Jefferson Tuke
Vocals
Jefferson is a seasoned stage and studio vocalist, having toured and recorded for Sony Records, and worked alongside artists: Britany Spears and Fergie. He appeared on American Idol and currently performs full-time as the front man for The Groove Merchants. His passion is keeping audiences dancing and having a great time.
MICKELLE TUKE
VOCALS
Mickelle began her vocal, dance, and acrobatic training at the age of 3. Her professional career started at a very young age as she performed all around the U.S. at schools, conventions, and parties. At the age of 11 she competed as a singer and dancer with her siblings in the national television show Destination Stardom in Honolulu, HawaiI. She has performed with many critically acclaimed bands, shows, and companies all over the world, including: Lagoon Amusement Park, Odyssey Dance Theatre, Voodoo Productions, Utah Live Bands, Microsoft, Holland America Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Delyria Cirque Cabaret, and Dirty Dancing.
MARCUS ANDERSON
TROMBONE & KEYS
Marcus Anderson is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer. His recordings and compositions have been featured on Netflix, ESPN, Americas Got Talent, Dancing with The Stars, and many others. Marcus has performed around the world, performing on stage with globally recognized acts such as Train, Journey, The Roots, IDKhow, and Neon Trees. Marcus loves to entertain, and a highlight of his career was being invited by Quincy Jones to perform at his club: Q’s Bar and Lounge in Dubai for a three-month contract. Marcus brings energy and enthusiasm to all musical situations he finds himself in.
MICHAEL TOBIAN
BASS GUITAR
Michael is a professional saxophone player, bassist, drummer, and pianist. As an event professional, he has produced events all over the world for numerous celebrities and Fortune 500 companies. As a music educator, Michael taught at two universities, at one of which he was the director of the Jazz Studies department. He authored the book “Fundamentals of Jazz Improvisation” and is a professional clinician to high school and college jazz ensembles. Michael is also an entrepreneur who owns several businesses.
MATT HOWITZ
DRUMS
Matt is an in-demand professional drummer and music educator with extensive experience coaching young musicians at The School of Rock and through private instruction. He has toured from coast-to-coast and throughout Western Europe with classic rock trio, Jordan Matthew Young, playing SXSW and performing extensively with numerous professional bands, including current Billboard Chart artist, Tony Holiday. His musical achievements landed him with Groove Merchants where he currently keeps the group in perfect time, while continuing to teach music and pursue personal creative projects.
NICK PETTY
GUITAR
Nick Petty is an internationally performing guitarist that specializes in contemporary guitar styles. He has toured with artists including David Archuleta and Nathan Pacheco, and has shared the stage with Lonestar, Colin Raye, and Awol Nation. Nick is the head of the guitar department at the Salt Lake School for Performing Arts and has earned a bachelors degree from Berklee in Boston and a masters degree from University of West London.
STEPHEN TOBIAN
SAXOPHONE & VOCALS
Stephen is a professional saxophonist and stage performer who graduated as a Jazz Studies music major, which launched his entertainment career. He is currently the sax player slash hype-man for Groove Merchants who delivers hefty helpings of vocals with a side dish of raps at every show. He always leaves the audience asking for more. Is he a rapper? A country artist? A jazz musician? A rabbi? This man of many hats also has dual degrees in music and business and is currently the COO of Utah Live Bands.
