Brian S., Lead Vocals & Harmonica. Brian has fronted several rock bands and  his charismatic energy and solid vocals bring the whole package to the performance and music of this high energy talented group of musicians known as Poppa Groove. Growing up he always loved to sing and perform and was inspired by such frontmen as David Lee Roth, Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, Michael Hutchence, Eddie Vedder, Roy Orbison, and Elvis to name just a few. When asked how he would label his musical taste, Brian's response was "I don't really categorize myself for the reason of having a very wide musical scope which has helped mold my own unique style". Why and how did he end up becoming a front man? " I loved music at an early age and loved to perform.  I was about 7 years old and played the piano for a year until I had to quit because I could not stay still in one spot too long; same with the drums. The piano teacher was annoyed and told my parents that I would not follow the sheet music by adding notes to a song. Hey, I was only trying to spice it up a bit. I love to perform and capture the audience through my vocals and showmanship."

 

 

 

Brian Baillie, Keyboards. Brian started taking accordion lessons at age 4 for 8 years then moving on to organ for another 5 years. He continued his studies for another 3 years in classical piano under Heather Laliberte who is highly regarded as a teacher and a adjudicator for The Royal Conservatory of Music. He grew up playing in the wedding band circuit enabling him to play all genres of music. He has played in numerous projects from tribute bands, pop bands and rock bands like " Local News", "The Al Ross Show", " Eden Hill", " The Cruzers " and recent collaborations involved venues at The Hilton Hotel (Toronto) and The Harbour Banquet and Conference Centre (Oakville) with the very talented Andrea Godin. Also Brian has taken the stage with renowned jazz bassist Max Desouza. Brian provides the added colour that is required from a keyboardist with over 35 years of live performance experience.

 

 

 

Dave Bergman, Guitar. Dave has been on the Southern

Ontario music scene since the mid 80s and has played with several bands, touring all over the country and opening for such big acts as Rik Emmet, BTO, Kim Mitchell and Coney Hatch.  Some of his past endeavours have included playing with Sudden Urge, Scizzors, KatWalk and most recently, After Hours. In addition to Poppa Groove, Dave is also currently playing with Loose Change, a Niagara-based Classic Rock Band. Dave has been playing the guitar for over 30 years.  Mainly self-taught, his main musical influences are Keith Richards, Joe Perry, Eddie Van Halen, and Chuck Berry. Favourite Groups include the Rolling Stones, Van Halen, Queen, Aerosmith, and Cheap Trick.

 

 

 

Geoff Loucks , Bass Guitar. After a brief stint on drums, jamming along to 'Wipeout' on the back of a car seat, driving his sister and brothers crazy, Geoff turned to bass guitar. Carrying a tune and playing bass were a natural fit, and plugged Geoff into the live music scene of the time. Twenty five years of playing with superb musicians and being influenced by great singer/bass players like Paul McCartney, Sting and Geddy Lee have honed Geoff's sound, allowing him to help create the rhythmic foundation of Poppa Groove.

 

 

 

Derek Wiegand, Drummer. Co-founder of Poppa Groove, Derek got his first drum set at age 4. Took formal lessons beginning in 1975 and started 'jamming' with his brother and friends shortly after. Both studio recordings and live performances started in 1982. He has taught drum lessons since 1987, and band lessons in recent years. Derek has performed with many local bands as well as tributes to Steve Miller, The Beach Boys, and Jimi Hendrix. While in Endless Summer, (Beach Boys tribute) 'the boys' were the backing band for Del Shannon, as well as Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, in addition to opening up for Air Supply in New York. Derek has had the pleasure of performing at venues such as The Concert Hall (Masonic Temple), Lou Lou's in Kitchener, Riverfest in Brockville, The Concert Bowl (CNE Grounds), Oakville Place, and The Hamilton Convention Centre.

 

 

 

Special Guests / Previous Members

 

Robert Armitage - Guitar and vocals

Big Al - Bass and vocals

Rob Angelow - Keyboards and vocals

Hany Lord - Keyboards

Harold Lee - Drums

Murray James-Bosch - Vocals

Mike Stevenson - Piano, Keyboard

Kim Campagnaro, Singer / Percussionist