Time to get your groove on at WSCC

by Carrie Klemm, MCP Correspondent

VICTORY TWP. – Groove 101 hits the center stage on Saturday, February 15 as part of the West Shore Community College Performing Arts Series. Following the main event, the talented group will continue the evening with an after-glow performance at the Blu Moon Bistro on South James Street in Ludington.

A local band whose popularity has grown exponentially, Groove 101 has been performing for a little over a year. Many of the members knew each other prior to the band forming and were united by tenor-saxist, Ted Malt, who has worked directly and indirectly with each of them over the past ten years.

“I started to realize that we had all of these high level musicians living in the area and I knew I had to take advantage of the talent,” Malt said. “I mentioned it to bassist, Jason “Harv” Hargreaves and he agreed. We started as a little project band to see what would happen and we became a professional eight-piece group who loves playing together.”

Malt added that the group is really a nine-piece band, including their sound expert, Alex Wolkow, who arrives before the band to prepare the stage for each performance and adjusts the sound quality of the equipment.

Maintaining over 150 years of musical expertise, collectively, the majority of the band members hold degrees in music. Each individual expels strong dedication and raw talent, challenging each other musically and embracing their abilities to play multiple genres.  They pride themselves on professionalism from their clean-cut, smiling faces to their dapper attire during a performance.

The ensemble has been working to build a repertoire that represents more than five decades of music. During each weekly practice, the group adds two to three pieces to expand their versatility. The list of tunes is quite diverse, ranging from ’70s funk to current pop hits, to even the occasional jazz standard from the 1940s. As for special requests, Groove 101 does not shy away.

“In any audience we may have people in their 20s and people in their 60s, a myriad of musical interests, and we want to be able to play for everyone,” Malt said. “Our goal is to expand our set list. We are working to get to a point where if someone says they want to hear a Michael Jackson song, we have seven of his songs at the ready.”

Groove 101 plans to further live up to their name, with ambitions to offer middle school and high school clinics for those wishing to learn a little more about musical development and what it is like to play in a band. With each individual band member bringing their own talent and flare to the forefront, the possibilities are endless.

Saturday’s performance is set to feature two special guests from the rock band, The Verve Pipe. Lou Musa will be strumming up on his guitar while Craig “Griff” Griffen will be rocking the harmonica. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Center Stage Theater at WSCC. After the show, Groove 101 will move the party to the Blu Moon for the after-glow at 10 p.m., where all are invited to enjoy a more laid-back jam session.

As for future events, Groove 101 delights in playing at local establishments, but welcomes the opportunity for corporate engagements and private parties.

“We really appreciate the support from the community and not just for our group, but for all other local musicians, as well” Malt said. “We are thankful for listeners and also thankful for the restaurant and bar owners who are still hiring local bands. It is incredible to watch so many people enjoy and appreciate live music.”

For ticket information for the West Shore performance, visit www.westshore.edu or call the box office at (231) 843-5507.

To book Groove 101 for an event, contact Ted Malt at (231) 499-7693 or visit the band’s Facebook page for more information.