The Blues Groove plays at Ironwood Social on Friday, September 21. The local band, featuring six players worth of funky goodness, as leader /keyboardist Steve Hall says,“does blues tunes of all sorts, from classic blues to jump blues to swing, with some funky flavors and even a little rock n roll thrown in for good measure. We love for people to dance”. Steve, who is a native Idahoan born and raised in Boise, formed the band with the idea that he “likes to introduce audiences to lesser-known (but excellent) modern blues artists like Janiva Magness, as one example”. Steve brings a wealth of musical experience with him, from playing to producing a series of spectacular concerts in Mazatlan. With background in Motown, Funk, R&B, Rock as well as the Blues, the band covers a wide range of tunes to keep everyone happy and moving to the music too.
The band’s upcoming performance at Ironwood Social in Garden City kicks off an exciting fall schedule for The Blues Groove, including more performances at Ironwood Social, upcoming gigs at WilliB’s Saloon in Boise and an forthcoming show to start 2019 right at the Sapphire Room at the Riverside Hotel. They have attracted a nice crowd in the past at places like the Sandbar at the Riverside Hotel, keeping fans dancing and enjoying their mix of music. Ironwood Social of course, besides being a bar, has their food provided by local Boise BBQ experts BBQ4Life, written about in The Boise Beat here.
The band has a nice lineup of seasoned, experienced musicians on bass, drums, keyboards and trumpet. Lead vocalist/percussionist Lisa Marie is the youngest of the bunch at 50 years old, with the rest in their 60s and 70s, bringing decades of musical chops to the band. She hails from Detroit and brings her love of Motown music as well as the blues, soul and R&B to Blues Groove. Vocalist/trumpet player Don Vannuci brings a love of brass-based bands such as “Tower of Power” with him. Drummer Ken Bowman loves rock and especially classic rock and has been keeping the beat steady for The Blues Groove. Bass player George Hadden has played with everyone and everywhere in the Treasure Valley since starting his musical career at the age of five. The newest member, guitarist John Micka, started on violin and moved to guitar and has never looked back, citing as his favorites rock and blues.
The Blues Groove show at Ironwood Social takes place on Friday, September 21 at 8-11:30pm. Ironwood Social is located at 5467 N. Glenwood, Garden City (halfway between Chinden Blvd. and the Boise River). Their phone for info is (208) 803-4464. It should be a great evening of fun music; and make sure you come hungry for some of Brad Taylor’s fabulous BBQ!
The Blues Groove
