Welcome to Groove Corner
You will be taken on a musical journey to the heart of the groove.
Never ending parties. No competitions.
It's all about the social dancing, enjoying live music and artisanal beers.
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Live Music
The Groovy Four
Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo
music jams every night
Dance Workshops
Jean-Baptiste Mino, Ludovic Chanton, Stacy Aurel, Pedro Vieira, Mihanta Rakotoarisoa, Frederic Seletti, Masha Konek, Maud Wernette
Neverending Parties
Jams, drinks… your time to celebrate life.
History and Music talks
History of music and dance (English)
“From Gospel to Rock’n’Roll” (French)
Masterclasses by musicians
Groove Corner Festival
Groove Corner is a weekend organised by Maude Wernette and friends, a group of music lovers and dancers who want to throw the best party they could imagine, to enjoy themselves and share the love for music and dancing with you.
We try hard to create the ultimate experience for you. A venue we have for ourselves the whole weekend, great musicians from all over Europe, dance classes with true to the core music and dance lovers, authentic rhythms of 1930s through to the 1950s from some of the best musicians, all in beautiful Illkirch.
Imagine you’re in a Juke Jive or a Jazz Bar back in the day, that’s where we want to transport you to.
Let’s celebrate life and join us!
Friday
Juke Joint
19:00 – CHECK IN
19:30-21:00
History of music and dance conference by DJ JAYCEE (english)
21:00-…
The Groovy Four
GROOVE CORNER JAM SESSION
DJ
party till the morning…
Saturday
Chasin’ the Groove
18:00 – 19:30
Du gospel au Rock’n’roll conférence by JAYCEE (french)
21:00-…
Martín Burguez & his Rhythm Combo
GROOVE CORNER JAM SESSION
DJ
party till the morning…
Classes
The workshops at GROOVE CORNER festival are aimed at an audience of dancers who already have some experience. In fact, good knowledge of the 6 count and 8 count basic as well as knowledge of the basic variations (swing out, send out …) are prerequisites necessary to fully enjoy the classes. Whether you are a Lindy Hop or Boogie Woogie dancer does not matter!
In a caring and respectful environment you will be taken on a musical journey to the heart of the Groove.
Location
Salle des fêtes municipale,
158 Rte de Lyon,
67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden
Artists
The Groovy Four
With the wind of Blues, the elegance of Jump Blues and the energy of Rhythm & Blues, The Groovy Four arrive with a repertoire that will make you move from the first note! The guitar and voice of Martín Burguez and the saxophone of Arnaud Desprez are at the front of the stage firing off melodies and riffs, together with the rhythmic base by Oriol Fontanals on double bass and Pascal Mucci on drums, give life to The Groovy Four, forcefulness and harmony in every song.
Four musicians with many years of experience on the European stage, “connoisseurs” of the style and lovers of the genre, come together to form this new project that has influences ranging from Tiny Grimes or Joe Houston to hints of Oscar Alemán or music from own authorship, always invoking the great references of the music that shone in the 40’s and 50’s.
Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo
Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo present their new show, featuring Rhythm & Blues classics as well as original songs strongly influenced by the swinging sound of the 40s and 50s.
Led by singer and guitarist Martín Burguez, the sextet includes some of the top musicians of the Rhythm & Blues music scene from Barcelona:, drummer Anton Jarl, Oriol Fontanals on double bass, Pere Miró on baritone sax, Pol Prats on tenor sax and Alberto Burguez on piano; a band suffused with both tradition and youth that guarantees an adrenaline-filled show.
The band’s influences range from classic Rhythm & Blues artists such as Big Joe Turner, Nappy Brown, Chuck Willis and Tiny Bradshaw to Jump Blues guitar greats BB King, T-Bone Walker, Pee Wee Crayton and Johnny “Guitar” Watson. With original songs and arrangements, Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo put on a show that reflects the aesthetics of the 40s and 50s while immersing the audience in a completely new musical experience.
Always a favorite with dancers, Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo present an electrifying performance that strikes a chord with every crowd from the very first note.
Martín Burguez
Guitarist, singer, composer and producer Martin Burguez first gained recognition in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where his band “El Club Del Jump” was a mainstay of the city’s famous music scene. Martin became known both for his electrifying performances and his professionalism as the go-to guitarist for visiting merican Blues performers, including BB King’s trumpeter and band leader James “Boogaloo” Bolden, Lurrie Bell, Sax Gordon, Kirk Fletcher, Jimmy Burns, Tia Carrol and JJ Thames. Now based in Barcelona with a new band, “Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo” have quickly established themselves on the European Blues and Swing music scene.
