OpenRoad Band

Who We Are

The OpenRoad Band is a group of musicians who grew up playing rock, funk, and other styles in cover bands. We love to perform for live audiences. We formed in the fall of 2003 and are based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Each member has an average of 15 years of experience performing. The band name was chosen to let our Clients and each audience know we are “open” and ready to take their special event “wherever they want to go”.

Our group features two outstanding female lead vocalists, Michelle Musgrove and JJ Tong. Michelle is a vocalist, pianist, songwriter and loves Classic Rock and Motown songs. JJ sings and plays multiple instruments including piano, French horn, trumpet and guitar. (OpenRoad is performing as a six piece group while Michelle is studying in England. Michelle plans to return in January, 2008).

Our tight rhythm section consists of electric & acoustic guitars, sax, bass, blues harp, drums, percussion, and keyboards with string section effects. We trade lead vocals with up to five part vocal harmonies.

What We Can Do For You

We focus on Classic Rock, Motown, R&B, and current dance hits that keep the party going. However, we also specialize in Traditional Standards, Jazz, Blues, or what ever style is best able to provide the perfect atmosphere for your VIP reception or cocktail hour. We can learn your favorites for weddings or that extra special event.

We play hits from R&B/Motown artists including:

Stevie Wonder | Aretha Franklin | Patti LaBelle | The Temptations

Marvin Gaye | Earth, Wind & Fire | Gloria Gaynor | The Commitments

We play hit songs from some of the top Bay Area groups:

Santana | Doobie Brothers | Journey | Huey Lewis and the News

More Contemporary Artists include:

Maroon 5 | Los Lonely Boys | Norah Jones | Alicia Keys | Dave Matthews Band

If you want to book the band for your wedding, private party, special event, grand opening, festival, etc., you can reach us by email at: evargas2@pacbell.net

If you are calling from the SF Bay Area, you can use the toll free number, (800) 717-8803.

Public Event Highlights:

Multiple Sclerosis 150 Waves to Wine Bike Tour, Santa Rosa, 2006:

"Thank you for supporting the 2006 Waves to Wine Bike Tour sponsored by Genentech. We were ecstatic to have OpenRoad join us in fighting the devastating effects of MS. We had over 1,100 participants at the MS 150 Bike Tour and have thus far raised over $675,000. OpenRoad's contribution directly affected the success of our event! Emily, (ERB Event Planning), will be in touch, (with OpenRoad), for next year's Spring and fall events".

- Joanne Neuman, President, Northern California Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis Society

OpenRoad was the evening's entertainment after the fund-raising corporate cyclist teams completed their respective Napa-Sonoma Wine Country course at the Youth Community Park in Santa Rosa. Our thanks to Genentech, the Title Sponsor, Kaiser Permanente, the Wellness Center Sponsor and the Bay Area Development Company, the Entertainment Sponsor, for this great event for such a worthy cause.

Jack London Square 4th of July Festival 2006, 2004:

"I just wanted to write you a quick note to thank you so much for being a part of the Jack London Sq. 4th of July festivities. OpenRoad did a great job entertaining our guests and your band was fantastic. It was a pleasure working with you; your professionalism, organization and help made working during a hectic time much easier and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend OpenRoad to any other event planner. Best of luck to you and your group! And I look forward to working with you again".

- Brian Lee, Jack London Square Special Event Manager

Muscle Car, Hot Rods & Art Fair, San Ramon/2005:

We were the featured entertainment for a benefit for families that have lost loved ones in the current Middle East conflict, sponsored by ‘Hats Off America' and the ‘Fred Biletnikoff Foundation'.

Walnut Creek Harvest Holidays Festival/2004:

The Chamber of Commerce of the City of Walnut Creek closes downtown streets for this annual fall weekend event. Our band was asked for an encore performance that closed the show.

City of Martinez 4th of July Festival/2004:

We played a set at the City of Martinez Fourth of July Festival mid-day and for two hours on the main stage at the Fourth of July Celebration at Jack London Square, Oakland, California .

Music At Noon Series/2004:

Produced by the City of Concord, Jim Ocean & Community Concerts. OpenRoad was featured with the Steve Sage DVC Rock, R&B Revue. We were televised on the City of Concord cable television program.

City of Martinez First Night 2004 Celebration:

This New Year's Eve downtown merchant sponsored festival is a great time for families, friends to celebrate a non-alcohol evening. Streets are blocked off; shuttles bring you to food, music and activities.

Rock, Rhythm & Blues Showcases/2004:

We were featured at the Pleasant Hill Community Center and Cue Productions band showcases produced by the DVC Music Department. We want to thank Steve Sage, DVC music director, for his program and support.