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Groove Hammer brings `big sound' to modern pop hits by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 17 | Wednesday, September 18, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com No matter what genres of music you listen to, Oakville's Groove Hammer has it covered. Featuring nine members and a horn section, the local live cover band puts its own spin on a wide-variety of R&B, soul, rock and funk songs that span different eras and genres. Everything from the 1950s and `60s through to today's hits are "brought to life," says rhythm guitarist Dave Brinton. The group has been playing clubs, weddings, festivals and corporate events across the GTA since 2007. The band's next Oakville gig is on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Sixth Line Pub and Sports Bar, 1500 Sixth Line at 9 p.m. -- there is no cover charge. "We're all just weekend warriors who love these songs and love this style of music. We grew up listening to them and we love to play them. We've all got day jobs and kids and we're all in our mid-40s (or) older," said Brinton, 48, who's been playing guitar for 36 years. "It's fun to play music and see people enjoy themselves. To have that many people on stage is really (exciting)." Comprehensive repertoire Included in the band's repertoire are songs by Chicago, James Brown, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, Simply Red, John Mayer, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, The Beatles, Sam and Dave, and Bruno Mars, among others. Brinton said the emphasis is always on music people can dance to. "You name it, we play it. I'm sure we will be learning that new Robin Thicke song because it's so hot right now. People love to dance to that. We try to have a whole range of music," he said. "We mix in the odd one that may be obscure, but for the most part it's toe-tapping, catchy tunes that people will dance to even if they've never heard it before." You name it, we play it. I'm sure we will be learning that new Robin Thicke song... People love to dance to that. We try to have a whole range of music. Groove Hammer rhythm guitarist Dave Brinton there are no plans to record and release any original material. "A couple of the guys write songs in their spare time, but we haven't done that as a band. We're all well beyond the point of where we have stars in our eyes. We've all got families and mortgages," he said. "The money is just a nice little bene t of being able to play live music." More than 30 shows per year Brinton noted Groove Hammer typically plays 30-40 shows a year in the GTA including regular gigs at the Sixth Line Pub and Sports Bar and Jersey's Bar and Grill in Burlington. "(Sixth Line Pub) is a smaller venue than the Niblick Pub, but they love live music there. (The owners) are trying to establish it as a live music venue in Oakville," said Brinton. "It's nice to know we have a little fan base in Oakville." In the past, the band has played festivals such as the Oakville Midnight Madness, the Toronto Ribfest and Those who've never seen a band perform with nine musicians and a horn section can expect a show with a "big sound," Brinton explained. "The energy that real horns bring to a show is really wonderful. A lot of times we're halfway through a set and people (will) walk into the bar or club we're playing at and their heads are turned because the sound is so big," he continued. "Those horns sound so much better than some guy hitting a key on a synthesizer." At this point, Groove Hammer will remain a cover band, Brinton said, as The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, among others. "We've played about 200 shows in the last six years. Through the year, we're mostly playing in bars and clubs and then we pick up the odd corporate show like a Christmas party or an anniversary or birthday party," said Brinton. Groove Hammer has also performed at a few charity fundraisers such as Jack's Lemonade. The guitarist said the group wants to play a bene t show next year to raise funds for Gabrielle's Ride. "What we've been trying to do is co-ordinate the date for next year with the band so we can play it as a fundraiser for (Nikki Ide). We would like to do that," said Brinton. "It's nice to give back to the community and make strong connections with other people. There are so many great things going on in Oakville that's nice to be a part of." For more information, visit www. groovehammer.ca. Beauty & Spa Advertorial Miss ExSalonce 2013 ExSalonce Laser & Esthetics, the diamond award-winning spa, is proud to announce the Miss ExSalonce 2013 pageant. The beauty pageant will be held December 7 between 4 to 6 p.m. with a day full of fun and refreshments. Both new and existing clients are welcome to participate, for the chance to win $2,000 in services. Services can be selected from a myriad of wonderfully soothing and cleansing procedures at the Cross Avenue spa. At ExSalonce, spa and medical approaches are used to provide non-invasive procedures for your skin.The atmosphere is comfortable and the standards of the highest quality. Services include laser hair and vein removal, laser fat reduction treatments, IPL photo rejuvenation, guinot facials and microdermabrasion. You can also have your teeth professionally whitened or enjoy a body massage, green peel or detox. ExSalonce also offers electrolysis, waxing and a hair studio. SlimLine, an innovative treatment for fat reduction and body re-shaping is also available at the spa. ExSalonce has received the Oakville Beaver Reader's Choice Awards for Best Spa and Best Esthetics for six consecutive years and Samina Dosse was voted Best Esthetician in 2013. Hours are Tuesday to Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about ExSalonce, call 905-3370227 or email contact@exsalonce.ca. 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