Harpin Jonny and the Groovehounds

Left to right:   Jamey DeMaria, Jon Troutner, Joe Vallaire, Tom Lawson, Bob O'Neill

Harpin Jonny and the Groovehounds are a one of a kind sound of rock and blues that will get you out on the dance floor. Their lively tunes are a favorite for all of the swing dancers. This band features a very talented group of musicians. Harpin Jonny, a virtuoso harmonica player and singer, breathes a mouthful of life into his harmonica. Jonny has fronted this band for the last 12 years as they help him bring out the "Blues" side of his licks, with a solid rhythm section.

The band features Tom Lawson on vocals and keyboards, Jamey DeMaria on drums, and Joe Vallaire on bass (all three were formerly the rhythm section of Red Beans and Rice). They laid down the tracks with Jonny on a pair of songs on his new C.D., including the tribute to Norton Buffalo called Puerto de Azul and the radio hit "Knocks Me Out". The newest addition to the group is Bob O'Neill, a stellar guitar player. He was the lead singer, song writer and guitar player for the legendary Santa Cruz band "Snail".

They have performed for Kpig Radio's Swine Soiree Concerts, The Strawberry Festival in Watsonville, Scotts Valley Summer Concert Series, Monterey's Bacon, Blues, and Brews, opened for several big acts at the Catalyst, and have done several radio and television shows. The band, primarily Blues and Rock, incorporate many of the best players in the Monterey Bay area. "We all have been playing together for more than 20 years. Along with sounding great, we have a lot of fun"! (Harpin Jonny)

The most recent c.d. "Harpster" has been getting good international and local radio play, as Harpin Jonny's style of harmonica is being compared strongly with Norton Buffalo and Charlie Musselwhite