) Knight Music, Appearing Knightly and Knight Gallery - have been foisted on their insuspecting [sic] fans and soon (maybe even at this convention) a long-awaited fourth book will spring forth like Athena from the head of Zues [sic] (or at least like cheese from a cannoli).
1996
Members listed in the 1996 Shore Leave program book:
Current members of the group include Theodoric of York (David Keefer), John of Denver (John Scheeler), Anne of Denver (Barbara Heifer), Sid deVicious (Bob Ahrens), Melissa of Manchester (Julie Ahrens), and Dionne of Warwick (Sharon Palmer). Others who have done their time and fought the good fight: Baron Manilow (Lance Woods), Ranger Rick of Springfield (Dan Coggins), Ozzie Lowborn (Chuck Coates), Franklin of Avalon (T. Alan Chafin), and Kinky Dee (Katrin Wheatley). In addition, three notable celebrities have been "knighted" as honorary members: George Takei, Howard Weinstein and Bob Greenberger.
2005
A description from the 2005 Shore Leave program book:
Not so long ago, but long enough ago that some young people would consider it long ago, in a land relatively close by and not so far removed from reality as to be referred to as "mythical" (i.e., Dundalk), the Boogie Knights were born.Actually, it was 1982 when five young people (well, they were young then) appeared on stage together, warbled a few a cappella songs, and launched themselves on a path that would forever affect their lives. So what's so special about the Knights? How did they come to be? Why do they insist on keeping a name that went out with leisure suits and curly perms? And what's with the kazoos? The answers may astound you.
The Boogie Knights came to be during a period when everyone they knew of as filkers were doing songs about Star Trek, Star Wars, and other high-profile science-fictiony things. Where were the tales of derring-do? Where were the stories of brave but less-than-intelligent knights, vulnerable damsels with a mean right hook, frightened livestock, and war for the sake of just kicking some serious butt? Where were the songs about mysterious creatures, old beggars who speak in riddles, paisley-clad wizards, confused cutpurses, and magic spells gone awry? Where were the psalms to gods long-forgotten, or at least temporarily misplaced? And most importantly, where was the top-40 music?
Look no further.
Twenty-three years later, they're still at it. Using music that's usually recognizable, the Knights have parodied everything from commercial jingles to TV and movie themes to the latest songs emanating from your radio speakers. They've printed their lyrics in songbooks (using a mysterious and arcane process called "Xeroxing") and even had the audacity to record some of them (using an equally arcane process called... well, "recording"). The songbooks, Knights to Queen's Level and Rhythm o/the Knights, and the CDs, Cavalier Attitude and Oh, the Horror! will be available for purchase at their concert.
So come by, sit down, relax, and let the Boogie Knights (David Keefer, John Scheeler, Barbara Helfer, Sharon Palmer, Katie Greenberger, and Heather Scheeler) entertain you for a while.
Some Songbooks
- A Little Boogie Knight Music (1983)
- Appearing Knights (1985)
- Knight Gallery (1985)
- Knights to Queen's Level (1996?)