Bio

“Papa” King Cole is a solid, hard-working Albertan, who has supported his family as a class 1 truck driver by day and singer/songwriter musician by night.

His music and songs reflect the life he lives and observes. Driven with love and passion, this is music for all ages.

His original songs all engage with his audiences, and they leave with a good taste in their soul. High energy and engaging, this act can play anywhere from festivals to juke joints. – Harpdog Brown

Papa King & the Boogiemen – The energy that fills the room when this band turns on can be compared to a hot 1950’s night on Westside Chicago or a stroll down Beale Street in the 30’s.

We invite you all to come out and experience this energetic band in action.

Daryll Duus – Blues Guitar and Vocalist

Daryll Duus started playing guitar when he was 13, initially focusing on heavy metal and rock, and by 16 was playing guitar in a Metallica cover band. But it was on a late-night Greyhound bus ride on his 19th birthday and Daryll had fallen asleep with Jimi Hendrix playing on his Walkman earbuds, that’s when he first, “really heard the blues” Jimi playing Red House.

That moment shaped his musical path, opening the gateway into blues exploration back to Robert Johnson, and the first generations of great blues/soul musicians.
By this time SRV was huge and Stevie proved to be a big source of inspiration on 19 year old Duus.

Daryll relocated to Alberta in the mid 90’s and met his most excellent musical pal Papa King Cole and helped form the first incarnation of Papa King and the Boogiemen playing lead guitar, harmonica and singing back up. Thirty years later Daryll and Papa King are still playing shows and touring together regularly.

Daryll moved to Vancouver Island in 2013 and has been burning up his guitar and making friends throughout the Island ever since.

A carpenter by day and musician by night Mr. Duus is a builder of unique Cigar Box guitars that he and Papa King play during their shows, along with their collection of old and rare guitar gems.
Duus has more licks than a herd of Elk around a salt block.

Over the years Daryll has played with and opened for musical greats such as Magic Slim and the Tear Drops, Gaye Delorme, Johnny Vee, Jack Velker, Colin Linden, David Gogo, Taylor Ackerman, and Tim Williams.

He loves the camaraderie that the stage forges among players and when you see him play he is playing with his friends! His high energy guitar attack is dripping with a sandpaper and wild honey sound and his growly, timbered vocals are really something to behold.

Come on out and get your mojo workin’ the next time Daryll Duus and friends come to town.

Doug Freeman – Bassist & Producer

With a career spanning five decades, Doug Freeman is a highly accomplished and versatile bassist whose journey has taken him from coast to coast across Canada and throughout the United States. His extensive touring history includes performances in diverse locations ranging from California, Nevada, and New Mexico to the Florida Keys, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Doug’s musical adaptability is evident in his ability to thrive in various ensemble settings, having performed successfully as part of duos, trios, and bands ranging from four to six members. His technical mastery extends across 4, 5, and 6-string basses, as well as the fretless bass, allowing him to deliver everything from tight, rhythmic foundations to expressive, vocal-like melodies.

Currently, Doug performs with Papa King Cole and Daryll Duus in a dynamic 3-piece blues and boogie band, Papa King and the Boogiemen, bringing half a century of experience to every performance. Whether navigating the complexities of a large ensemble or the intimacy of a trio, Doug brings refined technique, deep musicality, and an enduring passion for the craft to every stage he plays.

Doug’s bass work and positive energy are the rock-solid foundation of everything that Papa King and the Boogiemen do. He is also behind the recording, mixing, and mastering of Black Cat Boogie, the band’s next album, which will be ready for their yearly Western Canadian tour in September 2026.