Groovy Nate

Arlington, VA

$400 and up (travel fee not included)

Travels up to 60 miles

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Days of the Week

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Groovy Nate Live at Cox Farms 2012 Chantilly, VA

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Groovy Nate at Jammin' Java Sep 2017

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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

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Sanjeev W.

Sanjeev W.

September 26, 2018
Verified review

Incredible 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

Small thumbnail image for Groovy Nate

Groovy Nate

Thanks Sanjeev, I look forward to it! Have a peaceful week.


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Anna L.

Anna L.

January 15, 2018
Verified review

Super 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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Beverley T.

Beverley T.

January 26, 2014
Verified review

Impressive 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

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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.


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Meghan G.

Meghan G.

January 4, 2014

Still 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

Small thumbnail image for Groovy Nate

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!

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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.

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

Groovy Nate Performer

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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