Aside from being an amazing blues and R&B singer, Wilma Groenen is and always has been a socially active person. She has been called "The Benefit Dance" lady by at least one conference organizer, and that is indeed what this band has become known for.
"I decided long ago that I would be no good as an activist in a board environment," says Wilma, "but that I could help create a strong sense of solidarity with all kinds of socially conscious people. I want my music to be a tool for building community."
That doesn't mean Wilma is not an active participant in the community. She's participated, and still does so, in a variety of activities, from producing Synergy Magazine with her husband Gary Smith, to helping build a safe playground for her kids.
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Enjoy Wilma and her band at their
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
Friday, Feb. 16nd, 2007 9:00 p.m.
Benefit for the Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival at The Odeon Event Center
241 2nd Ave. South, Saskatoon
Past Performances:
March 2nd, 2006
Saskatoon Blues Society Cosmos Senior Hall
April 1st, 2006
Battlefords' Jazz Society - Legion Hall, North Battleford
April 7th and 8th, 2006
Brass Monkey 220 21st Street East Saskatoon
April 28th, 2006 (8:00 pm midnight)
Briar Patch Benefit Dance - The Exchange - 2431 8th Ave. Regina SK
May 27th, 2006
Swift Current Rotary Club Lobster Fest
The Brass Monkey
November 4 & 5, 2005
Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
June 28 and July 2, 2005
Summer Solstice festival in Gravelbourg Saskatchewan
June 18,2005
the Bassment with Special Guests The Sam Mitchell Band.
Nov 12, 2004
Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
June 26, 2004
Saskatoon Buena Vista Community Celebration
Sun. June 6, 2004
Blues Night to Benefit Flicks Children's Festival
Saturday, February 7, 2004
Cosmo Seniors' Center, Saskatoon
The Saskatoon Jazz Society Bassment
Friday, November 7, 2003
The Bassment
They've obviously heard her before - Here's what the Saskatoon Jazz Society has to say about Wilma and her band:
"Get ready to shout and shimmy when Wilma takes the stage. This special Friday night presentation is a benefit performance for the Saskatoon Jazz Society by one of the city's premier vocalists and her band. Wilma Groenen wraps her powerhouse vocals and passionate delivery around everything from grinding blues and swinging two-steps to weeping ballads.Listen to some Great Tunes in a Relaxed, Non-smoking environment - Click here to save your seat at the BASSMENT!Hot licks are provide courtesy of Doug Scarrow on guitar, Ernie Kurz on the blues harp and Rod Salloum on keys and vocals. The rocking rhythm section of Gary Smith on bass, Glenn Ens on drums and Roy Sydiaha on percussion and vocals will keep you dancing all night. After a much-needed hiatus from a busy schedule, the band is ready to party - so come and join the fun. Wilma's accomplished songwriting has made her a much admired and beloved performer."
