Groove Essential

About | Multimedia | News & Reviews | Song List

About Groove Essential

Customized Performances: The extraordinary musicianship and extensive song list of Groove Essential allows the band to design a show to meet the precise specifications for your special event.

Groove Essential’s song list consists of the latest in pop and new country, the best of classic rock and 50’s hits, the most danceable disco, R& B, Motown, and 80’s songs and the most noted swing, big band, ballads, and jazz standards, which allows the band to include a variety of music to please your guests.

The band members hold Masters Degrees in music, have recorded hit songs, and have performed together for over a decade, which gives us the professional experience required to perform a show that authentically represents the style of music being played and to keep your guests entertained.

Whether an elegant wedding, business mixer, concert, or dance extravaganza, Groove Essential will perform a show that your guests will never forget!.

Multimedia: Videos, MP3s, etc.

Groove Essential Demo MP3
Groove Essential Sample Music

News & Reviews

Groove Essential is committed to providing the best in live entertainment. We offer professional and friendly assistance to our clients and that is why we are proud of our continued success in satisfying one client after the other. Don't just take our word for it-be sure to read through our client testimonials, and you'll see why we are the best in the the entertainment business!

Rhonda,
I noticed when I was searching for a band, I really looked at testimonials and photos/videos the most. It was encouraging to me to see that other people had written so many nice things about the band, and especially when all the letters said the same thing, I knew that it was a true thing for everyone (not just one person's opinion). Thanks again for all you did!
-Brandy

-Rhonda and Groove Essential-

Thank you so much for performing at our wedding! I would just like to say that you did such an outstanding job- I was very impressed. You had the majority of people at our reception of 300 people up and dancing.

The music that you played not only sounded great, but also added a touch of 'groove/funk' that is very unique to us and what our friends/family like to listen to. You were very correct when you said that you would "read the people" and play music that was fast when needing to be fast and slow when need be (although that didn't happen often because everyone was up dancing to fun music!).

You had a great variety of different types of music from different eras. Rhonda, you really know how to motivate and engage a crowd!

It was very fun and memorable when you pulled the bride up on stage to dance, had other people in the audience sing a chorus or two, and especially with our last song you had everyone on the dance floor circle around us which was really cool and a good ending to a fabulous evening!

Our parents and both of us have had so many people ask us who the band was and where you were from. It is now about 2 months away from our wedding and people are still talking about how great our reception was and that they really enjoyed the band!!

To make a long story short, you were very professional, entertaining, and I wouldn't have picked anyone else! I would definitely recommend you to anyone that was looking for live entertainment for a wedding or any other event.

I feel that live entertainment is well worth the money if you want people to actually stay at your reception and have fun! Thank you all again, you made our day so memorable and the best day of our lives! We would be more than happy to be a reference for you if you ever need one!

Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. Lapinskas
Married September 5th, 2010
Lafayette, IN

Hello Rhonda,

I'm Andy Voight, and was one of the many Groomsmen in this wedding. Just wanted to reach out and let you know that your whole performance, on stage and off, was completely amazing. Your level of professionalism was outstanding to say the least. The way you got the crowd going filled the dance floor, and that is exactly what we were looking for when searching for entertainment.

From start to finish, you guys were Red-Hot!!! You played those songs like you owned them. I just wanted to thank you for your hard work and for helping make my Sister's wedding day end with a bang. Good luck in the future, even though it is clear to me that you don't really need it.

Thank You,
Andy Voight

Rhonda & Greg

I just wanted to thank you again for your generosity last Saturday night. We thought that MAYBE you’ll let a few of these NYC Broadway actors sing but to let us take over your stage??????

Never in a million years! My brothers & I hadn’t played anywhere but a living room for years and when my two sons joined us…. Well… I’m tearing up now just thinking about it. And the moment when Ryan sang “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” to his bride…

That is one for the memory books (Ryan has only played Frankie in Jersey Boys one time but I guess you have to sing it to the love of your life for it to be so powerful). A moment in time, to be sure You guys played tight, smokin’ hot dance tunes.

You kept us engaged! You were generous and patient with your time, talent and instruments. Thank you for “Mac the Knife”, “House at Poor Corner”, Crazy Love” (was that their song title?) and “Cinderella” as well I hope we have the honor of seeing & hearing you again someday. With heart-felt thanks and joy.

-David & Thea Strand

David A. Strand
Business Manager
Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc.
SGI Field Crops Division

Rhonda,

On behalf of the American Heart Association, I would like to thank you and the band for once again entertaining the Heart Walk participants at this year’s event.

