Mike Fugazzi and Groove Stew is not background music! Groove Stew is a diverse and dynamic cover band that adds their own flavor to current radio hits and tried-and-true classics to create a recipe of sonic bliss that engages audiences and gets people on the dance floor grooving! Their delicious mix of music is an all-out rock show from start to finish and unlike anything else you can hear in the area!

The foundation of the Groove Stew is Mike's impassioned vocals and the band's interaction with audiences. Mike's amazing harmonica playing and use of effects to take over parts typically played by guitar, keyboard, organ, horns, and strings adds a unique spice to their covers. You won't believe your ears! The band provides a professional-level live show that brings the excitement and musicianship of a nationally touring act to local venues while encouraging crowd interaction throughout the event....all while playing the songs YOU love! Backed by an all-star cast of professional schooled Berklee Music School and McNally-Smith College of Music graduates, these guys deliver every night, every song, every note.

Based out of Mankato, Minnesota, Mike Fugazzi and Groove Stew is Southern Minnesota's premier live rock experience and the only harmonica-driven rock band in the area. The Stew understands how entertainment works to draw crowds to your business and make the night successful for everyone involved. The band's mix of tunes and entertainment brings something to the table for lovers of all types of music, making them perfect for both nightclub and festival stages. These guys hash out a face-melting, harmonica-driven explosion of sound and excitement all night long!!!
The best musical talents were selected not only for stellar musicianship, but also for their charismatic personalities. The Mike Fugazzi Band is most commonly found performing as a four-piece.  The group is led by vocalist and celebrated harmonica player Mike Fugazzi. His impassioned harmonica playing pushes the instrument forward, often taking over parts traditionally left for guitar and horn players. You can expect to hear blazing harmonica, searing lead guitar (Drew Hurst), rock solid bass (Sam Taphouse), and driving drums (Ben Peterson).


Capabilities: The Mike Fugazzi Band adds material to their play list all the time. This includes new and classics hits ranging from rock to funk to blues to jazz. The band also writes and performs original material. The MFB can deliver a full three-hour headline performance as well as festival and opening sets in a duo, trio, four-piece, or five-piece format. The MFB tailors their set lists to the specific needs of your event and can cover anything from large festival stages to intimate events – just ask!

History: Since hitting the scene in 2003, Mike has been entertaining audiences and creating a large fan base all over Minnesota. He’s played top venues like: Cabooze, Whiskey Junction, Famous Dave’s and the Blues Saloon in the Twin Cites, the Kato Ballroom and Buster’s in Mankato, the Tree Frog Music Festival, Mankato Ribfest, Smokin in Steele, Oldtown Summerfest, Summer Solstice, LaCrosse Oktoberfest, and Chatfield Crawdad Festival, He has also opened for the bands The Gin Blossoms, Indigenous, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, and Chris Duarte. In 2010, Mike was asked to be a part of SPAH, which is the largest harmonica gathering in the country.  There he will host and perform at the Harmonica Blow-off at Famous Dave's alongside nationally performing harmonica players.  From 2004-present, Mike has been the frontman for the widely popular Southern Minnestoa blues band, NiteRail.