THE GROOVE MERCHANTS
ARE UNMATCHED IN MUSICIANSHIP, VOCALS AND PRODUCTION.
Our entire focus is to help make your event UNFORGETTABLE.
WHY WE LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION
ENERGY - Our ability to get people on the dance floor and KEEP them there is unmatched. Our show is full of quick song pacing, dynamic medleys & mash-ups, audience interaction and exciting performers.
MUSICIANSHIP, PERFORMANCE AND EXPERIENCE - We have performed on some of the largest stages in the world. Our world class musicians, vocalists and sound engineers have decades of experience Emcee’ing, following event timelines, and working seamlessly with other vendors to ensure your event flows perfectly.
CUSTOM LIGHT SHOW - We bring an INCREDIBLE light show experience that is custom designed to perfectly sync with our entire show, note for note. Check out this quick video and see for yourself!
SONG VARIETY - We have something for everyone! From Taylor Swift to AC/DC, we do it all. Guests of all ages will absolutely love our collection of modern hits and beloved classics.
EMCEE/LIVE DJ - Does your event need a professional Emcee or DJ during band breaks?? No problem! Our front man is the best in the biz! Need a softer ambiance during dinner or cocktail hour?? We can croon the crowd softly while you enjoy time with your guests.
AUDIENCE INTERACTION - Not only do we play an amazing show, we can be as audience engaging as you like. Our production can incorporate live band karaoke, limbo contests, celebrity impersonations, line dance instruction and much more!
"They're so wonderful at taking care of my clients and giving them an amazing entertainment experience. They are amazing performers and are excellent at making sure the evening has a really fun flow and that sounds really good. Highly recommend!"
- Melissa Fancy Events -
We have thoughtfully curated some of the finest entertainers in the country.
Since 2011, the band has performed across the globe from Europe to Asia to South America and throughout the United States for large notable companies and distinguished clientele.
All close friends, each band member leaves their creative mark and signature on each electric mashup and medley.
MEET THE BAND
JEFFERSON TUKE
Vocals
Jefferson is an accomplished American singer, songwriter, actor, producer and stage performer. With over 25 years of professional experience, he has shared stages with mega acts like Britney Spears, The Temptations, Dream and Fergie. A two time American Idol alumni (Season 3, 10) and contestant on The Voice, Jefferson acts as the Groove Merchants band leader, Emcee and lead singer. In addition to performing live on various Rock/Pop stages, Jefferson has an accomplished history as an original recording artist with both Sony and Atlantic labels and has been featured on several #1 hit tracks with Power Music and Yes! Fitness (leaders in the fitness music industry)
MICKELLE TUKE
Vocals
Mickelle is an accomplished singer, dancer and choreographer. Having an extensive resume performing all over the world with a variety of major acts like The Beach Boys and Steve Augeri, she got her start as a standout singer and dancer on Holland America and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. Soon after, she toured as an aerial acrobat with Delyria Cirque Cabaret. As one of the band owners, Mickelle’s 30 years of dance and choreography expertise truly make the Groove Merchants show unique….not to mention all the Swarovski artwork done on GM instruments and costumes are designed and hand made by her!
MICHAEL TOBIAN
Bass Guitar
The founder and OG of Groove Merchants, Mike is one of the most accomplished musicians and performers in the country. As a professor at both BYU and UVU (Director of Jazz Studies), He wrote the textbook “The Fundamentals of Jazz Improvisation” which was used as classroom curriculum. Originally a saxophone major, Mike has honed his skills to pick up ANY instrument on the stage and play it at the highest level. Also the owner/founder of Utah Live Bands(Utah’s top booking Agency), Michael was named one of Utah Business Magazine’s top “40 under 40” business leaders in 2020. Performance credits include The Beach Boys, Steve Augeri, Chris Slade (AC/DC) and dozens more Grammy award winning artists.
DANJA WINBORG
Vocals
A highly sought after vocalist, songwriter and performer, Danja has played with acts all over the globe. Beginning at a very young age, she saw her first critical acclaim at the age of 8 performing with her group Triple Trouble on the hit television show “Destination Stardom”. Since then she has put together a resume that includes performances with Major Acts like Jordan Sparks, Three 6 Mafia, The Utah Symphony and many more. When she isn’t on stage, Danja is producing and writing her own original material.
SARVEN MANGUIAT
Guitar
Sarven is a highly accomplished guitarist, producer, songwriter and performer. Based in LA and having played over 3500 live shows in his musical career, he has cultivated an incredibly impressive resume that puts him on stage with acts like The Doobie Brothers, George Clinton, Air Supply and The Kings of Rhythm. He has toured with original acts “Sister Speak” and “Groove Session” while recording multiple original albums with both. Sarven also owns and operates Inner Cambium Woodworks where he designs and builds INCREDIBLE custom wood furniture and artwork.
NICK PETTY
Guitar
An incredibly sought after and accomplished guitarist, Nick has studied guitar in both the US and Spain and holds degrees from Berklee College of Music and University of West London. He has performed with various acts all over the globe and toured nationally with American Idol standout David Archuleta and YouTube sensations Matt and Savannah Shaw. When he’s not on stage, Nick is heading up the guitar department at the Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts.
STEVEN TOBIAN
Saxophone
In addition to being a first call saxophone player, Steven acts as the band manager for Groove Merchants. He holds degrees in both Business Administration and Jazz Performance and runs the region’s leading talent agency Utah Live Bands. Steven’s performance credits include sharing the stage with such acts as The Beach Boys, Steve Augeri and many more.
Steven has been named the sax player voted most likely to cause a “swoon-nami”!
MARCUS ANDERSON
Keyboard/Trombone
Whether he’s blasting his trombone, slamming the keys or bumping the DJ booth, Marcus brings the energy wherever he goes! He has shared stages with top names like Train, Journey, The Roots, Kelly Clarkson and The Neon Trees. A BYU music graduate and well known producer, He has traveled the world with popular original acts “The Strike” and “Omega Horns” with the former earning a 3 month residency in Dubai at Quincy Jones’ club “Q’s”.
MATT HOWITZ
Drums
As one of the first call drummers in the region, Matt has been seen on stages all over the spectrum. He has toured internationally with “The Voice” finalist Jordan Matthew Young and Nationally with “Billboard Top 100” artist Tony Holiday. When Matt isn’t rocking the beats live, you can find him teaching young minds at The School of Rock where he has been a percussion instructor for over a decade.
JAYDON BEAN
Drums
Based in Los Angeles and one of the premier drummers in the US, Jaydon is constantly playing on the biggest stages with the biggest names in the business. With Major Artist credits that include Missio, Red Light King, Steely Dan, Tower of Power and many MANY more, Jaydon has played on thousands of label recordings amassing more than 50 million streams. A first call drummer in Los Angeles, he is often seen on Award Shows and Late Night Talk Shows. Television Credits include Late Night With Conan O’Brian, The Artie Lange Show, The Voice and many more.