We have heard nothing but great feedback when your band performs…what better way to wake people up and get them moving in the morning. I look forward to working with the band on future AHA events.

Amy Osborne
HW Project Coordinator
American Heart Association,
Greater Midwest Affiliate
Indianapolis, IN 46278

Dear Groove Essential,

Thank you for providing such a valuable service. You and Rhonda were extremely helpful and I am so happy with the music Groove Essential provided and all the money you helped raise for Riley Hospital for Children.

I wish all businesses would treat their clients as professionally and respectfully as you do, and I will be sure to recommend you to all my associates. Thanks again for your help.

Mark Barnhardt
Indianapolis

Song List

Today's Hits

Shake it Off - Taylor Swift
Royals - Lorde
Roar - Katy Perry
Firework - Katy Perry
Wake Me Up - Avici
Some Nights - Fun
Raise Your Glass - Pink
Get Lucky - Daft Punk
Still in to You - Paramore
Treasure - Bruno Mars
Suit and Tie - Justin Timberlake
Take Back the Night - Justin Timberlake
Happy - Pharrell Williams
Hey Ya - Outkast
Hey Ho - Lumineers
Safe and Sound - Capital Cities
Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys
Call me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5/Christina Aguilera
Feel So Close - Calvin Harris
We Found Love - Rihanna
Soul Sister - Train
Poker Face - Lady Gaga
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Waiting For You - Adele
PONTOON - Little Big Town
Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker
I Ain’t Your Mama - Maggie Rose
Crazy in Love - Beyonce
Single Ladies - Beyonce
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
Dynamite - Taio Cruz
Mercy - Duffy
Lady Marmalade - Christina Aguilera
Ain’t No Other Man - Christina Aguilera
Black Horse in a Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
Man I Feel Like A Woman - Shania Twain
Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
Here For the Party - Gretchen Wilson
Short Skirt and a Long Jacket - Cake
Stick Shifts and Safety Belts - Cake

90's Pop and Rock Songs

I’m Your Baby Tonight - Whitney Houston
Someday - Mariah Carey
Genie In a Bottle - Christina Aguilera
Oh Baby, Baby - Brittany Spears
Get the Party Started - Pink
Hella Good - No Doubt
Vogue - Madonna
Ice, Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice
All I Wanna Do - Sheryl Crow
The Electric Slide - Marcia Griffith
Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks
Wild Night - John Mellencamp
Give Me One Reason - Tracy Chapman
Save Your Soul - Jewel
Meant for Me - Jewel
Unbelievable - EMF
Black or White - Michael Jackson
Good Vibrations - Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch/Loleatta Holida
I’m Too Sexy - Right Said Fred
Baby Got Back - Sir Mix A-Lot
No Diggity - Black Street
Getting Giggy With It - Will Smith
One Week - Bare Naked Ladies
Livin La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin
Smooth - Santana
Suicide Blonde - INXS
Mary Jane’s Last Dance - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Shine - Collective
Soul Fly Away - Lenni Kraviz
Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
When She Comes Around - Green Day
You Oughta Know - Alanis Morrissette
You learn - Alanis Morrissette
Isn’t It Ironic - Alanis Morrissette
One Hand in My Pocket - Alanis Morriessette
Semi Charmed Kind of Life - Third Eye Blind
I Get Knocked Down - Chumbawamba
All Star - Smash Mouth
Fly - Sugar Ray
Rock this Town/Jump Jive and Wail (medley) Brian Setzer Orchestra
American Girl - Tom Petty
Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi

The Big 80's

Jessie’s Girl - Rick Springfield
Celebration - Kool and the Gang
I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston
Get into the Groove - Madonna
Holiday - Madonna
Material Girl - Madonna
1,2,3 - Miami Sound Machine
Funky Town - Lipps Inc.
My Prerogative - Bobby Brown
Straight Up - Paula Abdul
Beat It - Michael Jackson
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Bad - Michael Jackson
Black Cat - Janet Jackson
Kiss - Prince
Walking on Sunshine - Katrina & the Waves
I Love R&R - Joan Jett
We’ve Got The Beat - The Go Go’s
Walk like an Egyptian - The Bangles
Oh Mickey - Toni Basil
I Want Candy - Bow Wow Wow
Love Shack - B52’s
Whip It - Devo
My Sherona - Knack
I Melt With You - Modern English
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cindy Lauper
Just What I Needed - The Cars
My Best Friend’s Girl - The Cars
Just Like Heaven - The Cure
Summer of 69 - Bryan Adams
Labamba - Los Lobos
Should I Stay or Should I Go - The Clash
Come on Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners
You Dropped a Bomb on Me - The Gap Band
Word Up - Cameo
No Parking on the Dance Floor - The Dazz Band
Call Me Al - Paul Simon
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
Hit Me with Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
Heartbreaker - Pat Benatar
Middle of the Road - The Pretenders
Brass in Pocket - The Pretenders
R.O.C.K in the USA - John Mellencamp
What I Like About You - Romantics

