The Boogaloo Swamis started assembling in late summer/early fall of 1985. It was Mickey Bones’ idea. A few players were in and out that fall but by January, 1986 a 5-piece line-up had solidified. Mickey Bones was on drums, rubboard, vocals and was the leader. Joining him were Rockin’ Ralph Tufo (accordion/vocals), Joe Pete (guitar/vocals), Jivin’ Jeanne Boyer (bass/vocals), and Captain Fiddle (fiddle/vocals). After a year or so Matt Leavenworth replaced Captain Fiddle.
The band found success and had a bit of a moment in the Boston and New England area. At that time we were the only faux Boston-based Cajun/zydeco band. We had two rockers (Mickey and Joe Pete), two folkies (Ralph and Capt. Fiddle), and one country-western player (Jeanne). Listening to the old tapes we played everything too fast, but we had a good feel, and I guess people liked that energy (although I remember some dance purists complaining; in retrospect I’d say they were both right and wrong).
Here’s a link to a youToober of the original band playing at the Cambridge River Festival. 1987, I think. This one is Sugar Bee, sung by Mickey Bones. It includes Mr. Bones on bones. The gold sharkskin suit no longer fits Joe Pete; it has since been passed on to his son Ben. Thought those days would last forever. Jivin’ Jeanne Boyer – bass, vocals; Rockin’ Ralph Tufo – accordion, vocals; Mickey Bones – drums/rubboard, vocals; Joe Pete – guitar, vocals; Captain Fiddle – fiddle, vocals.
The original era lasted until about 1990 when Mickey Bones left the band and moved to New Orleans for a couple years. The Swamis got a new drummer and carried on but it wasn’t quite the same. Joe Pete left to rejoin Mickey when he returned to Boston, performing as Krewe de Roux. Eventually the Swamis had no original members left and ceased operations, at which point Krewe de Roux began working as the Boogaloo Swamis.
Where they are now
Joe Pete now leads his own music operation using the business name Joe Pete Jams. You are now on the website dedicated to his bands and music.
Mickey Bones now spends most of his time with his excellent New Orleans style brass band, The Hot Tamales Brass Band. He also drums with Jimmy Ryan’s Wooden Leg and is sometimes seen with Joe Pete’s current band Six is Nine. You won’t see him do it in public, but at home he’s a ukulele hound working his way through stacks of classic hits.
Rockin’ Ralph Tufo now leads The Squeezebox Stompers, a great Cajun/zydeco band that carries forward the vibe and music of the original Boogaloo Swamis. Ralph is also an author with a few children’s books to his credit. And he’s written and produced several plays. The problem with Ralph is that he just doesn’t get much done—ha! It’s the other way around.
Captain Fiddle is playing music in New Hampshire with his son Brennish. I think Matt Leavenworth is also still playing in New Hampshire and Boston. Jivin’ Jeanne moved to Maine where sadly she became lost in MAGA and has cut herself off.
Want the Swamis?
Contact Mickey Bones to book the current edition Boogaloo Swamis.