East of Innocence: Madames of the Mic

Feature Artist:  School's Open(to Host at a later date)
Venue:              School II, Chanhassen, MN
Time:                Wednesday, October 13th @ 7pm
Fast friends, Jen VonGroven and Marcy Vonne, founded East of Innocence (EOI) nearly six years ago.  They entertain the crowd with an array of original music, which they have been writing since day one.  Original songs display their versatility through a diverse blend of rock, blues, strong harmonies, and the occasional drinking song.  EOI also performs an impressive number of covers focusing primarily on popular music, the latest of which is their rendition of Lady Gaga's "Alejandro." 

Both VonGroven and Vonne enjoyed music-filled childhoods.  VonGroven's earliest vocal influences were her father, who sang in a barbershop quartet, and her high school choir director who, not surprisingly, directed her high school choir.  In early adulthood, Gwen Steffani, a fairly well-known musician she is happy to have briefly met, fueled VonGroven's musical ambitions.  VonGroven picked up the guitar while living in Mexico.   She would sound out songs note by note until she became accomplished enough to fluidly play such tunes as "Puff, the Magic Dragon."

Vonne began playing piano at age four.  She played at church and participated in classical piano competitions.  She began to write her own music and lyrics while growing up, eventually making the common transition from classical piano to heavy metal band by the turn of the century.  Vonne used her time in the band to strengthen her vocal abilities.

Vonne and VonGroven found each other at a neighborhood dive bar by chance.  VonGroven was exchanging friendly chatter with a gentleman she saw earlier sitting next to Vonne and, as Vonne approached, feared she would be accused of flirting with Vonne's husband.  Vonne smiled at her husband, marched directly past him and addressed a nervous VonGroven, "I heard you sing, do you play an instrument too?"  Although VonGroven had advanced beyond "Magic Dragon,"  she was still unsure of her talent level but confidently replied, "Yes, the guitar."  Vonne asked if VonGroven would like to join her band.  They had their first practice the following day where Vonne finally confided to Vongroven that there was no band.  EOI was born and they released their first EP six months later.

EOI gave their inaugural live performance to sixty friends and family members in Vonne's garage.  Shortly after, VonGroven made a career decision that took her to San Francisco.  A year later Vonne flew out and the two drove back to Saint Paul together, VonGroven belting out "Route 66" until Vonne threatened  to throw her into the Grand Canyon.  EOI has released two full length Cd's (the most recent entitled UnGlued) of original music since their return.

The newest venture undertaken is co-writing the song, "Madame."  It has very tongue-in-cheek, humorous lyrics which reflects the sense of humor the two women share (and to clarify, it absolutely does not reflect their lifestyle in any imaginable way).  Meeting these women, you get a sense that they take seriously their passion, but do not, passionately, take seriously themselves. 

EOI will be performing in uptown at Famous Dave's for the Battle of the Bands on October 17th.  See all their upcoming performances and preview their music at www.eastofinnocence.com.