Martin was born in Uruguay and from an early age immersed himself in the style of Blues icons such as T-Bone Walker, BB King, Pee Wee Crayton and Freddie King, as well as in West Coast and Jump Blues, being greatly influenced by Jazz, Swing and Rhythm & Blues from the 40s and 50s. Martin captivates his audiences with strident chords and creative guitar solos, sophisticated band arrangements, and his personality shines through his singing and his spirited performances. He has released three albums and toured in Europe and Latin America with both his own groups and backing some of the best in the business.
Martín Burguez puts on a show that reminds us of his influences, yet with a unique and personal style that keeps both listeners and dancers coming back for more.
Alberto Burguez
Born in Uruguay in 1992 and moved to Argentina at a young age, Alberto was a part of the Buenos Aires Blues scene for 10 years. At the age of 30, he moved to Barcelona, where he currently lives.
His musical style ranges from traditional Blues, Boogie Woogie, and Swing, as well as the piano style that developed in New Orleans, with influences ranging from Otis Spann, Albert Ammons, as well as James Booker, Professor Longhair, and Ray Charles.
Alberto has worked and shared the stage with prominent international artists, both in Argentina and in South America. Among the best known are James “Bogaloo” Bolden (BB King trumpeter), Kirk Fletcher, Lurrie Bell, Slam Allen, Sax Gordon, Jimmy Burns.
During his time in Argentina, he joined the project “Martin Burguez & El Club del Jump” for 8 years, where he recorded 3 albums and was part of the tours both in Latin America and Europe. In his last years in Buenos Aires, he released his album “Stay Awake”, beginning his career as a soloist, singer and composer.
He is currently playing in various projects in Barcelona, where his versatility to work in different formats stands out, whether solo, in a trio format or in bigger projects.
Oriol Fontanals
Oriol Fontanals, born in Barcelona in 1986 and established in his hometown, began his career as a self-thaught blues bassist in 2005 and soon after began to train as a double bassist at the Escola-Taller de Blues de Barcelona under the guidance of Ivan Kovacevic in 2010.
Specialized in various traditional blues styles (Chicago Blues, West Coast, Jump Blues, Delta Blues, Piedmont, Rag Time, Country Blues) as well as other sister styles: Rhythm’N’Blues, Rock’N’Roll, Boogie Woogie, Gospel, Swing, Western Swing, Country, Dixieland, Jazz Creole or Calypso.
He has developed a refined “slap” technique with a clear influence from double bassists such as: Willie Dixon, Ernest Big Crawford, Pops Foster, Ransom Knowling, Billy Hadnott or Larry Taylor.
From 2014 to the present he has been part of the Barcelona Blues scene, being part of bands such as: Wax & Boogie, Martín Burguez & his Rhythm Combo, Víctor Puertas & The Mellow Tones, Poyo Moya Trio, Big Mama Early Blues & Jazz Combo, David Giorcelli Trio or La Testapazza.
Since 2020 he has also been part of projects at the state level such as: Mingo Balaguer’s Blue Shadow or Mike Vernon’s Cat Squirrel.
In his career he has collaborated with international artists such as: Drew Davies (UK), Jean Paul Amouroux (FR), Rob Stone (USA), Mike Keller (USA), Keith Dunn (USA), JT Lauritsen (NO), Roger Wade (DE) Thomas Toussaint (NL) or Gabriel Gratzer (AR).
Anton Jarl
Anton Jarl was born in Malmö, Sweden in 1975 and started playing the drums at the tender age of seven, inspired by his older brothers who had a punk band.
In his early teens Anton got more serious about music, playing in rock bands during high school which eventually led to a growing interest in playing jazz and studying the instrument at depth.
After a couple of years at music college and studying with numerous teachers in Sweden, Anton started gigging in local clubs in Malmö and Gothenburg.
This went on until the move to Barcelona in 2004 where Anton established himself as one of the city´s hardest working drummers, playing a variety of styles but focusing on jazz and rhythm’n’blues.
Anton has been gigging with countless Spanish and international artists over the years. Robert Gordon, Dani Nello, Barrence Whitfield, Ray Campi, Tom Principato, Bill Kirchen, Jorge Pardo, Seamus Blake, Gary Willis, Perla Batalla, David Pastor just to name a few. But most of all Anton focuses on his own bands: Los Mambo Jambo and Rambalaya (in the latter he also writes most of the songs).
Anton Jarl is a Zildjian Cymbals Artist and endorser.