60's / 70's: Motown, Disco, R&B, and Rock

Play that Funky Music - Wild Cherry
La Freak - Chic
Good Times - Chic
Car Wash - Rose Royce
Boogie Oogie - Taste of Honey
We are Family - Sister Sledge
Dancing Queen - ABBA
I will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
Last Dance - Donna Summer
Lady Marmalade - LaBelle
Stayin’ Alive - Bee Gees
Boogie Shoes - K.C & the Sunshine Band
Get Down Tonight - K.C & the Sunshine Band
Brick House - Commodores
September - Earth, Wind, and Fire Love
Train - The Spinners
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
Don't Stop Believing - Journey
Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin - Journey
Long Train - The Doobie Brothers
Soul Man - The Blues Brothers
Shout - Isley Brothers
Old Time Rock and Roll - Bob Seger
Proud Mary - Tina Turner
Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin
Respect - Aretha Franklin
Think - Aretha Franklin
Rock Steady - Aretha Franklin
I Wish - Stevie Wonder
Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
Come and Get your Love - Redbone
Dancin in the Streets - Martha and the Vandellas
Mustang Sally - Sam and Dave
I Want You Back - Jackson 5
Son of a Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield
Get Ready - The Temptations
Groove Me - King Floyd
Mr. Big Stuff - Jean Knight
I Just Want to Celebrate - Rare Earth
Vehicle - Ides of March
Pick Up the Pieces - Average White Band
Will It Go Round in Circles - Billy Preston
Spinning Wheel - Blood Sweat and Tears
Takin it To the Streets - The Doobie Brothers
Fire - Ohio Players
What is Hip - Tower of Power
More Today than Yesterday - Edwin Star
Listen to the Music - The Doobie Brothers
Joker - Steve Miller Band
Magic Carpet - Steppinwolf
Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin
Rock and Roll - Led Zepplin
Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac

Oldies but Goodies

Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
Johnnie B Goode - Chuck Berry
Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
Sleepwalk - Santo and Johnny
Green Onion - Booker T and the MG’s
Mack the Knife - Bobby Darin
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
New York, New York - Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli
In the Mood - Glenn Miller Orchestra
Moondance - Van Morrison

Ballads

When You Say Nothing At All - Alison Kraus
If I Ain’t Got You - Alicia Keys
Delilah - Plain White T's
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz/ Straight No Chaser
I Wanna Grow Old with You - Adam Sandler
The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
Crazy Love - Michael Buble
The Way You Look Tonight - Michael Buble
Everything - Michael Buble
God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton
Smile - Uncle Kracker
Somewhere over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
This Life Would Kill Me If I didn’t Have You - Thompson Square
I Need You - Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
My Wish - Rascal Flatts
Nothin’ Compares - Sinead O’Conner
Natural Woman - Aretha Franklin
At Last - Etta James
Midnight Train to Georgia - Gladys Knight & Pipps
Can't Take my Eyes off of You - The Four Seasons
My Girl - The Temptations
Dancing Shoes - Faith Band/Nigel Olsen
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
Crazy - Patsy Cline
In My Life - Beatles
Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Stay - Sugarland
Still the One - Shania Twain
Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Better When We're Together - Jack Johnson
My Wish - Rascal Flatts
When the Stars Go Blue - Ryan Adams
Under the Milky Way - The Church
Best Friend - Queen
When I Say I Do - Clint Black/Lisa Hartman
Lucky - Jason Mraz/Colbie Caillat
Dream a Little Dream - Louie Armstrong
Fever - Peggy Lee
Shama Lama Ding Dong - Otis Day and the Knights

Mother/Son or Father/Daughter Dance

Pooh Corner - Kenny Loggins
I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
Daddy’s Angel - T Carter Music
I Loved Her First - Heartland
Daddy Dance With Me - Crystal Keith
It Won’t Be Like This For Long - Darius Rucker
Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman

Specialty Song

Hava Nagila - Traditional Jewish Dance (The Hora)
Single Ladies - Beyonce (Bouquet Toss)
The Stripper - David Rose (Traditional Garter Toss Song)