Funky, edgy, jazzy, sophisticated.... oh, and did we forget to mention over the top powerhouse funk band!?! Combine the elements of R&B, jazz, soul and an innate Pop-savvy sensibility, and you have arrived at the musical core which is Grooveyard. Fronted by super sultry vocalist Jenn Dashney and comprised of some of the most promising musical talent the Northwest has to offer (ensemble of award winning jazz-trained players from the famous Mt. Hood community college music department). Grooveyard is a group that has been turning heads ever since their inception in 1998. While staying true to their roots of jazz, soul and R/B music, this Portland-based band has managed to put an exciting new twist on otherwise forgotten styles making their music a truly unique and engaging hybrid. Grooveyard represents what is new and refreshing in pop music. The music appeals to young and old alike, while powerful, funky and very danceable, there is an intelligent approach to composition and musicianship not often seen in a group this young. The name Grooveyard is synonymous with deep funky dance grooves, as well as thrilling, over-the-top live performances. With this, it's easy to see why they have become one of the consistently top drawing acts in Portland clubs such as Jimmy Mak's, The Goodfoot Lounge, and Billy Reed's, among many others. TabletNewpaper.com writes, "Grooveyard digs their heels into the floor and forces the funk on ya...Don't miss them ever." Jam Magazine writes, "Lead singer Jenn Dashney's voice wraps itself around the jazz/funk melodies in a love liquid embrace, oozing sexuality in naughty clever phrases and soulful, teasing lyrics." Think Ella Fitzgerald with Duke Ellington (if he played jazz guitar!) conducting his big band behind her big voice. Now, substitute the modern edge of Gwen Stephanie if she was backed by Tower of Power and you get an idea of the fresh sound that Grooveyard invokes. Grooveyard's debut album, playfully titled "jenn'll tell ya," was recorded over the last year at Sound Impressions Studio with engineer Dan Decker. The album showcases twelve original cuts that display a wide musical diversity, combining elements of funk, jazz, R&B, hip-hop and Latin flavors to arrive at a polished, powerful and contemporary sound. "People always ask me what style of music we play," says Dashney. "And after almost five years with Grooveyard, I still can't tell you." Their R&B/funk influences can be heard on tunes such as "So Serious" and "Inspire Me" while "Blues for David" highlights the band's flair for Latin pop. "Pitiful State" and the ballad "Stop at Nothing" (which features free-styles by Hungry Mob's Mic Crenshaw) showcase the band's hip-hop savvy. Booking themselves silly for four years and counting, the group's profile has quickly elevated from opener, to main event. Participating in and headlining such festivals as The Bite of Portland, Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival, MusicFestNW, Daisy Chain, and the Summer Hummer and Spring Sing, the group's musical formula has proven to be inspiring and enchanting for many concert goers. Keep an eye and an ear out for Grooveyard. Catch this northwest phenomenon while you can. The Players: Jenn Dashney: Composer/Lyrics/Lead Vocals Jenn comes from a long line of musicians. She has been playing bluegrass professionally for 12 years, winning many songwriting awards and competitions along the way. With influences from folk, to R&B and jazz, she brings a smooth, yet feisty edge to the band. Jenn's sultry presence delivers a vibe of an absolute diva. As a lyricist, she is prolific and familiar, while her bittersweet prose creates a soundtrack of lust, love, and loss which wraps her audience in a thorn-laced velvet ribbon, only to be unwrapped in a frenzy of pure unabashed soulfullness. AG Donnaloia: Composer/Electric Jazz Guitar Style is the word that comes to mind when the name AG is mentioned. His charisma mixed with raw original talent has been turning heads since he began playing guitar at age 14. With extensive jazz training, and influences such as George Benson, Wes Montgomery, and Poncho Sanchez, AG sets the mood. In addition to receiving numerous awards at various jazz band competitions, AG was recently recognized by the Jazz Society of Oregon with a feature story devoted to his immerging talent. AG can also be heard in Zuppa, his up-and- coming organ trio. Dallas Huber: Composer/Electric Bass Guitar Originally from Portland, Dallas has been playing various musical instruments since the age of 7. Well versed in jazz and pop styles, Dallas began studying the Upright bass in college. With a unique and diverse musical heritage, he brings an element of style and power that is rarely seen or heard by today's bass players. In addition to Grooveyard, he can also be heard playing in such groups as The Joe Sorce Latin Quartet and The Sosegado Duo. With awe inspiring technical abilities and an innate sense of rhythm and melody, it's no wonder Dallas has become one of the area's most sought after bass players. Mike Wayland: Composer/Saxophones/Clarinet Wood wind player extraordinaire who specializes in saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He played in the award winning David Douglas High School Jazz Band that toured in Asia. Mike attended Clackamas Community College on a full music scholarship. He then studied at Mt. Hood College, also on a full ride. While he attended Mt. Hood he won many awards with the jazz band. As well as performing with Grooveyard, Mike currently plays in other groups in Portland, including the "Let's Dance" Big Band, which he has been playing in for more then 4 years. With a brilliant flair for composition and arranging, Mike lends his expertise to the group along with his fiery solos and section work. Charles M. Neal: Drums/Percussion An incredibly well rounded musician and music professional, Charles began playing the piano at the age of 8, he soon thereafter began studying drumset as well as classical and mallet percussion. Charles had the opportunity to play drums, piano, and mallets with a variety of ensembles through out his junior high and high school years. After high school Charles studied music at Spokane Falls Community College, winning numerous solo awards, before moving to Seattle where he went on to pursue a degree in business. After a stint working as a free lance drummer in Spokane for several years, Charles attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston on a scholarship. Graduating “Cum Laude” in 2000, Charles moved to Portland and began playing with live hip-hop group Quivah as well as Grooveyard and other projects. Contact: info@grooveyard.org 503.407.4558