BAND BIO

 

Ponderosa Grove is a band born out of the artistic tapestry of Prescott, Arizona. Whether they’re performing as an acoustic duo/trio or in their full 6-8 piece set up this collective brings a warm and inviting sound that has been compared to a contemporary Fleetwood Mac or Queen with electric stage presence, tight harmonies, and groovy vibe like no other. In 2021, Ponderosa Grove won the coveted Music Prize competition in Louisiana out of thousands of bands. They also released their genre-blurring debut album, aptly titled The Debut. They followed with the release of their single’s: “Christmas Spirit,”(2021) "Changin',"(2022) " Don't Worry Child” (2022) which charted in the top 10 of Triple A Radio, a live cut, "Waterline LIVE" (2023), "I'm Sorry" (2023) and most recently "A Bird Can't Fly" (2024). They are preparing to release a follow up album early fall of 2024. They have been touring nationwide, opening for the well-loved Tedeschi Trucks Band, Talbott Brothers, Sheila E and playing festivals and theaters winning audiences everywhere they play.

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The band features a group of musicians that bring a wealth of creativity and diverse influences to its lineup. A songwriter on the Grammy-nominated album "Wild Heart" by Mindi Abair, lead vocalist Devine has opened for and worked with artists from Ringo Starr and Christina Aguilera to Adam Lambert, Michelle Branch, Styx and more, as well as displayed her multi vocal range for television and feature films. Through her company Further West, Candace is the President and founder of the Pure Imagination Music Festival who has featured The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Sylvan Esso, Tanya Tucker, The Pharcyde, Ziggy Marley, Lucinda Williams, Los Lobos, Dawes, Talib Kweli, Capital Cities, Allison Russell, Nappy Roots, and many many more in 2022/2023/2024.

Lead guitarist and vocalist Hall has worked on a variety of successful projects including THiS Trio, the Latin/Flamenco inspired band Summa Totius, Northern Arizona staple The Cheektones, Big Daddy D and The Dynamites (which he co-founded), as well as worked with R&B sax pioneer Joe Houston, Ed Carter (The Beach Boys), and Eddie Watkins Jr. (Temptations, Marvin Gaye).

Drummer and percussionist Gregory “Gigi" Gonaway is a music veteran who began playing drums at the age of 10. Gigi has played drums on recordings with artists such as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Natalie Cole, and Steve Winwood, among others. He has toured extensively with Mariah Carey and Clarence Clemons. His skill and dedication to the art of drumming has made Gigi one of the top in his league.

 

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