- Virginia Beach, VA
- One Man Band
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Groovy Nate
Overview
Groovy Nate® is a children’s entertainer who creates fun and educational shows using funky grooves, exotic musical instruments, and comedy— a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic. He is also a GRAMMY NOMINATED ARTIST WITH THE ONE TRIBE COLLECTIVE.
The travel distance featured applies only to Schools, Festivals and Libraries. Schools and Libraries should consider booking me for more than one 45 minute show if the travel distance is more than 90 miles/round trip. For Birthday Party Shows: A travel fee will still apply but I will only travel up to 70 miles round trip from Arlington, VA.
Reviews
4 reviews
Sanjeev W.
September 26, 2018Incredible Entertainment and Showman
Groovy Nate was professional, organized, flexible and most of all incredibly entertaining. My 5 yo and his friends had a blast listening to his music, and interacting with props, parachutes, and instruments. We may do this again for our younger son.
Hired as: Children’s Music
Groovy Nate
Thanks Sanjeev, I look forward to it! Have a peaceful week.
Anna L.
January 15, 2018Super fun!
Nate was on time and very professional. The kids had a blast with the songs, puppets and "parade". I would highly recommend Nate for any kids party.
Hired as: Children’s Music
Beverley T.
January 26, 2014Impressive Performance
Groovy Nate delivered a performance that went beyond my expectations. Not only was he professional, talented, and respectful, he was enthusiastic, funny, and energetic. He was very patient with my autistic son and accommodated kids of all ages at the birthday party. I am very fortunate to have chosen him for my daughter's birthday party and highly recommend him for your parties and events.
Hired as: Children’s Music
Groovy Nate
Thank you for great feedback. I had a lot of fun and the children (and adults) were a great group. I would like to include your testimony in my promotion materials if you don't mind.
Meghan G.
January 4, 2014Still our favorite children's performer, 6 years in!
I started taking my eldest child to see Groovy Nate when he was just a bitty baby. He learned to identify musical instruments from those performances before his first birthday. My second kiddo was dancing and singing along before he could walk! Groovy Nate's shows are high energy, interactive, and always a good time. I love that he incorporates different musical styles and introduces the children to blues, folk, and other styles of "grownup" music. I hate it that we've decided only certain music is for children, and Groovy Nate delivers the best of the best.
Hired as: Children’s Music
Groovy Nate
Thanks Meghan. You are the greatest! Always love having you and your family at the shows, and I'm truly grateful for your support over the years. I do believe we met when I used to take my son to performances. My does time fly. Much love!
Booking information
Price range: $400 and up (travel fee not included)
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 120 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Certificate of Liability
What to expect
Groovy Nate is a children’s entertainer and Wolf Trap/Kennedy Center Teaching Artist who creates fun and educational shows using exotic musical instruments and puppet skits— a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic. He is also a GRAMMY NOMINATED ARTIST WITH THE ONE TRIBE COLLECTIVE.
Groovy Nate Birthday Packages can include:
• Sing-a-long
• Instrument Play-a-long
• Original and traditional songs
• Creative Play
• Comedy
• Music and Movement
• Puppet skits
• Dancing
• Games
• Perfect for children ages 3-8!
About
High energy funky grooves in children’s music that entertain and educate!
Groovy Nate® is a children’s entertainer who creates fun and educational shows using funky grooves, exotic musical instruments, and comedy— a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic. He is also a GRAMMY NOMINATED ARTIST WITH THE ONE TRIBE COLLECTIVE. Groovy Nate's shows encourage children and adults to move, sing, and play creatively with one another.
Genres: Children's Music, Funk, Reggae, Afro-Beat, Electronic, Rock, Avant-Garde
Instruments: Voice, Guitar, Electronics, Percussion
Years Active: 2006-Present
Education:
HOWARD UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON DC
Jazz Studies/Guitar
Additional Skills:
Teaching Artist with Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts
Kennedy Center’s Teaching Artist Present (TAP)
Music Director for Educational Theatre Company (ETC)
Grammy nominated Music Producer
Music Together Teacher
Songwriting workshops for children grades 2-6
Music and Movement Teacher at various schools, grades Pre-K through early elementary
Freelance abstract art teacher for grades Pre-K through early elementary
Affiliations:
Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) Teaching Artist Roster
Teaching Artist Mid-Atlantic (TAMA)-Virginia Chapter
Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts
Arts Every Day
Educational Theatre Company
Kennedy Center Education
Day Eight
Music Together Vivo!
Awards and Honors:
2022 Grammy Nominated with The One Tribe Collective for Best Children’s Album
2011 Get Caught Reading Appreciation from Arlington Public Library
2005 Washington Area Music Award winner for Best Urban Contemporary Group
2005 Washington Posts Best Local Band nominee
2003 Artists Undiscovered Award winner for Best R&B/Funk Songwriter
Additional booking notes
For my large shows I use a Bose L1 Model 2 with B2 bass and T1 Tonematch to connect my wireless mic, BOSS loop pedal, IPad, and guitar. If sound is provided at a large show I bring my wireless mic, acoustic guitar amp, and a BOSS RC-300 Loop Station. Instruments include, but not limited to, guitar, percussion, mouthbow, and talking drum. Props include, but not limited to, puppets, costumes and stage props.
Services offered
Past booked events
June 2025
19
Thursday
Cultural Event
6:00pm - 6:45pm
•
Washington, DC
September 2023
09
Saturday
Festival
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Burke, VA
October 2022
05
Wednesday
School Assembly
10:00am - 11:00am
•
Hyattsville, MD
January 2019
13
Sunday
Festival
12:30pm - 1:00pm
•
Vienna, VA
September 2018
22
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
1:00pm - 1:45pm
•
Arlington, VA
January 2018
14
Sunday
Children's Birthday Party
4:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Takoma Park, MD
June 2017
03
Saturday
Birthday (Child)
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Clarksville, MD
September 2015
19
Saturday
Birthday (Child)
10:30am - 12:30pm
•
Washington D.C., DC
January 2014
25
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Rockville, MD
January 2013
27
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Arlington, VA
Team
Influences and inspiration
Music: Parliament/Funkadelic, Public Enemy, Jimi Hendrix, Cornell Dupree, Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Musique Concrete, DJ Spooky, Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, Wes Montgomery, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Prince, Led Zepplin, Lightin' Hopkins, King Crimson, Bela Bartok, Caterina Barbieri, Kate Bush, King Sunny Ade, Fela, Tama Walo.
Puppetry and Comedy: Michael Winslow, The Great Zucchini, Charlie Williams-The Noise Guy, DinoRock, Bob Brown Puppets, Jim Henson and Frank Oz, Kevin Clash, Uncle Tyrone, Sherri Lewis, Jay Johnston, Willie Tyler and Lester, Mandy the Clown, Fred Newman, A Boy Called Patches.
Children's Performers: Uncle Devin, 123 Andres, Marsha Goodman-Wood and the Positrons, Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights, Rainbow Rock Band, Culture Queen.
Setup requirements
Electrical outlet
If PA provided, I need 5 tracks: XLR and 1/4 input
Ramp or elevator
prefer is performance site is close to parking lot for loading and unloading
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