BEHIND THE GROOVE: A Live Clinic/Concert Event

[Bart Elliott]

Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett & Alex Al of Michael Jackson's "This Is It"

BEHIND THE GROOVE: A Live Clinic/Concert Event

Gruv Gear, Orange County California-based designer and manufacturer of innovative music products and accessories, just announced a live music clinic & concert event with two of Michael Jackson's legendary musicians from the acclaimed documentary film "This Is It." The event will be the first of its kind that will give the audience a unique sight & sounds experience where they will be immersed in the music and imagery of the pop icon that has touched millions.

The exclusive event will be held on Friday, June 24th in an intimate 500-seat venue in Orange County, which Gruv Gear calls home. "Having this event in a smaller venue will make every seat feel like front-and-center, and every ticket a backstage pass," says Jay Baldemor, Founder and President of Gruv Gear. "You'll get to meet and chat with the guys, take photos with them, and grab their autographs. It would've been nearly impossible to do that on any tour." Both Alex and Jonathan are Gruv Gear Artist Endorsers.

"Sitting with Jonathan at a local restaurant in Tustin California, we listened intently as he shares some very special moments from his long and illustrious career as one of the world's most accomplished drummers," recalls Jay. "He had a very engaging yet calm aura about him, telling each story at a leisurely pace that you can absorb every word, making you feel like you were right there with him. Jonathan shared some of the craziest moments touring with MJ in Europe, where fans almost tipped over the tour bus in their attempts to catch a glimpse of the star and band. He also tenderly expressed the shock and grief he felt the day he heard the news of Michael's passing, feeling the deep loss as any Jackson family member. Jonathan has had a long history with the Jacksons, having played drums with them for over 31 years including the world-famous Victory Tour. In the 1980's and 90's, Jonathan was the preeminent touring drummer with twenty major tours to his credit, including Madonna's Virgin World Tour and later was part of her documentary "Truth or Dare." He has worked with countless world-renowned artists including Janet Jackson, George Michael, Diana Ross, Elton John, Peter Cetera, Lionel Richie, Eddie Murphy, Patty Austin, Cameo and Richard Marx, to name a few. Jonathan recently became a Gruv Gear artist endorser following their first meeting at the NAMM Show in January 2011.

Alex Al is an American bassist, composer, producer and arranger. He is best known for his work with pop icon Michael Jackson, serving as the King of Pop's bassist over the last decade. Sharing the stage with Michael at the legendary 30th anniversary concerts at Madison Square Garden, featuring the historical and last performance of the legendary Jackson 5, and the most successful documentary film of all time, Michael Jackson's "This Is It" film, which has become the highest grossing documentary/concert movie of all time, with earnings of over 300 million worldwide.

"I've been looking forward to being back onstage with the great Jonathan Moffett for awhile now. We've been talking about it for quite some time!" exclaims Alex. "Sharing the stage together with Michael Jackson was magic, a true blessing, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When we lost Michael, we lost the greatest entertainer the world has ever seen, but we still have Michael in our hearts. We are thankful to Jay at Gruv Gear for bringing us both back together for this special one night occasion, and celebration of the music of The King Of Pop, Michael Jackson. God Bless..."

The event will be held just one day before the 2nd anniversary of Michael's passing, which makes it that much more special. Jonathan notes, "It would be a great evening to celebrate his music and his life."

It was also just announced that Jonathan Moffett will be the drummer on the Michael Jackson "The Immortal World Tour" by Cirque du Soleil, which will be a 3-year-long run before settling as a permanent installation in Las Vegas. Jay notes, "With Jonathan's tour rehearsals starting shortly after our event, it will be tough to catch him in this setting, let alone both guys together on one stage. It could very well turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I'm thrilled that Gruv Gear is the company that's making it happen!"

TICKETS:  http://www.gruvgear.com/behindthegroove]http://www.gruvgear.com/behindthegroove
PHONE: 877-840-0457


DATE: June 24, 2011
TIME: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
AGES: All Ages
COST: $25 General Admission ($21 - kids 12 & under)
VENUE: The Rock Auditorium - 101 E. Orangethorpe Ave. Anaheim, CA. 92801
QUESTIONS: friends@gruvgear.com