The Chee-Weez
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The Chee-Weez is a New Orleans, Louisiana area cover band that was formed in 1997 by Kris LaCoste after parting ways with his previous band "Black Diamond". Unlike The Chee-Weez, Black Diamond played original music and its remaining members went on to form Tom's House. The Chee-Weez originally covered only Disco tunes but now has branched out and evolved to a variety of music genres from the 1970s to today. The band's famous "trademark" gesture is "showing the love" to mature audiences by flipping the finger. The audience promptly reciprocates "the love" to the band members. Another feature at almost every show is the costumes that the band members wear which is in constant rotation and changes. Past and present themes include disco garb, patriotic themes, various superheroes, Blue Man Group, New Orleans Hornets jerseys, Louisiana State University jerseys, Reggie Bush New Orleans Saints jerseys, Blues Brothers, Mickey Mouse Club, Dog the Bounty Hunter, "Top Gun" flight suits, World War II style Army gear and Geico Cavemen.
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[edit] Band Members
The band currently comprises Kris LaCoste on lead vocals, Matt Richard on guitars, Daniel Dicharry on keyboards, Joey Mangiapane on bass guitar, Mark Hebert on drums and Brandon Foret on saxophone. All band members are also capable of playing other instruments and lead vocal duties as sometimes you will see Daniel on the drums performing a cover of "Man in the Box" by Alice in Chains and Mark on lead vocals. Former band members are Alan Calegan (1997-1998), Nick Calligaro (1997-2001), Steve Marse (1997-2003) and Rob Pourciau (1997-2004). Nick, Steve and Rob are now in a new band called Busta Brown[1]. Kris is the only remaining original Chee-Weez band member. Ironically, two of the newest band members Joey Mangiapane and Mark Hebert were also Tom's House band members. The band had always been comprised of five members until June 2, 2006 when Brandon Foret was officially added to the roster.
[edit] Name Origin
The Chee-Weez name comes from a candy manufactured by Elmer's candy company in New Orleans. Chee Weez candies were discontinued in the 1970's to the disappointment of locals.[2] Elmer's Fine Foods in New Orleans (unrelated to Elmer's candy) currently manufactures a snack called Chee Wees (similar to Cheetos)[3][4]. The combination of the two is where the band got the name from as the official Chee-Weez band logo was modeled after lead singer Kris LaCoste in a disco outfit wearing an Afro wig and platform shoes holding a bag of Chee-Weez[5].
[edit] Appearances
[edit] Local Venues
The Chee-Weez have played numerous local venues in Louisiana including Boomtown Casino New Orleans in Harvey, Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner, Six Flags New Orleans, Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Southport Hall in Jefferson, The Bengal in Metairie, New Orleans Original Daiquiris by Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, Cinco de Mayo at Chevys Fresh Mex in Metairie, Tommy B's in LaPlace, Last Call in Thibodaux, The Buzz in Hammond, The Varsity Theatre in Baton Rouge, The Post Office Club in Houma, Cypress Jacks in Bogalusa, Mike's Club and Lounge in Plaquemine, Shorty's/Cypress Bayou Casino in Charenton and The Keg in Lafayette. The band has played at many local festivals including Mandeville Seafood Festival, Gretna Heritage Festival, Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival in Morgan City. The band also play at many private functions such as Mardi Gras Krewe Organizations including Krewe of Endymion and Krewe of Orpheus, occasional wedding receptions and even swingers conventions. Also the Sunday before every Mardi Gras the band is the headline act at Ernst Cafe Bacchus Bash.
[edit] Local Media
The band has been featured live numerous times on WWL-TV's "Eyewitness Morning News" and WCKW-FM's morning show. The band has also received airplay on Bayou 95.7's (WKBU-FM) "Under the Covers". It is a twice a week segment that features local bands' covers of popular songs.
[edit] Long Distance Venues
Occasional long distance venues played include Spinnaker Beach Club in Panama City Beach, Florida, House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, cruises departing from New Orleans on Carnival Cruise Lines, college ski trips in Crested Butte, Colorado and Keystone, Colorado.
[edit] Recordings
Their first and currently only CD was recorded on November 27, 2002 at Last Call in Thibodaux, Louisiana in front of a live audience. The title, "As Cheesy As They Wanna Be, LIVE!" was officially released on January 11, 2003 at the sold out CD Release party at House of Blues in New Orleans. A DVD and long awaited second CD is currently in the works and the release dates have not yet been determined.
[edit] Awards and Achievements
- Best New Cover Band of 1999 by Offbeat Magazine[6]
- First cover band to sell out at the House of Blues in New Orleans on January 11, 2003 [7]
