Mica’s GrooveTrain is what happens when a group of ridiculously talented musicians who really enjoy creating music, get together. Dubbed ‘New England’s hottest R&B, this ensemble has a soulful pop sound with funk edges. A unique lyrical style and melodic sound, blended with a superior rhythm section, Mica’s Groove Train produces feel good sounds to make your hips sway and your smile widen. Funky soul with a twist! This is a band that has as great of an experience as you do and will have you coming back to groove and groove, and groove some more.
“An eclectic blend of Groove, R&B, Soul & Pop with Funked-out edges.” That is what we are. That is what we do. Mica’s GrooveTrain exists solely to take the listener on a ride they won’t soon forget. Whether you’re into old-school or new-school, there’s something here for everyone. ALL ABOARD!!!!!
Ms. Yamica “Mica” Peterson – Vocals/Keyboard: Yamica Peterson — Vocals/Percussion/Keyboards: Yamica was born in Portsmouth, NH. She is the oldest granddaughter of Jean M. Jones, Portsmouth’s ‘Lady of Song’ and she is great-neice to local jazz legend Sharon “Brown Sugar” Jones. At age 3, she gave her first performance and has been singing ever since. This singer/songwriter can be found performing all over the seacoast with her father, and local legend Pete Peterson (Rhythm Method). Her first album – a collaboration with Don “Sev” Severence can be found at CD Baby.com. She has shared the stage with many of southern New Hampshire’s and some of Tuscon, AZ’s finest local artists, and has had the distinct pleasure of providing background vocals for Dave Gerard on his album, ‘The Zoomy Trail’. Her current projects are ‘Groove Train’, ‘Family Affair’ and ‘The Mica-Sev Project’. Musical influences for Yamica include India Arie, Jill Scott, Hil St. Soul, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Erika Badu and Oleta Adams. Yamica Peterson is a rising indie artist whose performance and writing captures fresh grooves filled with tasty hooks and tells her story of living life as a Mother and an artist.
Ms. Suzanne Nicholas – Vocals: A late-comer to the music world, Suzanne has always had a deep love for harmonies and dreamt of being a background singer for years. In a addition to singing with MIca’s Groove Train, Suzanne can be found performing with LowEx and Edgartown, two Amesbury, MA based bands. Though she loves all types of music from 70’s “Yacht Rock” to 80’s alternative, her first love will always be R&B, Funk and anything with a soul.
Mr. Stacy Bugg – Bass/Vocals: Stacy is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. He started playing in local Seacoast bands from the age of 17. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Stacy joined a band called ‘The Amazing Mudshark’. The band won the 2000 Guitar Center/Diamond Hill Studios Band Slam, earning them a $10K recording contract, and released three CD’s—“Can’t Be Easy”, “Everyday Above Ground” and “3”. Bugg has performed at Foxwoods Resort & Casino, The Hardrock Café, The Bitter End and many other prominent venues. In addition to Groove Train, Bugg plays with bands ‘Reckless Echo’, ‘Woodland Protocol’ and ‘Where’s Alan’. Playing with ‘Reckless Echo’ allows him to hone & perform his original music artistry. Stacy also holds a master’s degree in accounting and currently works as a financial controller. Heavily influenced by Tonight Show’s house band bass player Will Lee, Bugg set a goal to become a consistently employed bass player, and he’s achieved that and more over the years. He loves playing and knowing someone is getting something out of it, even if it’s just him, the bartender and the guy running the door. For more information, please visit: www.stacybugg.com
Mr. Chris Sink – Keyboards/Vocals: Chris is a Concord, NH native. He plays keyboards and provides backing vocals in Groove Train. Chris started local band ‘Moon Minion’ with another fantastic artist named Greg Rothwell. He currently plays with several musicians, including local bands ‘Queen City Soul’ and ‘The Amorphous Band’. His influences include: D’Angelo, D’angelo, Soulive, Meshell Ndegeocello and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.
Mr. Joe Rizzo – Drums: Joe is a Professional Drummer and Teacher. Currently teaching at the Manchester Music Mill, Joe has over 20 years of teaching experience as well as playing experience. He is a working musician performing regularly and has toured throughout the United States and Canada. Joe is versatile in all styles of drumming. He has studied privately at Berklee College of Music. His teachers included: Alan Dawson, Joe Morello, Fred Buda, Tommy Campbell, Dave Dicenso, Steve Michaud and many others. Joe has had students who have gone on to win several competitions including NH Drum Fun and the Blue Man Group drum off. Joe is a teacher of all styles including Jazz, Funk, Rock, Hip Hop, Latin and Rudiments. He also teaches all levels from beginner to advanced. He is well known and respected throughout the drumming community.
Mr. Jeff Tanzer – Guitar/Vocals: Performing for 43 yrs., with Luther ‘Georgia Boy’ Johnson, 1974, CNY country rock band Solid Oak ’75 – 6, performed in the bands Straight Taste, North Country, Barons of Brain Matter, the Unusuals, Megawatt Blues Crushers and has performed with many R&B,country ,blues and rock bands. Jeff has released three self produced albums. He’s performed with Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Bill Kirchen, Wolfman Jack, Hubert Sumlin, Bonnie Raitt, Pinetop Perkins, the National Womans Choir of Reykjavik Iceland and Teddy & the Pandas. Has opened for Peter Tosh, Southside Johnny, Earl Slick, Horselips, Crack the Sky and NRBQ.