THE GROANUPS

The GroanUps is a fabulous 9-piece outfit that has been packing clubs, ballrooms, statehouses, you name it, since 1982. The band has an enormous repertoire of music ranging from the stylistic uptown sounds of Chicago, Tower of Power, and Little Feat, to the tasty and soulful Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam and Dave. The GroanUps features veteran Arkansas musicians who don't take themselves too seriously, and who know how to have a great deal of fun, combined with ultra-professional stage production and presentation.

Members of The GroanUps:

GIO BRUNO - vocals, percussion - Gio began singing in bands with "The Other Side" in 1967 (which quickly became "Frank Cox and The New Other Side" by '68). His band during high school was an 8 or 9-piece combo called "Demian" (even then, one of the few local bands with a horn section). Before joining "The GroanUps" in late '85, Gio sang and played guitar in a number of cover and original bands, notably "Second Wind" and "The Consumers." Once, "The GroanUps" shaved Gio's head onstage giving new meaning to his occasional stage fright.

FRANK COX - guitar, vocals - Frank began his guitar career before Paul McCartney was anatomically correct and has played with bands including "Main Squeeze" and "Spare Time" which also featured Ed Nicholson. Frank was a co-founder of "The GroanUps" in 1982 along with Ricky Wise, Ed Nicholson, and B.J. Davis. He also likes to ride great big motorcycles.

RICHARD WISE - bass, vocals - Richard has been a fulltime musician since he was sixteen; however, in his spare time he managed to complete a formal education and put in 50 hours a week at assorted local businesses including Cajun's Wharf and Entergy. Pre-GroanUp music experience includes gigs with "Junction", "Daybreak", "Quapaw Rhythm Dukes" and a virtual plethora of sideman gigs. He also represents "The GroanUps" managing the band's professional and financial affairs.

B.J. DAVIS - drums - B.J. is the proud father of three girls and one hairy-legged boy. B.J.'s first band in 1967 was "The Seeds of Vermin", a junior high bunch with one amplifier and no bass player. Other Hot Springs bands of distinction were "The 100 Millimeter Banana", "The New Banana" and "The Free Word", all winners of Battle-of-the-Bands competitions. He also toured nationally (along with Ed Nicholson and Steve Patrick) with the country singer "LaCosta" (Tanya Tucker's sister) in the mid-seventies. According to Patti (his wife), B.J. spends way too much time at the driving range and golf course, especially in view of his high handicap.

ARTIE HOLIMAN - trumpet - Artie is an excellent trumpet player and has been performing with "The GroanUps" since 1987. Other personal information is unavailable. Whereabouts unknown.

JEFF WOODWARD - trombone, backing vocals, guitar (on rare special occasions) - Jeff started playing with his 'bone in 1977 and hasn't stopped to this day! He also picked up the guitar in 1985 (to impress chicks) and actually learned to play a bit. Jeff has performed live and/or on recordings with a number of local groups through the years including "8th Position", "Devoid", "Low Level Fog", "Burger and Friends", "Eric America", and "Mad Science." Jeff has been with "The GroanUps" since 1992.

ANDY GRIEBEL - keyboards, saxophone - Andy set off for the big city of Arkadelphia to pursue a music degree at Henderson State College (or maybe Harvard). Prior to joining "The GroanUps", Andy perfected the saxman's "painful grimace" (to help get chicks) with a plethora of Arkansas musicians including Vernon Eaton, Bob Boyd, Tommy Trent and Jimmy Doyle. Andy is the proud father of two beautiful daughters.

JAI LAMBERT - guitar, vocals - Jai first picked up the guitar and bass in 1972 and has played with several Arkansas, Texas, and Florida based bands including "Gulfstream", "Diamond Romeo", "David & the Immatures", "Paperkid", "The Freds", "Hamilton Lambert", "Men of Honour", and "Acoustic Pagans." He has been with "The GroanUps" since February 1999.

Matt Dickson - saxophone, vocals - Matt's bio coming back to you soon.

Jill - precious - Jill? We love all Jills. She is a hottie!

