Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts Presents Season 9 Finale of LIVE IN THE LOBBY on 6/5

The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts' (PTPA) critically acclaimed Live in the Lobby Concert Series is pleased to announce its season nine finale, "GRONEY AND FRIENDS" on Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 PM. "Groney and Friends" is a celebration of the 15 years Tom Gronenthal has been playing guitar, evolving as an artist and contributing to the local music scene. This show will showcase the music he has written over the years and features friends, fellow musicians and band members who have contributed to his growth and accompanied him on his journey. The event will take place in the lobby of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue, NY 11772. Tickets are $10 and include a beverage at the bar; tickets are available at the door or call 631-207-1313 to reserve ticket. Lobby performances are a combination of seating and standing room; SEATING IS LIMITED. Doors open at 7:00 PM.

Tom, known to many as "Groney," was born in Bayport, the youngest of 8 children. Around the age of 20, Tom acquired his first guitar from his sister Linda, and found a much needed outlet. For the next 6 weeks, his routine was, "work, play guitar, sleep." Never having had taken a lesson, Tom ventured out to the Patchogue music scene, guitar in hand, for some fun and maybe a beer, but mostly for a spot to play and grow as a musician amongst fellow musicians. What he found began the snowball of his musical career.

From days and nights spent playing at Fadeley's Deli-Pub, Tom began his first band, "Movement" in 2001 with Charlie Mirro, Jim Fontana and Kevin O'Leary. Other members of Movement from 2001- 2009 included Steve Greco and Mike O'Rourke. Tom wrote many songs for Movement, growing with them as an artist and guitarist. Movement performed Live in the Lobby during Season One in 2006.

In 2008, Tom got together with Andy Sansone and Nick Garbarini and began The Forensics (4NZX), his most influential band to date, mixing funk, punk and electronic music. This group also had a featured spot in The Lobby before a packed house.

Other memorable "Groney in the Lobby" performances have featured short sets of Tom alone with an acoustic guitar showcasing his beautiful songs and skill as a guitarist.

Additional projects have included the groups "Radio 94" and "Agent Danger" and other specific shows that found Tom performing full albums by Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Cake, all of which He considers "heavy influences" that molded him as a musician.

Nowadays, Tom plays guitar in a jazz infused, hypnotic jam band called "Syncrosanct" with Nick Garbarini, Matt O'Mara, Dan Robbins, Kyle Fitzpatrick and special guests. He meets up with members from Movement, The Forensics and Agent Danger from time to time for shows and is by all counts one of the hardest working musicians on Long Island.

Live in the Lobby Volume 1 CDs are available at the Patchogue Theatre and the Volume 1 and Volume 2 recordings are available for download at ParadiddleRecords.com.

Now in its ninth season, Live in the Lobby has cemented its reputation for supporting, nurturing and encouraging original music from Long Island. Live in the Lobby provides a "listening" setting for all ages, as opposed to the bars and restaurants where so many musicians usually perform and where "cover bands" are often preferred. This "venue within a venue" is an alternative to the 1200 seat Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts' main auditorium and a chance to see the best of today's Local Original Music up close and personal. For more information: 631-207-1313, patchoguetheatre.com, or visit us at 71 E. Main St., Patchogue, NY.

Live in the Lobby is sponsored by WEHM 92.9 & 96.9 FM Progressive Radio for Long Island.

Photo credit: Walter Petrule