GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation is West Michigan's only free, weekend-long jazz festival! The 7th annual festival is Aug. 18 & 19, 2018, at Rosa Parks Circle, a central location in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. The 7th annual GRandJazzFest will bring to the stage notable jazz performers as well as up-and-coming artists for diverse audiences. The event is family friendly. Book a hotel room if you're from out of town and make a weekend of it! Bring folding chairs, blankets and snacks, and get ready to relax for a couple of hours or for the whole weekend! The central-downtown location is ideal for supporting local businesses, restaurants and pubs, and for visiting other Grand Rapids attractions.
GRandJazzFest 2018 headliner Euge Groove – a pseudonym for saxophone journeyman Steve Grove – takes the GRandJazzFest stage Saturday night, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m. Grove began playing piano in the second grade and turned to the saxophone at the age of nine. His teacher gave him a classical education on the instrument, which he followed at the University of Miami’s School of Music where he became interested in jazz. After graduating, he initially remained in Miami doing sessions and playing in bands such as Expose, where he can be heard on the group’s 1987 No. 1 single “Seasons Change.” He then moved to Los Angeles and joined Tower of Power, remaining with the group about four years. Following this experience, he performed with such notable musicians and bands as Joe Cocker, the Eurythmics, the Gap Band, Huey Lewis and the News, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Aaron Neville, Eros Ramazotti and Richard Marx. Grove’s saxophone can be heard on Marx’s 1991 Top 20 pop and No. 1 adult contemporary hit “Keep Coming Back.” At the end of the ’90s, Grove developed the persona of Euge Groove and recorded a demo that attracted the attention of various labels. This demo soon landed him with Warner Bros. Records. Euge Groove, his debut album, was released in May 2000. At the time, the saxophonist toured in Tina Turner’s backup band. He followed up with 2002’s Play Date, featuring the singles “Slam Dunk” and “Rewind.” In 2004, Grove moved to Narada for the ’70s pop-soul-inflected Livin’ Large. Grove stuck with the ’70s vibe for 2005’s Just Feels Right and then incorporated a more gospel approach for 2007’s Born 2 Groove. He moved to Shanachie for 2009’s Sunday Morning. In 2011, Grove returned with his seventh studio effort, the fittingly titled Seven Large on Shanachie, with two more releases following for the label, 2012’s House of Groove and 2014’s Got 2 B Groovin.
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