The SugarBees

    Multi Platinum Producer/ Engineer Fred Shaw, a rock-solid drummer, along with Marion Carter with Ripete Records founded the band in 1991. Named by Marion Carter, The SugarBees got their start backing  National and International talent such as Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs, The Gatlin Brothers, The Stylistics, The Drifters, The Tams, The Embers, The Platters, Danny and the Juniors, Joe Simon, Chuck Berry, Jay Spell of Jimmy Buffets Coral Reefer Band, Nappy Brown, Bill Pinkney, Kip Anderson, Dale Hawkins, James Burry, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, and many more.  

    The group has its own impressive list of hit songs for the beach and shag market including "Susie Q," "Slippin n Slidin," "The Monkey Song," "Holy Cow," "Hold you to your Promise," "Give it to a Good Man," "Automobile,"  and several more. In 2012 and 2013, The SugarBees had three original songs in the top 40 beach music charts, "Vacation," "Dizzy," and "Why Have the Blues when you can Boogie at the Beach."  

    The SugarBees are a five piece band which includes vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, and drums and covers a wide variety of music. The band continues to be a leading, live attraction with a new lineup which includes, 

• Singer/Songwriter, Mary Vella, who is the lead vocalist and performs  a wide  variety of music.

•  Seasoned bass player, Steve Rhinehardt, who has played in many groups.

•  Gifted keyboard player, Barris McWhite, who is also the Music Minister of his  church.

• Guitar player, George Davis, an original member who covers blues and oldies.

•  World class drummer, Fred Shaw, who covers classic rock.

With topflight musicianship and a polished, dynamic, live presentation, The SugarBees have it all!