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New Groovement to perform outdoors

The New Groovement will be stopping in Fernie for the first time, on the patio of the Rusty Edge, March 19.
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The New Groovement (pictured above in Victoria

The New Groovement will be stopping in Fernie for the first time, on the patio of the Rusty Edge, March 19.

The 11-piece, funk infused orchestral group was formed in Victoria after band manager and percussionist, Reuven Sussman, continued bringing people on through different jam sessions.

Dan Howse (Danimal Howse) is the emcee and rapper for the group, and spoke to the positive influence the group has had on him ever since he joined. He believes it has helped him grow, and become more diverse in his music.

In Howse’s eyes, the message trying to be conveyed is a simple one; to have fun and spread love and positivity.

“Different songs explore different topics,” said Howse. “But you’ll find you’re standard themes of both requited and unrequited love, self doubt, self examination and existential musings about the state of the world.

“The main underlying message seems to be, when we come together and have positive experiences, be it performing with, or seeing a group like ours, bonding with friends or family, it can help you overcome adversity and have a good time in life.”

Howse would consider The New Groovement, a fusion between hip hop, funk and soul and catchy, fun poppy numbers. Regardless of the genre, the Groovement’s goal is to get people moving, as well as thinking.

The 11 piece band was formed over time, and each member is unique in both their musical talents but also their personalities. Currently they are made up of a drummer, bassist, guitarist, percussionist, conga player, two vocalists, a trumpeter, trombone player, tenor sax and bari sax musicians.

“For the most part, it’s been a real tight, consistent group,” said Howse. “There’s some different backgrounds and interests, but we have one constant interest in the group, and that’s the love of playing music together and making people dance and smile.”

Over the past five years, the 11-piece group has learned to work with each other’s sound and take advantage of any space they play in. Howse finds it easy to get carried away when you get that many passionate people playing together in one room.

“If it’s your first time hearing us, I think it’s a pretty powerful, enthusiastic sound that hopefully captivates the room and gets everyone going,” said Howse.

Travel can sometimes be difficult for the group, and they usually take a few cars. This upcoming tour will be their longest drive yet, as it is their first time travelling outside of B.C.