Best Local Cover Band

Group Therapy

Group Therapy have been the prescription for the work-week weary to cut loose and party.

Led by frontman Ronny Vaillancourt (who also plays guitar and harmonica, and has been known to take a turn on the bass and behind the drum kit), the group's happy to stick to the familiars from the '60s,'70s, and '80s. Think "Brown Eyed Girl," meets "Mony Mony" meets "I Wanna Be Sedated," meets "Cherry Bomb." Wanna get down? There are plenty of K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Wild Cherry, and Sam and Dave. All greased up with nowhere to go? Shout out a request for Jerry Lee, Elvis, or Chuck Berry. How about that song you can't get out of your head? They've got Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth, and Sublime in their repertoire. "Any originals?" you ask. Sure, they'd be thrilled to perform "Destiny" for you.

Vaillancourt's accompanied by Richie Z. on the keyboards, lead guitarist Tom Bundza, drummer Scott MacKay, and bassist Mark Belanger (who can be seen in the clubs with the Rhythm Party).

With summer on the way, expect to see Group Therapy, who opened up for Charlie Farren, the Fools, and Outlaws, on the open-deck circuit and at area benefits. As their posters say, "Group Therapy -- everyone needs a little!"

-- Brian Goslow