Stef and the Groove is a new iteration of a Boise classic. Steve Hall, a Boise native, played keyboards and sang in a popular rock band called “Lost” back in the 1960s. Fast forward through family, business careers and other assorted jaunts, including a resurfacing of his music career in sunny Mazatlan, Mexico; and Steve returned with his wife Pat to Boise. 2017 saw the formation of the Blues Groove, with Steve on vocals and keyboards and the genesis of the current band. As they’ve expanded musically and to a wider range of venues, the blues became only a part of their repertoire. However, the Groove became the heart of their performance.
These days, the Groove consists of Bill “Carp” Carpenter, Ed Coughenour, Steve Hall, Paul Radics and Don Vannucci. They are the heart of the Groove and now the Groove has a soul. That soul is Stef, new to the band but an accomplished singer and performer who added that extra amount of charisma. Classically trained and a devotee of jazz, r&b, soul and blues, Stef has a tremendous range to match the musical range of the Groove. With the fit feeling right, the Blues Groove has now become Stef and the Groove.
Driving the Groove’s beat, Bill “Carp” Carpenter on bass and Ed Coughenour on drums keep the rhythm going. Bill is an accomplished bassist, well known around the Treasure Valley, while Ed brings a new and vibrant energy to the music. Paul Radics has played guitar since his teens, even opening at one point for the Marshall Tucker Band. Don Vannucci has been all over the musical landscape playing his trumpet, from field bands to reggae and symphony. Don has been a part of the original Blues Groove since the beginning in 2017 and also lends some silky vocals to the mix. With “Papa Steve”, they can put any kind of “groove” together! Pop, funk, R&B and more have now widened their choices to play.
The Barrelhouse Pub and Grill is the next venue to feature Stef and the Groove. As with other of the top-ranked venues in the Treasure Valley, they have gone above and beyond to ensure that guests can feel comfortable while eating, drinking and enjoying music at their establishments. Stef and the Groove will be there Friday, November 13 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. No tickets are necessary or cover charges for the show. On Friday, December 11, a return performance at the Barrelhouse will again feature Stef and the Groove. Also in Garden City and with no tickets or cover charge, Stef and the Groove will play at the Ironwood on Friday, November 27 from 8-11pm.
As the season drifts into holiday time, thoughts turn to welcoming a new year. On Sunday, December 27, the Sapphire Room at the Riverside Hotel will present Stef and the Groove for a very special Holiday Show. The show will run from 6-9pm and the Riverside Hotel will also have room packages available. If you haven’t seen the newly renovated Sapphire Room yet, it looks wonderful, with the sound and sight lines even better. The Sapphire Room has been very proactive with their safety rules for everyone’s health. Tickets can be purchased from Stef and the Groove or through the Sapphire Room page.
Stef and the Groove have plenty of shows to finish the year out with some wonderful music. Pick your venue and go see some and “Get Your Groove On!”
Stef and the Groove Website
“aka the Blues Groove”
Stef and the Groove Facebook Page
Barrelhouse Pub and Grill
5181 N. Glenwood Street
Garden City, ID 83714
(208) 376-4200
Barrelhouse Pub and Grill Website
Ironwood Bar and Grill
5467 N. Glenwood Street
Boise, ID 83714
(208) 803-4464
Ironwood Bar and Grill Facebook Page
Sapphire Room
Riverside Hotel
2900 W. Chinden Blvd.
Boise, ID 83714
(208) 343-1871
Sapphire Room Website