Quotes About The GroanUps:

Here's what folks are saying about The GroanUps!

"It's been ten and a half years since you played at our wedding, and people STILL talk about it. What a night!" -- Karen Aufdenberg Reynolds, Glen Ellyn, IL

"Being the Music Director and Music Arranger for production shows on the world's largest stage at the Reno Hilton Hotel Casino and Harvey's Hotel Casino @ Lake Tahoe, I would like to say that in my career, I have seen and heard many bands, and without a question of doubt I am proud to say, without hesitation or reservations, that The Groan-Ups are definitely and positively one of them!" -- Remmel Wilson, Lake Tahoe Entertainment, Musical Director

"I didn't know that some of you could read." -- Mickey Freeman, Little Rock, AR

"Texarkana loves you!!! The Heart Ball gang are looking forward to dancing to your tunes." -- Tricia Wiggs, Texarkana, TX

"You are today, as you have been always, my favorite band." -- MeMe Fern, Diamond City, AR

"I really enjoyed the concert that was held at War Memorial Stadium. I am your newest fan." -- Norman Judd, Russellville, AR

"I don't think I told you that you did a great job at my wedding and everyone LOVED your music. It was a great party!" -- Kim Darker Meldrum, Russellville, AR

"I've seen you guys a few times, and I love how you are on stage! You are so "in tune" with each other and get the crowd into the mood to dance and have a good time no matter age, race or religion." -- Stephanie Krauser, Little Rock, AR

"Keep on rocking , and I love the group!!! Say hello to the president for me!!" -- Moogy Klingman, Former Keyboardist for Todd Rundgren and Utopia

"Ya'll are sooooooo groovy!" -- Carol Crane, Little Rock, AR

"The best band in the tri-state area!!!" -- Kristen McCready, Little Rock, AR

"Loved you at the Rule 29 party for Arch. I woke up the next mornin and looked in the corner and my shoes were still smokin!" -- Lisa Morgan, Fayetteville, AR

"The GroanUps are an incredible party/dance band. With their music as the main event for several fundraising events in our area, the attendance and profit was phenomenal. They had the crowd dancing, laughing, and wanting more!! Not only is their talent excellent, but, the members of the band are such gentlemen. We plan to have them back again soon!!" -- Jackie Williams, Sikeston, MO

"Great job at the Heart Ball last night! Haven't danced that much in a while!" -- Shannon Gwinn, Little Rock, AR

Clients of The GroanUps:

Advertising Federation
Amercable - El Dorado
American Cancer Society - Sikeston, MO
American Heart Association of Hot Springs
American Heart Association of Little Rock
American Heart Association of Texarkana
American Red Cross
Arkansas Broadcasters Association
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Arkansas Horsemen's Association
Arkansas Human Resources Association
Arkansas Medical Society
Arkansas Mental Health Association
Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association
Arkansas Poultry Federation
Arkansas Realtors Association
Atlantic Research Corporation
Batesville Country Club
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arkansas
Bootheel Humane Society - Sikeston, MO
C.A.R.T.I.
Chenal Country Club
Conway Country Club
Country Club of Little Rock
Excelsior Hotel
Florence Crittendon Home
Governor's Inaugural Ball (Clinton)
Governor's Inaugural Ball (Tucker) Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce
Hope Junior Auxiliary
Hot Springs Debutante Ball
Hot Springs Junior Auxiliary
International Municipal Law Association
International Paper - Pine Bluff
International Sales and Marketing Executives
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
KATV - Channel 7
Little Rock Zoo
March of Dimes
Maumelle Country Club
Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce
National Horsemen's Association
National Motorcoach Association
Parks and Tourism Governor's Conference
Presidential Election Night (Clinton, '92, '96)
Pulaski County Medical Society
Ronald McDonald Foundation - Houston, TX
St. Mary's Hospital
Stone Ward
Sysco Foods
Travel South Showcase - Birmingham, AL
United Thoroughbred Trainers of America
U.A.M.S. Internal Medicine Worldwide Travel
Young Presidents Organization of Arkansas