Grogus, forming in 1995 as a side project of renowned jazz quartet Squat, combines various musical elements, including, but definitely not limited to, Latin jazz, salsa, Afro-Caribbean jazz, and even reggae. Initially, Grogus began by adding percussionists and woodwinds to the Squat line up, providing a medium for experimenting with a larger ensemble. The sound drew heavily upon the Latin jazz and funk arrangements of musicians like Tito Puentes, Thelonius Monk, Horrace Silver and Duke Ellington. Later, a more emphasized horn section, piano, and vocals were added, and the group began learning material from Cuban composer and musician Israel “Cachao” Lopez. Defining the sound of Grogus today, the ensemble incorporates Afro-Cuban and Caribbean dance and vocal music, including son, descarga, and salsa.

In a single show, or song for that matter, Grogus goes from subtle and whispering, to slamming and wailing, and merges components from all types of world music. This diversity is credited to its ever-evolving cast of musicians and instrumentation, sometimes performing with as few as five, or as many as eighteen pieces. True to its sound, Grogus is comprised of a wide ranging group of musicians and a plethora of musical backgrounds. Members of Grogus have been included in World Sacred…, Jazz and Vienne… Montreauz Jazz… and Widespread Panic. The group has been a long-standing staple of the Athens music scene and has enjoyed performances at the Human Rights Festival, AthFest, Shanti Music and Arts Festival, Relay for Life, and the Sun Ray Music Festival. Grogus was also honored with a Flagpole Music Award for Best Jazz Band in 2005.

Grogus’s intentions are far reaching. The group strives to promote cultural survival through music, sustainability, spiritual sustenance, and symbiosis of all world styles, while inspiring celebration, joy, love, and laughter, and of course bootie shakin’. “Music is the gift we have and we have a responsibility to share. It feels good,” says founding member and bandleader Carl Lindberg.