A Sacramento Chic Wedding Band. I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with Carol of the Groove Thang Band many times and I must say that she is a sweet petite bombshell and the rest of the band is just as cool.  They perform all over Sacramento and are sure to make you dance and sing.  I chatted a little with John, the band’s manager, about the band and this is what he had to say.

• Who is the Groove Thang Band? The Grove Thang is a 7-piece high-energy band that has been performing since 2001.  Groove Thang performs non-stop dance music from 70’s to the present, along with smooth jazz and wedding classics.
• When did you know you wanted to be a band? After performing for a long time in different rock bands, we decided to form a dance band, based on the disco era.  It seems that women love to dance and they seem to get the party started.  We later expanded to include 80’s and 90’s. Now we perform mainly as a wedding band and cover all genres of music, but all with a dance feel.
• Where did you train for this discipline? Most of us have had private training in guitar, drums, bass, piano, and vocals. Several members also know music theory and practice, practice, practice.
• How long has Groove Thang Band been in business? We have been performing as a band since 2001 and the full 7-piece band was established in 2005.
• A word that best describes the Groove Thang Band? Fun.
• Tell us about your band members? Our band members all have daytime jobs ranging from teachers, to engineers, programmers, video editors and we also have a sign language interpreter!  Each member is dedicated to the band and is driven to put on a great show for our clients in weddings, corporate functions and clubs.
• If the Groove Thang Band were a Song, which one would describe you best? Get Down Tonight. Do a little dance, make a little love… We want it to be a dance party and share our love for music with all.
• What is your favorite thing about being in this business? I believe performing at weddings. To be a part of a couple special days is very rewarding.
• What would a party be like in your home? Lots of food, great music and uninhibited fun!
• Where do you draw your inspiration? Respect for the artist who originally wrote and performed the songs.  We try to remain true to the songs with a little personal spice.
• Is there ever a moment, when doing an event, that you get butterflies? Always before a performance you get butterflies. They go away within minutes and this allows us to interact with each client(s).
• What is your ideal client? One who is easy to work with! This may be a type A person who nails the itinerary, so we do not have to do much planning and we just have to follow the path.  On the other extreme, a couple that just want to have fun with no itinerary requires us to develop an itinerary, but is just happy as long as they hear good music and everyone has fun.
• How far in advance do you recommend a potential couple should start looking for a Wedding Band? From 6 months to 1 year.  The sooner is always better.  It allows the couple to get the entertainment portion out of the way and allows them to focus on other major items.  All song requests, suggestions, should be given to the band manager well in advance so the band can focus on the request.
• What questions a Bride in Groom ask when interviewing a Band for their wedding?

1. Do you perform special request?
2. Where will the band be performing live?
3. Does the band have liability insurance?
4. Does the band require a written contract?
5. Does the band have a standard set list of songs list to choose from?
6. What type of music does the band perform?
7. What type of wardrobe will the band be wearing?
8. Do we have to provide meals for the band?
9. Will we be able to use the band’s PA for toasts, etc?
10. Will the band provide an emcee to help facilitate the event?
11. How do we make a deposit / final payment?
12. How much space does the band need to setup and tear down?
13. How much power is needed for the band’s PA and instruments?

• What words of wisdom are you willing to bestow upon a young couple ready to make the leap into marriage? Make sure that you attend premarital counseling to discuss basic life issues, children, work, religion, free time, money, etc.  It is better to discuss they very important issues before you tie the knot, rather than after you are married.
• Why should they hire the Groove Thang Band? The Grove Thang Band has years of experience performing facilitating weddings. We are easy to work with and willing to work with each client.  We want your day to be even more special when you work with the Grove Thang.
• Where or how can they find more about the Groove Thang Band? Check out our website at www.groovethangband.com or contact the band manager John Espinoza by e-mail at john@groovethangband.com or by phone at 916-873-2257
• If you were a shoe would you be Flats, Boots, Pumps, Sneakers, Thongs or Loafers? Pumps are sexy and fun!