As Groovy as Groovy Shoes!

Groovy Shoes will perform at Evansville Art Center on Friday, April 7 at 7p.m.

Tom Kuhn and Dave Cofell perform as Groovy Shoes

Groovy Shoes is made up of gifted musicians Dave Cofell and Tom Kuhn, who, along with their vocal harmonies, bring together a collection of instruments that may include at any given performance:  Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophones, Flute, 6 & 12 String Guitars, Accordion, Banjo, Mandolin, Tambourine, Bass Ukulele, Vibra-slap (and various other percussion instruments), Kazoo, Megaphone, and Harmonica. 

Dave Cofell

Dave Cofell is known for his insightful songwriting, guitar wizardry, rich baritone vocals, gentle humor and unforgettable live performances.  Raised in the fertile farmlands of Central Minnesota, his lyrical compositions reflet his rural roots, live-long musical explorations and his love for the open road.

At the age of seven, Dave had  few basic baritone ukulele lessons from a nun.  From this humble beginning he taught himself by saving his allowance until he could buy a John Denver songbook (Dave’s favorite performer at the time), and devouring all of the songs within it.  As soon as his fingers could manage, Dave moved up to a full-size guitar and started writing his own songs.  He also had violin and piano lessons, but the guitar was the first instrument that resonated with his soul.  The second was the banjo.

Dave has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts.  Highlights of his college career included the study-abroad programs where he visited and performed in England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

Tom Kuhn is also a graduate of St. John’s University.  Married with 3 grown kids, Tom is a retired high school Theatre teacher who now drives the LINK bus between the campuses of Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict.

Tom is a veteran musician, having performed in several bands in Central Minnesota since the 1980’s on tenor or alto sax, flute, guitar, harmonica, percussion and vocals.  His main influences are classic rock, jazz and blues.

And, according to Dave, Tom is “one of the nicest guys you’ll ever likely meet.”

The duo’s repertoire includes their own arrangements of songs from various styles including Folk, Blues, Country, Rock, R&B, Pop, Classical and a few originals. Together, Tom and Dave fuse these into a genre they call “Broad Spectrum Americana,” which basically means that they can (and do!) play whatever the heck they want to.

Also check out the groovy shoes!

There is no charge for this event. Donations will be graciously accepted. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:00 p.m. Feel free to wear your own groovy shoes and bring a treat to share at intermission, if you wish!. Beverages will be provided.

Evansville Art Center is located at 111 Main Street in Evansville and is handicap accessible.

Tom Kuhn