Laura McChristian-Bass & Lead Vocals; Ted Stone-Lead Guitar & Vocals; Micah Nazario-Keyboard & Vocals; Sam Cavitt-Drums; Don Riddle-Rhythm Guitar & Vocals
Influences
Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Guns N Roses, Evanescence, INXS, Bon Jovi, Fuel, Three Doors Down, Jimmy Buffett, Steve Miller Band, Cate Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, KISS, and countless others!
Ms. Mac and the Groovetones was born one hot summer in 2004, in an obscure little town in Southwest Arkansas, but nothing about this band is at all obscure. In fact, they are one of the most popular classic rock and R & B bands in the Four States area.
Fronted by Laura “Ms Mac” McChristian, with her ability to belt out everything from sweet tender ballads to teeth-rattling hair metal and pounding out a bass line as well as anyone who has come before, is a true asset to the music scene. With a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado as hard evidence of her musical talent , she expressed the lament of many musicians with “Booking Woes in West L.A.,” an essay featured in “A Tribute to Orpheus,” an anthology of prose about music and musicians, published by Kearney Street Books in Bellingham, Washington.
ACM award-winning and Grammy-nominated Don Riddle created the true vision for the Groovetones, and is the driving force behind its continued success. “Versatility” could easily be Don’s middle name, playing acoustic and electric guitar and mastering the sound board. Don’s ability to charm the audience with his blue-eyed soul is exciting, and his experience in the industry is un-matched: performing with Mel McDaniel and most prominently, Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. He is the heart and mind of the Groovetones.
One of the most formidable figures of the Texarkana music scene is now a Groovetone. Ted Stone, leader of the popular blues band Deacon Dark and president of the Texarkana Blues Society, has taken over lead guitar responsibilities, and brings his own brand of bluesy rock to the band with astonishing six-string pyrotechnics. Along beside him is Deacon Dark drummer Sam Cavitt, who, despite his reserved demeanor, provides the steady “groove” that fits perfectly with this band.
Keyboard wizard Micah Nazario came into the group almost as if he’d fallen from the sky! In a rare bout of “okay, you can get up and jam with us,” Micah proved exactly what he told Don, “I’m the best keyboard player in Arkansas!” With his gospel music background and youthful enthusiasm, coupled with his Puerto Rican flair, Micah, in addition to Ted and Sam, has brought a whole new level of musical ability and professionalism to the Groovetones.
The band performs in various venues: The Caliente Club, Abendigo’s Restaurant, Fat Jack’s, the Courtyard Grill, The Double L Ranch, Boogie’s, Shooter’s, both Duck Horn Tavern location, and the prestigious Peabody Hotel. They are a featured artist at several festivals: StarDaze, Lum & Abner Days, Alleyfest, and the Eldorado Music Fest. They have opened for Shenandoah, the Little River Band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and have performed with many other national and regional acts. They also perform for private functions of any kind, and have supported organizations such as Relay for Life and CASA.
Ms Mac and the Groovetones travel all the way from Austin to Little Rock, and continue to be West L.A.’s Only Rhythm & Groove Band!
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