Meet the Band

The Groove Merchants combines some pretty impressive talent on stage.  Take a quick read of the experience of the band members

Brittany Bateman

Actress, singer and entertainer Brittany Bateman has been in the entertainment industry for many years.  You will recognize her playing the lead or supporting role in such films as the R.M, Forever Strong, Believe, the Eleventh Hour and more.  She can also be found acting and singing in commercials and theater productions all over the country.  Her fantastic vocals and dance moves add just the right amount of femininity to the Groove Merchants.

Danny Tarasevich

 When it comes to pipes, Danny's vocals are second to none.  As one of the first call entertainers in Utah and one of the finest vocalists in the country, Danny knows how to entertain your guests.  Make sure to check Danny out as one of the lead rolls in the comedy "Sons of Provo" about a boy band that tries to make it in the local music scene.

 Ron Saltmarsh

Ron is a Grammy Nominated and Multi Emmy nominated composer and winner of the prestigious Addy, Telly and Clio Awards, Ron Saltmarsh's music and guitar playing can be found everywhere.  You have heard his work on albums of bands like Diamond Rio.  In addition, he can be found on promo spots for CMT, A&E, ESPN, Disney, NBC, ABC, FOX to scoring music for "Biography" "the History Channel" "Entertainment Tonight", "the Rosie O'donell Show" "Good Morning America", "TGIF" and much more.

Michael Tobian

As one of the busiest musicians in Utah, Michael Tobian juggles a heavy live performance schedule while teaching music at two universities - BYU and UVU.  In addition, as a jazz musician, he authored the textbook used in university classes called "Fundamentals of Jazz Improvisation."  Michael owns the company Utah Live Bands and books corporate and wedding entertainment all over the country

Mike Fjersdad

Mike's impressive guitar playing and spot on vocals makes him one of the busiest players around.  When Mike isn't on tour with some rock or country band, he is playing with the Groove Merchants and tearing down the house.  In addition to performing, Mike has a successful private guitar lesson studio.

Randy Corbett

Drummer Randy Corbett knows the entertainment industry like a mule knows a spinning wheel.  In addition to his freelance drumming career, he is a professional sound and production engineer for large scale conventions and productions.

Mark Ammons

In addition to freelancing as a trombonist in local bands, symphonies and other groups, Mark is the Director of Jazz Studies at BYU.  As such, he oversees their highly successful jazz program.  He is a lot older than he looks.

Dave Faires

Dave is the band director at Juan Diego High School in Draper Utah.  He has performed all over the world as an orchestral and jazz trumpeter including recordings and performances with the Harry James Band and Mormon Tabernacle Choir as well as a featured soloist at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

Steve Tobian

  Steve graduated as a jazz studies music major from BYU.  He freelances as a jazz musician in Utah's jazz scene.  In addition he plays saxophone, guitar and sings in a number of rock and funk bands.

David Mansfield

Dave is the band's stage manager.  He makes sure everything is going smoothly behind the scenes so that the band can give their full attention to the audience.  Dave is also a professional event videographer and owns the company "Cellar Door Studios".  Dave also sings backup vocals.

Other Personnel

Gray Aydelott - Large band add on, substitute for Danny, dancer

Gray joins the band as a singer and dancer when the band goes out in the larger version "Groove Merchants Vegas Style Show".  Gray works for the Holland America Cruise line as a performer in their nightly shows.  He also entertains audiences as a professional Michael Jackson impersonator.

Jen Tarasevich - Large band add on, substitute for Britani

Jen joins the band as a back up singer when the band goes out in the larger version "Groove Merchants Vegas Style Show" and is one of the first call vocalist in Utah for events and live performances.  In addition, Jen produces large scale corporate shows that include dancing, music, and other forms of entertainment.  Her impressive career in music and entertainment shows in her stage presence and her ability to get the crowed dancing and having a good time.