It has long been said that music can take you places. Just ask members of Indianapolis-based rock band Groove Essential.
Their extensive touring since 2001 has taken them to the sunny beach-side bars of Grand Cayman to the historical music towns of Memphis, Detroit and Chicago, as they state in their promotional material.
Their extensive song list stretches from Sinatra to Steppenwolf, and nearly everything in between. Their genres include country, blues, pop, Motown and disco.
The group brings that experience and variety to the Columbus Area Arts Council’s next JCB NeighborFEST free street concert from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4 in front of The Commons, 300 Washington St. NeighborFESTs are scheduled the first Thursday of June, July, August and September.
The band, originally slated to open the rained-out 2013 Our Hospice of South Central Indiana concert, features Rhonda and Greg Baker, and Charlie Bushor, who last performed in Columbus with the Soulshine Band at JCB NeighborFEST in June 2015. Plus, the ensemble recently added Troye Kinnett, a keyboard player for Seymour native and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp.
Arts council organizers often have mentioned that NeigborFEST, in its 27th season, is as much a laid-back summertime social gathering as it is a music presentation. People bring lawn chairs and relax, eat, drink — beer and wine are available — and visit with friends.
The events often attract several hundred people.
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What: Blues-rock group Groove Essential performing at the next JCB NeighborFEST street concert.
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4.
Where: In front of The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus.
Rain location: Inside The Commons.
Admission: Free.
Information: 812-376-2539 or artsincolumbus.org.
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