Urban Groove

Notable venues

• Table Bay Hotel
• Mount Nelson
• Westin Grand Hotel
• Nederburg Wine Estate
• Simonsig Wine Estate
• Groote Schuur Estate (Presidential Residence)
• Hout Bay Manor

Members

Tony Higgings (Keyboard/Urban Groove music producer)

Smooth Jazz and keyboard guru, Tony Higgins, brings a fresh, dynamic keyboard sound to Urban Groove.  Tony is multi stylistic and he is equally comfortable with straight ahead jazz, smooth jazz & pop & rock.   Tony is a well known South African musician and has been involved with many top South African cover bands of the 80s such as Late final, Brother to Brother, and Panarama.  Tony performed on the Sun International Circuit before opening his own recording and production studio in partnership with Marc de Kock.  He is a highly experienced musician and has been booked for top session gigs in the jazz arena and projects, performing for clients such as MTN, Shoprite Checkers & Coca cola. He has performed on the Barnyard circuit in various shows such as Mick & Tina, Danny Fisher show, Glory Days, Walking in Memphis & the highly successful show, Rock Me Amadeus.

Marc de Kock (Alto, Tenor & Soprano Saxophone, Urban Groove music producer)

Top South African Saxophonist Marc de Kock is of an international standard. Marc graduated from UCT College of Music in 2000 with an Honors degree in Jazz performance.  Marc was selected to tour with the National Youth Jazz Band to New York where he represented South Africa.  Over the years Marc has been involved with many top artists and theatre productions such as: Loyiso Bala, Cats, Grease and all Barnyard Theatre shows (which have also taken him around the world to Thailand, Mauritius and Europe), to name just a few. Marc also had the honor of playing with Israel and New Breed (number one selling gospel group in America) and recorded their latest DVD with them.  The highlight of his career thus far was performing on stage with international saxophone icon, Dave Koz.  Marc has also performed in front of international super stars such as Mariah Carey, Gerald Albright, Robert Di Nero & Sharon Stone.  Marc is currently a member of Sony BMG for recording artist "James Stewart" as well as for "The Sticky Triggers" and has performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival with Gavin Minter and the Mother City Groove and Leslie Klein Smith.

Tee Jay Simon (Vocalist)

Tee Jay is a phenomenal vocalist with a huge vocal range, he has performed with icons of the South African music industry including Dr victor & the Rasta Rebels, KFM Solid Gold, The Barnyard Theatre, Darryl Andrews big band to mention but a few.  Equally at home with swing-jazz or pop the versatility of this vocalist is evident when performing within the Urban Groove Trio. Tee Jay has worked across the length & breadth of South Africa and has established himself as the no 1 call for many local musicians whether in the studio or live performance environment. Urban Groove is very proud to have Tee Jay within the Urban Groove stable, he is a unique vocal talent and audiences just love him.

Noteworthy bookings with Five Seasons

• Mpact Long Service Awards Dinner, Zevenwacht Estate
• Green Route Incentive Gala Dinner, Mount Nelson Hotel
• 21st Birthday of Stellenzicht Wine Estate, Somerset West
• Corporate Welcome Reception, V & A Aquarium, Waterfront
• UNISA Vice-Chancellor Farewell Dinner, Westin Grand Hotel, CTICC
• Cipla Epilepsy South Africa Wine Auction, Westin Grand Hotel, CTICC
• Corporate Year-end Function, Grand Cafe & Beach Restaurant, Granger Bay
• PetroSA Graduation Ceremony, Durbanville
• International Conference Reception, CTICC
• Monthly Sunday Jazz Lunches, Table Bay Hotel, V & A Waterfront

Client Feedback

I received glowing reports from our GM and some of the other management teams members.  Please thank them from me and thank you for your help. We will definitely use you again for our function next year.
Celia Leibbrandt , Mpact

Urban Groove was awesome and contributed hugely to the success of our gala dinner at The Mount Nelson. The band was very professional and played music that was perfectly suited to the theme of the evening. The band received a lot of compliments as guests thoroughly enjoyed their evening.
Tessa Owen, Green Route

Urban Groove’s performance was excellent! The guests really enjoyed them!
Francois Louw, UNISA