Get Your Smooth Groove On

By Jenna Croyle

Of all the many musical genres, Soul, Rhythm and Blues, along with those magnificent golden treasures of the Motown era are among the most entertaining, danceable, and truly beloved by all, bridging the generational gaps.

This week’s featured band, The Groove is a hard-hitting powerhouse rock band that pumps out pure Soul, Rhythm and Blues, and Motown, along with much of the most popular Rock music of our time.

With the freshest Funk and the slickest Soul sound of any band in town, The Groove is an overwhelming combination of talent blended with the smoothest, most electrifying presentation that anyone could hope for.

The Groove is made up of members that include Tim Papotnik on Keyboard and Vocals, Tony Ferrara on Guitar and Vocals, Paul Grenberg on Bass Guitar, Jim Dowds on Drums, Brittany Morton on Female Lead Vocals, and the incomparable Roy Hollis Jr on Male Lead Vocals.

As the most danceable, most high-energy band playing out today, The Groove captures its audiences with the combination of radiant instrumental work, dazzling stage presence, and a magnificent blending of passion, charisma, and a distinct style that is unmatched on any stage in the area.

Among the repertoire of supercharged hits, The Groove cranks out killer covers of songs like “Billy Jean” by Michael Jackson, “Living in America” by James Brown, “Mesmerized” by Ja Rule, “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire, “Fame” by Irene Cara, “I’m Looking for a New Love” by Jody Watley, “Ladies Night” by Kool & the Gang, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” by Lou Rawls, along with “I’ll Be Around” by The Spinners, and of course amazing renditions of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “I Will Always Love You” both by Whitney Houston.

Tim Papotnik leaves a blazing trail on the Keys, with stellar talent, wonderful rhythms, and a magnificent energy that when all combined makes for one of the most incredible Keyboardists Erie has ever seen.

The fingerpicking work of Tony Ferrara is simply astounding, offering unbelievable, and inspired musical perfection that adds a stroke of genius to the bands overall sound.

As clearly one of the most gifted Bass Guitarists in town, Paul Grenberg offers a clean, full and powerful edge that drips with talent and precision, adding the perfect low end to this group.

The chops of Jim Dowds delivers hard-hitting, split-second timing, pulse-pounding rhythms with spot on accuracy that singles Dowds out as a superstar Drummer and true stick master.

Brittany Morton rounds out the vocal harmonies of The Groove, while conveying a spectacular stage presence that is simply captivating. As an Erie Idol winner, Morton presents her audiences with the most enchanting and powerful solos of any female vocalist in town.

Roy Hollis Jr is without doubt the icing on The Grooves’ cake, oozing energy, talent and the highest level of unbridled charisma of any local performer, Hollis is entertainment personified and truly the smoothest, most magnetic and talent rich performer that has hit an Erie Stage.

As the ambassador of energy, the superstar of sizzle, and Erie’s Funk master, Hollis has won awards throughout the country, along with winning the 2012 RockErie Music Award for Best Male Vocalist.

With off the hook energy, the most hard-hitting and devastating set list, and a star-studded treasure chest of talent, The Groove consistently delivers what you should expect from a band, and always far surpasses what you might hope for.

The Grove is a must see experience with a triple dose of wow, and far more than just another band, the Groove is to Erie what the early Motown was to music.

For more information on The Groove, the show dates and booking information, please visit their Facebook page.