BOOGIE CHILLUN
Boogie Chillun is a vibrant multicultural ensemble that seamlessly blends a wide array of genres, including funk, rap, rock, jazz, blues, classic soul, R&B, Afro-folk, reggae, gospel, spirituals and disco.
Outdoor Festivals
Boogie Chillun continues to perform at public and private events, but the band finds its most rewarding work in schools, bringing the inspiring American Roots Music program to children throughout Connecticut. ​In 2008, Boogie Chillun joined the artist roster of Arts for Learning Connecticut (formerly Young Audiences CT) and was honored as Performing Artist of the Year in 2012.
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The band has released three albums: Live Together (1993), Funky Haven (1999), and Funk Upon A Rhyme (2012),
In 1999, they also dropped two singles—"Make It Happen" and "Be A Rock"—both of which earned strong local airplay on Connecticut stations 94.3 WYBC and 99.1 WPLR.
Since 1991, Boogie Chillun has delivered electrifying performances at nightclubs, theatres, outdoor festivals, schools, parties, weddings, and countless other events throughout Connecticut and the Northeast—bringing over three decades of unforgettable musical experiences!
With more than 3,000 concerts under their belt, Boogie Chillun has shared the stage as opening act for legendary artists including The Spinners, WAR, Ziggy Marley, Vanilla Fudge, 98 Degrees, and The Sugarhill Gang.
Boogie Chillun was founded in 1991 by Vaughn Collins, a New Haven-based hip-hop artist, poet, teacher, singer and songwriter.
Born in Waterbury, CT at the crossroads of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement, Vaughn grew up idolizing James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, Parliament Funkadelic, Motown and anything that grooved. He fell in love with hip-hop in 1978 before the arrival of the Sugar Hill Gang.
Vaughn began singing in the church choir at age ten where he discovered his voice. At age 13, he began turning his poems into rap songs after being influenced by the hip-hop sounds emanating from New York City. Vaughn formed rap groups throughout high school using the monikers “Zudi Love” and “Snappa Zooty”.
While attending college at Penn State University in the mid-80s, Vaughn began DJing parties while winning numerous MC Battles. Vaughn was signed to Solar Records in 1990 as a rap artist after turning down deals offered by Teddy Riley’s GRP Records and Tomy Dofart’s production team in 1989.
By 1991, Vaughn formed Boogie Chillun to play behind him for rap shows in lieu of a DJ or DAT machine. The live band concept flourished as Boogie Chillun added funky blues, rock and soul to the repertoire.
Derek Graham, CEO and founder of Yahweh! Productions, joined the group in late 1992.
Born in Jersey City, raised in Linden, New Jersey, Derek came of age during the dynamic 1960s and 1970s—a transformative era when music rapidly evolved across a rich tapestry of interwoven genres, all driven by powerful rhythms that carried the messages of the time. Captivated by those beats, he began playing drums at age ten and was already performing professionally as a singer and drummer by fifteen.
In 1983, Derek joined the pioneering hip-hop group, Stocking Cap, formed by renowned musician, singer, songwriter and producer Edward "Duke Bootee" Fletcher—best known for penning the groundbreaking hit record "The Message" for Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five.
As lead vocalist for the group, Derek released his first single, Wave Craze on Strut Records, NYC which received airtime on major New York stations 107.5 WBLS and 98.7 KISS FM.
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Derek has shared the stage with many professional recording acts. Most notably, Kool and the Gang, who also hail from Jersey City. Derek’s vocals rooted in gospel, r&b, funk and jazz, have been compared to the late great David Ruffin of the Temptations.
The founding of Yahweh! Productions has thrust open many doors in the entertainment world. Derek has functioned in the capacity as Music Director, Band Manager, Educator and Booking Agent of many outdoor festivals, coffee houses, school and corporate events in the tristate area.
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Performing in the school system has fulfilled one of Derek’s life passion of inspiring young minds to pursue, create and explore all possibilities music has to offer. His love of music is contagious. He continues to seek out young talent to mentor and invest in.
currently playing with Boogie Chillun...
Wayne Brown (keys, vocals)
Kenny Blackwell (electric guitar)
Luis Rivera (electric bass)
Occasionally joining Boogie Chillun on stage are these exceptional musicians:
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Jen Durkin (vocals), Steve Clarke (bass), Thom Adams (keys) and Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman (guitar, vocals).
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We extend our heartfelt tribute to the beloved members no longer with us:
George Baker (guitar), Mike Michaels (harmonica).
Their talent and spirit will always be part of Boogie Chillun's legacy.