Join us for an evening of all the great hits from the legionary Doobie Brothers' in this beautiful park on the lake.
About
Get Aboard The Long Train' With China Groove!
...featuring the music of the Doobie Brothers
Step into the soulful sounds of the '70s with the ultimate tribute to one of rock's most iconic bands . From the smooth grooves of "Listen to the Music" to the rock anthems of "China Grove" and "Long Train Runnin”. China Groove captures the magic of the Doobie Brothers’ legendary catalog, including their chart-topping classics and fan favorites. With exceptional musicianship, powerful harmonies, and a performance that radiates pure fun, they’ll have your audience dancing, singing, and reminiscing all night long.
Whether you’re hosting a large-scale festival, an outdoor concert series, or an intimate event, China Groove guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience. Get ready for a night of feel-good vibes, classic rock hits, and an unforgettable celebration of the music that defined an era.
Book China Groove and make your event a rockin' success!
Our Story
This is only the beginning!
China Groove' is a full 9pc ensemble based out of Northern Illinois, and is a relativity new project that started in the fall of 2024. A group of seasoned musicians decided to pay homage to one of the most iconic bands in the land that is still relevant today selling out arenas across the country.
Each member brings their own unique talent to the band that fans will appreciate and enjoy. THIS IS A CROWD INTERACTING BAND!!! All of these highly skilled musician's have performed to 1000’s of fans locally & across the country. We're certain our concept to pay tribute to the legendary “Doobie Brothers” and to perform their music at a high level of play is a concept that will bring fans to their feet that this band delivers.
See each member bio’s for their musical journeys to learn more about this amazing band.
Meet the Band
Joe Fanelli
Bass guitar, background Vocals
Joe started playing Guitar at age 12. Switched over to Bass at age 23 and never looked back.
Received an Associates Of Arts Degree in Music from Triton College. Majored in Voice, minored in Bass & Piano
Performed with various local bands Paragon, Contagious, Alliance, HIP POCKIT (All Brass Rock bands)
5 Aftr 5, Groove Side Up (Jazz bands) Acoustic Soul Generations (Acoustic Band) Until Then, RSVP (Wedding Bands)
Blues Heart, Woody Johnson, Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames (Blues Bands)
Performed at Taste of Chicago, Navy Pier, South Shore Jazz Fest (Opened for Arturo Sandoval and Jimmy Smith), Buddy Guy's, Hey Nonny, The Arcada Theatre, various clubs, festivals, weddings, private parties in and around the Chicagoland area.
Rick Niedzo
Drums
Rick was born into a family of musicians. From his older brothers having band rehearsals in the basement and garage, to family jams during parties. Music was always in the house. His father was a country singer/guitar player since his early 20’s performing in the Midwest region and was a regular on the Morris B. Sacks radio show in 50’s. His dads’ brother, Ricks uncle was a horn player back in the Big Band era and played with greats Benny Goodman and Gene Kruppa.
Fast forward to today, His journey for drumming went from banging on moms pots and pans to recording sessions in Nashville. And everything in-between. Ricks drumming ventures has led him in different settings from basic 3/4pc Country bands, Rock bands, Blues/Rock bands , Wedding bands, to a full 9pc horn band. Is also currently a sub-drummer for a few local bands… and now, drumming for China Groove.
Gary Jacklin
Lead Vocals, Electric guitar, Violin
Starting at the age of six on the violin and picking up guitar several years later, Gary has been performing virtually his entire life which has fashioned his virtuosity on both instruments. Gary’s eclectic guitar style is melded from his jazz, funk, classic, and country rock experiences making him one of the most versatile guitarists around. Gary has also been referred to as one of the finest rock fiddlers in the country.
After touring the midwest throughout the late 70’s and 80’s with his own band “Syndicated Sound & Cook County”, during the 90’s and 2000’s Gary joined forces with some of Chicago’s Radio and TV personalities, radio station US99 Big John Howell and The Born to Boogie Band and ABC TV’s Joel Daly and Prairie Moon.
Gary has opened for such artists as Charlie Daniels, Conway Twitty, Tracy Lawrence, America, Bachman Turner Overdrive, and The Marshall Tucker Band just to name a few. His passion for performance and the skills he brings to his craft is an experience not to be missed!
Damien Rose
Saxophone, background Vocals
A professional saxophonist of over two decades, Damien has amassed a catalog of songs crossing genres and generations. Having played with bands all over the country, he brings a passion that combines life experience, a joy of entertaining, and influences that span from Soundgarden to Sammy Davis Jr. He always strives to provide music that performs.
Jamie Pastman
Keyboards, Music Director with:
Tony Ocean, Sheryl Youngblood, Bopology, Orchestra 33, TVK Orchestra, KY2K, The Jagaloons, Dave Polk Project, Three Dog Night, Aretha Franklin, Del Shannon, Kicks, Big John Howell and The Born To Boogie Band, Apprentice, and many more. Pianist at Jilly’s on Rush Street, 1999-2013. Filmscores include “The Last Time I Committed Suicide” Keyboards at Willow Creek Church, and currently Musical Director at The Unitarian Church Of Hinsdale. Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The University Of Chicago. Teacher: privately, and at Naperville Central High School
Zach Jackson
Lead Vocals, background Vocals
Zach is a classically trained vocalist and career musician who's been performing for his entire life. He uses his 3 octave vocal range to captivate the audience and keep the groove going! He loves singing harmonies just as much as he loves taking the lead. Zach spends his time teaching music, DJing, songwriting, and producing when he's not performing with China Groove.
Phil Ganka
Lead Vocals, background Vocals, percussion
Phil is a dynamic vocalist who pours his heart & soul in to every song. Performing with popular bands like
Hip Pockit, Chicago Messenger Service, Real Deal and Skyline, Phil brings it all to the party ! His soulful, funky
lead vocals have rocked the Fox Stage at Taste of Chicago, Navy Pier Beer Garden and clubs all over Chicagoland.
Phil makes every performance a high energy "show" - Perfect for the China Groove experience
John "ziggy" ziganto
electric and Acoustic Guitar, background vocals
John “Ziggy” Ziganto guitars, vocals, was influenced early on by his Father who played keys and Mom who sang with him. Thru the years he’s played in multiple genres, classic rock, country and blues, at fests and local Chicagoland venues, and now continues along side some of the Greatest local musicians in “China Groove”!
Chris Edwards
Percussion, Drums, background Vocals
Chris Edwards is a dynamic, Chicago based drummer and percussionist. Well known for his artistry in Jazz, Blues, R&B and Gospel. He’s even been featured on a Reggae CD. Chris may turn up anywhere and has never confined his music to a single genre.
Chris has been apart of the Chicago music scene for over 20 years, but he frequently plays all over the Midwest and occasionally on either coast. He’s had the opportunity to work with a wide range of fantastic musicians including Patti Labelle, Nora Jean Bruso, Buddy Guy, Voices of Resurrection, Koko Taylor, Kid Ramos, Gloria Shannon, Shades of J, The Rebel Roots, Sing To Live, Donald Lawrence, Buddy Miles, Keith Pringle, Carl Davis and many others.
Music
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China Grove 0:510:00/0:51
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It Keeps You Runnin 1:390:00/1:39
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Long Train Runnin 1:020:00/1:02
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Black Water 1:550:00/1:55
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Listen To The Music 2:000:00/2:00
