Our Talent

Karen Maria Capo, Vocalist and Songwriter for The Groove, began her career on Broadway at the age of 11 in the musical DUDE by the authors of HAIR. She performed in various plays and cabarets until she completed her studies at the prestigious School of Performing Arts in New York. Karen Maria is a staple in the swing and blues community as a dancer, DJ, singer, and all-around entertainer. She has performed at Cheap Thrills, Sacramento Lindy Exchange, Austin Lindy Exchange, Emerald City Blues, Red White and Blues, and countless others.

Leah Hinchcliff has been a professional musician for over 20 years and is widely recognized as one of the NW’s premier bassists. As a first call studio musician she has recorded with many of the NW’s top recording artists including Swamp Mama Johnson, Nicole Campbell, Mark Bosnian (Nu Shooz, Body & Soul) Soul Vaccination and Voodoo BBQ. As a member of the successful Indie band Swamp Mama Johnson -- voted Seattle’s Best Band (1999) -- she toured North America, sold over 40,000 records (which can be heard on radio stations around the world!) and carved out her niche in the NW as a sought after and respected musician. Leah has backed up rock and roll legend Bo Diddley as well as emerging national artist Tracy Grammer. She is equally comfortable on stage as in the studio and has been proud to participate in many festivals including The Portland Waterfront Blues Festival, The Fender/Catalina Island Blues Festival, and BluesStock (Memphis) and has also been seen on the television staple Oregon Today with Swamp Mama Johnson and folk singer/songwriter Tracy Grammer.

Mary-Sue Tobin received a Masters in Saxophone Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Portland State University where she served as the graduate teaching assistant for the jazz studies department. She has played with all the Portland jazz luminaries (including: Glen Moore, Darrell Grant, Thara Memory, Alan Jones and many others) in addition to leading her own groups. She currently plays regularly at The Blue Monk with the Andrew Oliver Sextet and is a member of the The Portland Jazz Orchestra. She has appeared at numerous Jazz Festivals (including The Portland Jazz Festival, The Mount Hood Jazz Festival, The Vancouver Wine and Cheese Jazz Festival, The Banff International Jazz Festival) and has shared the stage with international jazz stars such as Dave Douglas, James Moody and Esperanza Spalding. She appears in the movie "Hear No Evil" with the group Dub Squad and has toured internationally with the groups Flatland and Dub Squad, opening up for legends like Herbie Hancock, Steel Pulse and Third World. She and her family live in Portland, OR where she teaches and performs professionally.

Brian Harris has made music his life's work as well as his primary spiritual practice. His music brings together New Thought theology, Integral Theory, soul, funk and jazz to create an exciting "Post-modern Gospel" music that will have you shakin' your spiritual thang! Brian's 20+ years in the music business include studies in Jazz Composition at Berklee College of Music, several recordings with Pacific Northwest New Thought musicians, and performances with a host of local and national artists including: Patrick Lamb, Norman Sylvester, Carl Anderson and Kenny Loggins.

Founder of The Groove Rod has been working in clubs since the age of 14. He has 20 plus years in the northwest music business and has played with members of Quarterflash,Nu Shooz ,Hart, Rail ,Steve Miller Band and some of the finest musicians that the Northwest has to offer. Rod spent his early twenties working in the record business for Capitol records it is there were he caught the promotion bug. Rod first started playing events and weddings after a stint working as a soundman for the Swingline Cubs. "I'm excited to be playing with such talented musicians, The Groove truly is one of the very best bands in Portland and I am proud to be a part of it".

Nick O'Donnell The Groove amazing guitar play has made a name for himself as the ultimate professional. Nick has been a professional musican for many years and has worked with the northwest best talent. When not playing with The Groove Nick has a Jazz duo and is busy teaching in the Portland area.