DEAS-GUYZ
Bringing People Together, One Song at a Time
story by JENNIFER BROWN-CARPENTER photos by SHAWN HILL
The annual Beaufort Water Festival is right around the corner, and with it comes one of the most popular nights of the festival: MOTOWN MONDAY. For the last 15 years, Deas-Guyz has brought the town of Beaufort a night of music, memories, and magic. Featuring a mix of Motown, rhythm and blues, pop, rock, reggae, and more, Deas-Guyz is sure to have you on your feet.
Before being known as Deas-Guyz, the band was called Nu World Beat and started in January 2000. The transition occurred as members changed over the years, with each current member bringing something special to the band. Reggie Deas is the band leader and vocalist. Martin Lesch, who has been with the band for 16 years, plays the keyboard/piano. Chris Russell has also been with the band for 16 years and plays the drums, and for the last 5 years, Tyrone Mack has been the bassist for Deas-Guyz. Greg Whittaker, the saxophonist, has now played with Deas-Guyz for 11 years and Corey Burgess, on conga and vocals, has been with the band for 3 years.
Over the last two and a half decades, Deas-Guyz has played countless shows. Every Sunday, you can find them at The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head Island, an award-winning jazz club in The Village at Wexford. Deas-Guyz has traveled to Chicago, New York, Arkansas, Las Vegas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to perform and play at wedding receptions, which is their specialty, and at parties, festivals, and conventions.
Reggie Deas serves as the HR Administrator for the Beaufort County School District and has been working in education for 37 years. He started the band because he loves music and the way that music provides an opportunity to bring people together. “Music rids people of their prejudices and deficiencies. It gives them something to share with one another.” Each of the band members comes from different backgrounds (Marine Corps, law enforcement, Navy, education) and from different states, hailing from New York, Jacksonville, Columbia, Sumter, and Newberry, South Carolina.
As the band has grown and changed, its professionalism has grown as well. “I don’t read music, personally. I just love music and how it moves me. But some of the band members, they are professionals, having played in the Navy, Marines Corps, and studied music in college. They are great musicians and great people,” Reggie says. Some of the members also play in other bands as well as performing with Deas-Guyz.
Reggie Deas says, “As the band leader and lead vocalist of Deas-Guyz, I would like the readers of Beaufort Lifestyle to know that our band has been entertaining audiences throughout the Lowcountry and across the East Coast for more than 26 years. What began as a group of musicians who simply loved performing has grown into one of the most popular and respected bands in the region.
He goes on to say, “Our mission has always been simple: provide great music, great entertainment, and create lasting memories for our audiences. We take pride in delivering high-energy performances that bring people together, whether it’s at festivals, community events, corporate functions, weddings, private celebrations, or local venues. Music has a unique ability to connect people from all walks of life, and we are honored to be a part of so many special moments in our community. Beyond entertainment, Deas-Guyz is committed to supporting the communities that have supported us throughout the years. We believe in giving back, building relationships, and representing the Lowcountry with professionalism and pride wherever we perform.”
Keyboardist Martin Lesch says, “The band regularly participates in charitable events, fundraisers, festivals, and community programs throughout the Lowcountry, helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars annually for local nonprofit organizations and charitable causes. The band is committed to using music as a way to bring people together, support community organizations, and enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
“Since joining in 2010, the band has had an opportunity to play at several places across the country. Every time we’ve performed, we’ve been able to bring all kinds of people together. The music selection that we draw from crosses all audiences young and old. People know when they hear us they’re going to get a good show and with recognizable songs that make everyone feel good. I can’t count how many times or how many audiences we’ve played for that get the energy we put out and give us the energy right back. The community support just continues; when you mention these guys everyone knows the name,” says Chris Russell.
Greg Whittaker says, “Deas-Guyz is more than just a band, we are a musical experience that brings people together. Through a blend of jazz, R&B, Motown, and beach music, we try to create an atmosphere where audiences of all ages can relax, celebrate dance, and make lasting memories. Our commitment to the community goes beyond entertainment. We are honored to perform at charitable events, festivals, corporate functions, private celebrations, retirement communities, and venues that enrich the cultural life of the Lowcountry. Every performance is delivered with professionalism, passion, and genuine appreciation for the people we serve. At its core, Deas-Guyz believes that music has the power to unite, inspire, and uplift.”
Bassist Tyrone Mack shares, “I’ve been a member since July 4, 2016, and enjoy bringing our music to the community. Each time we perform, I get to witness the power our music has in unifying people from all walks of life. I look forward to our music reaching the masses for many years to come.”
“No matter the chaos, the differences, or the circumstances, music is a type of world engine that has a way of bringing all sorts of people together. Deas-Guyz, from its beginning, is a small cog in that engine that has been blessed to pay it forward,” says Corey Burgess.
Deas-Guyz continues to play at the Beaufort Water Festival year after year, largely due to the environment created by the staff that works the event. “They treat us very well, they take care of us. Not only that, but the crowd that comes out is wonderful. We perform based on their energy and they are always a great crowd, very welcoming and always dancing,” Reggie says.
When asked about the success of Deas-Guyz over the years, Reggie says, “Our success is a reflection of the loyal fans, clients, venues, and community partners who have believed in us for more than two decades. After 26 years, we remain passionate about what we do. We continue to evolve while staying true to the qualities that built our reputation: exceptional musicianship, professionalism, reliability, and a genuine appreciation for every audience we have the privilege to entertain. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve this community through music, and we look forward to many more years of bringing people together, one song at a time.”
To learn more about Deas-Guyz, you can visit their website (www.deasguyz.com) and be sure to attend MOTOWN MONDAY on July 20, 2026, during the Beaufort Water Festival. You won’t want to miss it!
