The Groon first sprouted while Jay E Moores was setting up a recording studio in an old farmhouse in Camden. He cranked up his electric guitar, fired up the drums, and sang stream of consciousness gibberish that turned into the 8-song album, Groon Radio. Tracks such as “Groonage Daydream” and “It’s Not Easy Being Groon” were rough, but full of energy, they could not help but spark more.
By the second album, Son of a Groon, a story began to take shape in Jay’s prolific songwriting. Characters sang their own points of view. The Groon was in bloom! Hazel de Mesa jumped on board, adding bass guitar, keyboards, and multi-track backing vocals. More musicians added their touches to the songs. The album launched on Halloween 2024. They debuted three of the songs at the open mic at the Bazz on New Year’s Eve. The project comes full circle as the entire musical premieres on the very same stage before the year is done.
What started as a silly bop has evolved into a show about outsiders and misfits finding their place in the sun. Somehow they’ve attracted the perfect cast and crew. Lives were changed during the course of this journey. They are a diverse group of people from all over the world resonating to the tunes of the Groon, and finding love and friendship as a reward.
“Now I like who I am. I like who I am. I can be my own friend. Reach out, hold my hand.”
Character Breakdown:
THE GROON Cruciferous head, but the rest of him is as human as can be, with all the hopes and dreams for love and success as any human. Clock app rock star.
MYRNA Bored young housewife with a smartphone.
BIG EARL Hard working truck driver looking forward to his days off to be with the wife
JUDY MAE Friend of Myrna. Groon fan.
DR. FROELICH Also Papa Groon, Frank, and chorus
DOROTHY Nosy neighbor
SHERIFF Also plays a Uncle Lou as a puppet, Half Groon, and chorus
MAMA GROON/FDA Also part of the chorus
LITTLE EARL Son of Myrna and Big Earl, under 10 years old. Also plays a Quarter Groon.
GROONISH CHILDREN Including the smallest one, Eighth Groon
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