We make music that moves you from the inside out.
We are SHIMMIE PEARL – your crowd-favorite, most-requested, first-class West Michigan cover band presenting a groovy mix of rock, blues, jazz and soul from 70s classics to current chart-toppers and everything in-between! Our talent and combined decades of experience shine through funky bass lines, smart bluesy horn drops, versatile keys, skillful guitar licks, and soul filled singers to jam-pack your event with fantastic sound.
A show that meets you where you are.
Let us tailor a set list to fit your event, venue, and vibe. Wherever you’re crafting a memorable experience – festival, summer series, theatre, backyard party, beach bash, bar, wedding, gallery opening, indoors or out – we’ve got you covered.
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A lil' bit o' history
Maybe we played your – or your parent’s – wedding. We’ve been doing this for a minute or two.
Shimmie Pearl originated in 2010 when a group of longtime band-buddies decided to “get back to it” after taking a hiatus from gigging to be better parents. Our first few gigs together after our break were beach parties for Fred Royce – and they were amazing – so we kept going!
Our core members began playing together in the 80’s as part of a band called Charade and later in the 90’s with The Hip Pocket. Some of us found each other playing gigs with Hark Up (the Christmas show on steroids). Over time our experiences have honed our skills and taken us down many musical paths.
What has emerged is a group that is dedicated to excellence in its pursuit of making music that’s challenging, accessible, and fun to listen to. We desire to find the hidden pearl in each and every song and present it to you in our own way in hopes of honoring its creators and connecting with our listeners.
MEET THE BAND
Angie
VOCALS, MANAGERAngie Royce is a professional singer that has been sharing her instrument with the world since she discovered her voice in her teen years. It’s been a long and lovely relationship that started a lifetime of exploring many styles of music that range from rock, pop, blues, jazz, swing, gospel, funk, fusion, folk, a Capella, art song and more. Using the gift of music she’s collaborated with the incredible talents of note-worthy area professionals throughout the years, both in the studio and out in “the wild”. Whether she’s singing parts, covering someone else’s song or sharing one of her own, she searches for the soul of the music and strives to present the pearl that was born from the heart of the musician who wrote it.
Geoff
VOCALS, TRUMPETGeoffrey is thrilled to be a part of Shimmie Pearl! Geoff received his Bachelor’s in Music Education in 2016 from Western Michigan University, was a featured artist at the Mackinac Island Jazz Festival in 2017 and has been working as a professional musician for over two decades. Geoff is the Director of Worship at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church as well as the Middle School Choir Director at Baldwin Street Middle School in Hudsonville. You can catch Geoff performing with local bands Melophobix, Shimmie Pearl, The Blue Water Kings, The Elijah Russ Collective and Hark Up or hear him on a plethora of recordings by local and regional artists. He has shared stages with many National Acts: The Wailers, Sublime with Rome, Eve6, Dirty Heads, The Verve Pipe and more. He would like to thank his family and The Lord for faithfully looking after him.
Don
VOCALS, GUITARDon Hooker has been a devotee/student of the guitar and it's variety musical styles for his entire life (well...since the age of 13). He has performed in various musical settings as a solo guitarist and in various sizes and styles of groups up to, and including, big bands. Playing the music of Steely Dan with a complete group of talented musicians and vocalists is one of the great joys of his life.
Merrin
VOCALS, TRUMPETMerrin is a professional singer and vocal coach based in Grand Rapids. Her stylistic versatility and knowledge of vocal health makes her a sought after performer, voice teacher, and consultant across genres. She holds a degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University and has studied under Dr. Karen Kness, Sunny Wilkinson, and Kelly Carey.
Nic
DRUMS, PERCUSSIONJourneyman Drummer Nic Stubbs from Grand Rapids MI has played in top-notch Rock, Jazz, Funk and Blues bands for decades. He has toured the US in several bands and also in Canada and Quebec. In West Michigan, he has done session work for local artists and commercial businesses in front and behind the cameras. His musical influences are extremely varied but he has a very soft place in his heart for the music of Steely Dan. It is a pleasure to be involved in Shimmie Pearl.
Jay
VOCALS, BASSWest Michigan Native Jay Round is a multi-instrumentalist whose musical career started early. He has performed a variety of musical styles with internationally known entertainers across five continents. Additionally, Jay is a music producer and award winning audio engineer. The songs of Steely Dan, with their pristine recording quality, intricate arrangements, and mysterious story lines have always captivated Jay’s ear. Recreating their magic with this group of such talented performers is a dream come true.
Stu
KEYS, VOCALSStuart grew up in a musical household. His mom was a professional pianist with the symphony and opera and his older brothers played in many rock bands in the 70s and 80s. And you have heard Stuart’s work in the world! He is the owner of Sound Post Studios and provides creative audio production for many corporate and advertising clients, TV and radio, filmmakers, publishers, software companies, audiobooks, and musicians. Stuart’s guiding philosophy is that 'music is the language of emotion’ and his influences include polymath Bruce Hornsby, guitarist Steve Hackett and film composers Hans Zimmer, Rachel Portman, and James Horner.
Mike
SAXMichael Michewicz is a versatile and accomplished saxophonist and woodwind specialist known for his expressive sound and innovative approach to the saxophone. With a background in jazz, classical, and contemporary music, Mike has performed all over the world. Notable artists he has shared the stage with are Jon Faddis, Louis Bellson, The Temptations, and The Four Tops. A graduate of Central Michigan University, Mike is an educator of musicians of all ages and continues to perform with local and national artists.
CHARLIE
Charlie Royce lived “the dream gig” with our band. From orchestras and big bands, to worship bands and funk band horn sections, music was always his passion. Until his passing in August 2023, Charlie managed the band, the show, and enjoyed arranging horn charts for all kinds of groups.
We all miss him dearly.
Please, mister postman...
For booking or info, fee free to get in touch with this form, or call Angie at 616-901-8699.