Meet The Band
Our members come from a wide range of musical backgrounds, but it’s our love of 70s music that brought us together to create Groove Machine.
Terrence Brown
Lead Vocals
Terrence's love for music began as a vocalist in his local church since he was 13 years old. He also expanded his musical abilities playing Cello and Tuba since 6th grade. He grew his vocal and musical experience singing for multiple groups, choirs, functions, and shows which has rewarded him the ability to be the Praise and Worship leader of multiple churches. This has lead him to be a vocalist with the multi-talented Groove Machine band which has helped to grow and expand his stage presence, vocal ability, and love of 70s music to get the crowd movin’ and Groovin’!
Samantha Glass
Lead Vocals
Samantha grew up in West Palm Beach, FL where she attended Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Florida Atlantic University for Vocal Performance. Samantha's musical career started at the age of 8 years old when she performed her first solo in her elementary school musical. Since then, Samantha has won numerous singing competitions and performed with musicians such as Natalie Cole and Shania Twain. Samantha lives in South Carolina with her husband and 4 children. When she isn't working or singing with Groove Machine, she is performing at local Senior Living communities around the area.
Joe Rubino
Drums
Joe has been playing drums since he was 12 years old and is a product of 70's music. Playing in the family band with his father and sisters at age 14, his experience playing shows of all kinds started very early on. Joe spent time developing his chops in different marching bands as well as concert, stage and jazz bands and he is trained in a variety classical Latin and dance grooves. Joe loves entertaining audiences of all kinds with his brothers and sisters known as Groove Machine!
Sanford Hayes
Bass, Vocals
A native of Charlotte, Sanford had an interest in musical instruments at a very young age. At nine, his family moved to Oklahoma. There he discovered the distinctive sound of the bass listening to Motown records. As a teenager, Sanford performed in a band called The Soul System. Later, he studied piano under the late Nels Harveland, conductor and director of the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra. Sanford has played with top bands throughout Oklahoma, Texas and the United States. Influenced by James Jameson, Larry Graham and Marcus Miller, Sanford shares his passion for 70’s rock, funk and soul with Groove Machine.
Scott McFarlane
Keyboards, Vocals
Scott is a skilled and versatile keyboardist, having begun playing piano at just 5 years old in his hometown of Princeton, NJ. In his teenage years, he developed his ear for jazz as a student of composer and jazz pianist Laurie Altman. Scott played in the studio jazz bands in his high school, and then at UNCC under the direction of Bill Hannah. Since then, he has grown to become one of the most sought after keyboardists in the community.
Ray Tyson
Guitar, Vocals
Ray started playing professionally at age 17 in his hometown of Dallas TX. He was greatly influenced by Texas Blues artists such as Freddie King & the Vaughan brothers as well as rock legends Jimi Hendrix & Carlos Santana. Ray has divided his time between playing in cover bands & writing original music. He has shared the stage with artists such as Joe Walsh, Delbert McClinton & Mother's Finest. He has studied with guitarist / songwriter Chet Catello of Spyro Gyra. Ray is well versed in Rock, Blues, R&B & Funk music, teaches private guitar lessons & has coached young bands, including students selected for the prestigious Grammy Camp in Los Angeles, CA.
Eric Knight
Trumpet
Eric’s earliest music studies were on the Violin at a tender age; then as a teenager he discovered his Father’s Trumpet hidden away in a closet and began studying Trumpet seriously in High School. Experienced in everything from String Quartet to Brass Quintet as well as Orchestral and Brass Band, and teaching Strings, Trumpet and Keyboards he brings a varied musical approach to Groove Machine. Eric has transcribed several horn charts for the band. And yes, growing up in the 60’s and 70’s he knows how to Groove!
Mike Tepedino
Trumpet
Mike started playing trumpet in the fourth grade. Early on he was involved in every band and orchestra available the school had to offer. Mike also played in a competition marching band and in the Charlotte 49ers pep band in college. He currently plays in his church orchestra. From listening to 70’s music driving in his parents car when he was little, to finally getting a chance to play those songs live as part of Groove Machine, Mike has always loved the music of the 70’s.
Mike Licko
Saxophone
Mike has been playing the saxophone since 1978, when he first picked up the instrument in 4th grade. Mike was drawn to jazz, funk, and fusion from an early age participated in jazz band throughout junior high and high school, becoming one of the top high school jazz saxophonists in the state of California in the 80’s. His major “sax hero” was David Sanborn. Mike spent some time at Berklee College of Music and is active in the Charlotte jazz scene.