Arnaud Desprez
Born in 1982, Arnaud Desprez began playing the alto saxophone at the age of 9. In 2001, while at college, he attended the Lille conservatory to study classical saxophone with Yves Tanguy and took up the tenor at the same time. After graduation in 2005, he joined the jazz class of the conservatory and started studying the jazz tradition with saxophonist Gilles Cagin. During those years, he also worked on afro-cuban music with percussionist Fred « El Pulpo » Savinien and vibraphonist, arranger and conductor Laurent Erdös.
He then took private lessons in Paris with Pierrick Pedron before moving to New York. Once there he met jazz legend and saxophone master Bob Mover with whom he studied then for several years. Arnaud also followed the teachings of Steve Houben and Fabrice Alleman in Brussel for some time before joining in 2011 until 2016, the internationally acclaimed early rhythm and blues/black rock n’roll orchestra of guitarist-singer Nico Duportal, Nico Duportal and his Rhythm Dudes. He works now with his own band and as a sideman in jazz, blues, soul, afro-cuban, hip-hop bands…
Arnaud played and recorded with such musicians as Bob Mover, Corey Harris, Eve Cornelious, Raashan Ahmad, Big Jay McNeely, Lloyd Price, Keith Dunn, Fred « El Pulpo » Savinien, Dave Mitchell, Nico Duportal, Jai Malano, Telmo Fernández, Dani Morales, Victor Puertas, Jean Kapsa, Lil’Gizelle, Kenny «Blues Boss» Wayne, among many others…
Pascal Mucci
Drummer and percussionist, Pascal was born in 1985 in Versailles and grew up surrounded by music as his father was a jazz musician himself. In 2000 he started studying drums at the great International Music Academy in Nancy (Fr) and went on stage for the first time in 2003.
Adept to the New Orleans style and swing, he was inspired by great drummers like Zutty Zingleton, Jo Jones, Big Sid Catlett and Sonny Payne. In 2007 he became a part of the “Olivier Franc Quintet”, playing the music of Sidney Bechet and started touring all over Europe. Soon he co-created his own band: the “Trocadero Jazztet” (Jazz, Gospel and Rhythm and Blues Sextet), and, in the meantime, he became a part of the rhythm section of great artists like Arthur Adams, Steve Freund, Michel Pastre, Eddie C. Campbell, Lloyd Price, Big Jay Mc Nelly. From 2010 to 2020, he became the drummer of “Nico Duportal and his Rhythm Dudes” Blues Band. He recorded three albums with the band: “Real Rockin’ Papa”, “Guitar Player” and “Dealin’ with my Blues”. This project allowed him to play for the great festivals like Peer Blues festival in Belgium, Tanjazz in Morocco, Summer Jamboree in Senigallia (ITA).
Nowadays, he continues his career playing different styles of music, studying Afro-Cuban percussion and playing for Gospel Choirs.
Amhell Barefoot
Singer, writer, and composer, Amhell Barefoot was born in 1986 in Paris. The daughter of a piano teacher, she started learning piano at 5 years old. Though singing was always her favorite, she gave a try to several instruments to finally settle down on the double bass by the age of 17.
Leading several bands from 2014 to 2017, she then started “Amhell & her Backdoor Men”, an early Rhythm’n’Blues sextet. Multi-influenced by all the 40’s and 50’s styles, Amhell’s repertoire has a wide range: early rhythm and blues, 40’s jazz, country, western swing, rockabilly… Her main singing influences are Julia Lee, Georgia Gibbs, Anita O’Day and all the early Starday Records singers. You can check out her album “It’s Gin ‘o Clock” which she recorded with her Backdoor Men, consisting of 12 songs written and composed by Amhell and arranged by the band on any streaming platforms.
Patrick O'Brien
Pat O’Brien grew up in Austria and since a young age has sung in the church and school choirs, often as a soloist. Years later, after connecting with music through dancing again, he also reconnected with his singing. Starting at Blues and Jazz bars in London he joined Barcelona’s “Poyo Moya Trio” as lead vocalist, playing in and around Catalunya/Spain.
His love for the vintage sound made him fall in love with the singing styles of yesterday, taking inspiration from Al Bowlly, Sam Cooke, Hank Williams and many more. As varied as these musicians are is also his repertoire, ranging from early Blues ballads, to swinging R&B and up-tempo Western Swing and Rock’n’roll.
If you close your eyes when Patrick is singing, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in a Jazz club of bygone days.
