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. Ms Mac also writes articles for Texarkana's HER Magazine.
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. Ted continues to be the driving force of guitar virtuosity for the Four States Area.
Drummer Kim Kirtley, formerly of local band Touché, has come out of retirement to put a whole new "Groove" into Groovetone. Though easy-going and cool on the outside, Kim's bombastic style is the driving force that gets people on their feet! It's also pretty cool to have another female in the band-how's that for estrogen rock!
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, CASA, and various other charities.
Ms Mac and the Groovetones has performed for the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council at Rockin' the ArtSpark, and has been featured in publications such as the Texarkana Gazette and HER magazine.
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!For T-Shirts and other Merchandise click on my shopMy shop
Myspace Layouts at Pimp-My-Profile.com / Electric blues / Comments
