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Anchors away, because the Yachtley Crew is sailing to the Orpheum Theater this month, bringing an evening of soft rock jams and stage presence like no other. Enjoy the nautical extravaganza this band embodies on January 18, 2025.

The Yachtley Crews' rise to success began in 2017 when they erupted onto the music scene performing yacht rock favorites. Their sold-out shows and countless admiring fans attest to the band's true appreciation and enjoyment in this musical genre.

The crew was brought together due to their unanimous love of 70s and 80s soft rock hits, according to Philly Ocean, the lead singer. The bassist and drummer, Baba Buoy and Sailor Hawkins had the idea to form a group with a special amalgamation of musicians, people who could put on a great performance packed with energy and entertainment.

“They didn't want to just be some other run-of-the-mill band playing these songs,� said Ocean about his bandmates. “They really had a vision for something that would be bigger than that and more special than that and really give the audience something to remember.�

With that in mind, Buoy and Hawkins posted a call to action on Craigslist to begin their search. Slowly, the interest of the other members began to trickle in. Tommy Buoy, the guitarist, responded to the ad and the three began rehearsing together. Ocean joined the group through a connection to Buoy’s sister, who he used to sing karaoke with, and she recommended him as the vocalist for the crew.

“She called me and she kind of told me what they were planning and hoping to do,� said Ocean. “And I was like, this is so up my alley. This is exactly what I'm all about, you know, this high energy, fun, good music.�

Later on, they found a couple of keyboard players, Stoney Shores and Matthew McDonald, as well as a saxophone player, Pauly Shores, and at last, the seven-piece they are today was formed.

These humorous and nautical-themed names are right on board (pun intended) with the band’s vision. Yachtley Crew wanted to fully embody the yacht rock genre with their look, as well as give them an edge that sets them apart. Yacht Rock, defined by Ocean, is “your guilty pleasure soft rock hits from the late 70s, early 80s.� Artists like Michael McDonald, Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, to name a few.

“They’re such iconic artists…when you think about Michael McDonald, you immediately can hear his voice in your head, and it's just quintessential to what we do,� Ocean said.

While definitions of Yacht Rock can vary, Ocean said he appreciates the passion and engagement the debate brings. Performing as a live band, Yachtley Crew wants to provide an enjoyable experience for the audience with a good mix of songs they’ll know. The setlist consists of mainly high-energy covers, with the hope of people singing along.

“There are some definite deep cuts in the yacht rock genre, and they're amazing songs, but oftentimes they're the songs that are a little bit lesser known,� explained Ocean. “People don't get as engaged because, you know, when you don't know something, it's a different experience than when you hear a song like Escape (The Piña Colada Song) or Reelin� in the Years by Steely Dan…all of a sudden you're like, oh my God, I love this song and I know every word.�

Yachtley Crew’s unique sound and style, along with their stage presence, has aided in their success since their journey began in 2017. It also has gotten them noticed by popular celebrities, including Mario Lopez and the late Jimmy Buffet.

When the group had a residency at the Viper Room in Los Angeles, a former iconic music club, their monthly shows were gaining traction, with fans lining up around the block to see them perform. Even Hollywood celebrities started showing up to check it out, including Mario Lopez. “It was this thing where Hollywood kind of started to embrace us,� said Ocean. Lopez became a big supporter of the group since then, inviting them on his show Access Daily several times and even making a cameo in one of their music videos.

Yachtley Crew shares a similar vibe to the legendary Jimmy Buffet, always aiming to bring good times and unforgettable experiences to their crowds. The crew’s team connected with Buffet’s to get them signed to his label, Mailboat Records. What sealed the deal, claimed Ocean, was on one of their show days in Palm Beach, Florida, where Buffet was playing nearby.

“I happened to walk by him in the hallway randomly. I was FaceTiming with my family and I really wasn't paying attention very much,� laughed Ocean. Dressed in his nautical attire, Buffet noticed and complimented him. “He goes, ‘Now that's a good-looking suit,� or something like that.�

After a distracted “thank you,� Ocean trekked on to prepare for his performance, learning later who he had crossed paths with. After that, they got signed and eventually put out their first album titled “Seas the Day,� released in the summer of 2023. This album contains Yachtley Crew’s first original song, called “Sex on the Beach.� Written with that same yacht rock inspiration, it blends well with the rest of their set.

Another career highlight for the band was when Warner Brothers hired them to play at their employee holiday party in 2019. Thousands of the company’s employees filled their backlot to watch Yachtley Crew’s performance. Ocean described the chance to do something like that as a “pinch me moment.�

Touring in general has been a surreal experience for this group. Starting off playing in small bars in Southern California, to now having their own tour bus and traveling the country to play for crowds of thousands, is a success none of the members could have imagined. Having supportive families makes the experience that much better, and helps get them through the long months on the road. “It takes a village,� according to Ocean. “It's a team effort to make this happen. And we're just so honored and humbled that, you know, people are coming out to see us and they love what we do.�

Yachtley Crew has been basically non-stop on their tour since 2017, hitting cities all across the country, from New York to California. On January 18, they will be performing at the beloved Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff. Concert-goers are encouraged to embrace the nautical vibes and dress the part. Previous fans have sported all-out looks dressed as Holland Oats, and Gilligan and Skipper. Ocean compares it to KISS concerts, where crowds often imitate the band’s style.

The Flagstaff show will be filled with fun, as the crew always brings high energy to the stage. Ocean’s advice for attendees: Get into it, bring your friends and show up ready to go. Whether that’s mixing up some piña coladas or pulling out some sailor regalia, fully adopting the persona is sure to add to the entertainment.

Despite their busy touring schedule, Yachtley Crew recently released a Christmas extended play called “Seas and Greetings,� which is worth listening to even after the season has passed. In addition to some well-loved holiday covers, it includes an original song titled, “Home for Christmas.� As for the new year, a new full-length album is expected sometime in 2025. “I can't share too much about that, but I can tell you that that's going to be happening and we're really, really excited to get more music out there in the world,� said Ocean.

Their tour will continue in 2025, adding dates in Australia and other countries internationally for the first time.

Yachtley Crew, known as the “Titans of Soft Rock,� have truly innovated the yacht rock scene. Their true love for the music and all-in experience radiates from every song and performance. The members, over the last eight years, have proven that teamwork and passion are the keys to success. “It's been really amazing to see it all grow and see the audience respond the way that they have,� Ocean said.

For those interested in seeing Yachtley Crew live in concert, visit to reserve your tickets. Listen to their albums and eps on any music streaming service, and find more tour dates and information at