Teachers
JB Mino
JB grew up in Haute-Savoie and at the age of 17 he discovered couple dancing, specifically Lindy Hop. He started learning Swing with Andy Spitz in Lyon and a year later met Thomas Blacharz, founder of Swing Jammerz. This meeting changed his life because he then decided to move to Montpellier to learn Lindy Hop and how to teach. He stands out with a dynamic and lively style which allows him to win competitions.
Ludo Chanton
A son of a dance teacher, Ludovic started to dance at an ealy age. He began with Rock’n roll and Boogie Woogie dance and since then he continues to dance the swing style and teach his passion in France and around the world.
Stacy Aurel
Stacy started Rock’n Roll couples dancing with 14 years, in the same dance school where Ludo was learning. In 2009, they joined together to be a couple dancers for the National and International competitions
Within the the 9 years of their career together they have won
– 4th Place at the World Dance Sport Game in Taiwan 2013
– Vice European and World Champion in 2017
– French Champion in 2018
Pedro Vieira
Pedro discovered Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz in 2012. His enthusiasm for the dance was so strong that, one year later, he started to teach. His passion led him to try new styles and become a regular teacher of Lindy Hop, Authentic Jazz, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and Boogie-Woogie, both in Porto (Portugal) and Vigo (Spain). Nicholas Brothers, Al Mins and Leon James are some of his biggest inspiration.
For him, every partner dance consists of this trinity:
First part being each dancer as an individual and to be able to explore their movement freely, then the second part being the connection to the music wich again is very personal and the third part being the connection between the leader and follower in the dance.
And in each new song and new partner you dance with it’s always a different balance of this three things and that’s the beauty of it!
So if you catch him on the dance floor never hesitate to ask him for a dance!!
Mihanta Rakotoarisoa
Mihanta, aka Mimi, has been dancing since she was 8 years old. She practiced classical dance for 10 years and modern Jazz for 5 years. She discovered Lindy Hop in 2005 in Montpellier, a revelation for her. From then on she traveled aroundFrance and abroad to improve, then to teach and participate in many competitions. Mimi has been teaching Lindy Hop and Charleston since 2011 within the Swing Jammerz, sharing her passion and joie de vivre with her students. There is no doubt that you will still find her on the dance floor in the early morning…
Frederic Seletti
TBA
Masha Konek
Since she was little, Masha couldnt be still when the music was playing. In 2013 when she discovered partner dancing (Lindy-Hop) her life changed seriously. Her passion of dancing led her to fall in love with the music and dance every day for many years.
To express what different music styles made her feel, soon after she started dancing Blues, Balboa, Shag and tried many other dances. Masha can lead but she Loves to follow as for her the best thing is to not know what is going to happen next and stay connected to the music and her partner. Its MAGIC when you move in unison with your partner and the music and you probably know that already. Come to the festival to Explore the GROOVE more and dance with us.
Maud Wernette
TBA
MC & History Expert
Patrick O'Brien - MC
Patrick is at the forefront of Europe’s vintage dance and music scene, teaching, singing and promoting vintage style around Europe. Dancing since 2011, he is mostly inspired by the original dancers and the old-school scene in LA from the 90s. He is known for his smooth, elegant, but fast style. Patrick will be guiding you through your nights to celebrate the annual Shag gathering in Barcelona! When he’s not MCing, you can find Patrick dancing, singing or DJing in Blues, Jazz, R&B or Rockabilly clubs.
Jay Cee - History
DJ, speaker and dancer, JayCee fell in love with the 40’s and 50’s a very long time ago and his whole life is dedicated to the music and dances of this period. He always says how beautiful a dance floor is, how much the energy and joy that emerge from it are joys which are new each time. A set is a journey, the DJ, captain at the turntables as well as at the wheel, offers dancers surprises and choruses, rhythm and swing. For more than 15 years JayCee has been giving the best to dancers in Europe, in festivals in Italy (SJ, Vintage Roots) in England (Rhythm Riot), in Norway (SringStep), in Switzerland or in Germany (Walldorf, RTS), in Holland or Belgium. His passion for the American musical culture of the 30s, 40s and 50s and his sensitivity to the needs of the dancers gives every set an undeniable warmth and soul.
Passionate about music, JayCee has written two books on American Music and he likes to share his love for this music and its history through conferences. To listen to it is to listen, to see, to travel, to understand and to love.
Tickets
Saturday evening
- "Chasin' the Groove" night with Martín Burguez & his Rhythm Combo
- Groove Corner jam session
Contact
In case you have any questions, please get in touch via email at info@groovercornerfestival.fr.