Jamband ‘grooving’ to Eau Claire

October 9, 2003
Filed under Showcase

submitted photo

While most people ages 22-23 are working either full time or attending college, six guys are fulfilling their dream of being musicians.

Since emerging into the “jamband” scene in 2002, Groovatron, a band from Munster, Ind., is finding success touring college towns.

“(Groovatron) is more than your average jamband,” manager Jeff Trinco said.

It combines high-energy funk and jam with vocal harmonies of all six members.

Saturday night Groovatron will take over the stage at the Stones Throw, 304 Eau Claire St., from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Instead of playing straight through, it will play alternating sets with the popular Midwestern Wisconsin band Day Old Bread.

Groovatron has been described as a combination of Frank Zappa, Phish and moe. that creates a 70s-funk sound, said Nick Meyer of the Stones Throw.

“Musically, they’re a funk, rock, jazz jam thing,” Meyer said.

Having both bands play is a unique thing that Meyer said he doesn’t think either band has done before. He said it’s an interesting way to have a show and keeps the energy shifting.

“It’s (Groovatron) a pretty heavily talked about band in the Midwest,” Meyer said. “This one – at least for me – sticks out as one of the better ones.”

Steve Pesich, the Groovatron percussionist, describes their music as ecclectic and fun.

“We just love having fun,” he said. “We do a lot of the stuff on the spot. Six minds in one.”

Groovatron writes its own songs, Pesich said. Usually songs develop out of jam sessions, with each person adding a word or two to each lyric, he said.

“Pretty much anything goes with our music,” Pesich said.

Audiences can expect to hear mostly Groovatron’s original songs with a few cover songs, Trinco said.

Being an original band has its disadvantages. Venue owners are often skeptical to book them because the turnout may not be as high as with a cover band, Pesich said. But it hasn’t stopped them from doing what they love.

The group got its start in junior high. All of them were involved in musical programs. In high school, half of the members played in one band and the other half played in another.

After high school, the members who were the most serious about a musical career from the two bands joined to form Groovatron, Pesich said.

Instead of college, the band recorded its first album. It has two albums and will be in the studio in January recording its third.

In 2002, Groovatron played 144 shows, Trinco said. This year it’s planning on 175-180 shows.

The typical tour run consists of shows for six nights a week for two to three weeks straight, he said. In early November the band will play 12 shows in 12 days.

Eau Claire is included in this run. On Nov. 14 Groovatron will make the Stones Throw its 11th stop in 11 days.

Scheduling tours this way gives the band members time to hang with their families, write music and relax from the busy touring schedules, Trinco said. In addition, all of the members work part-time jobs.

To relax from the hectic schedule, the guys play music, Pesich said. “Musical is very spiritual. It lets you get emotions out.”