The Rosewood Hotel’s chic Mei Bar is capping its inaugural year with some sultry melodies, courtesy of Groove Academy. The band is in the midst of a summer long residency at the venue, playing nightly starting at 9pm until the end of August, and bringing some serious musical pedigree with them all the while. Indeed, this soulful, reggae and Latin tinged Canadian bred troop not only has obvious chops, but also an esteemed reputation in the most exclusive of pop music circles.

Kieu T. Grisby, one of Groove Academy’s vocalists and a dancer in the band, shared the stage with non other than pop megastar Bruno Mars at the 2016 Super Bowl show in Los Angeles. Meanwhile Kerry Marshall, the group’s producer and lead guitarist, is has performed with noted artists like Jason Derulo, The Roots, and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child.

The roster is rounded out by other skilled performers. Juan Carlos Gonzales, a Havana born trumpeter and percussionist, has toured with fellow Cuban Cesar Pedroso, one of the country’s most famous pianists. Keyboardist Jamie Quiring has penned and produced tracks for several Canadian electronic, dance and hip-hop artists. Bassist Henry Insell has not only collaborated with Grammy-winning gospel star Edwin Hawkins but is also the co-holder of two Juno Awards (Canada’s answer to the Grammy’s).

Then there’s the arguable star of each show, Zoe Theodorou. The songstress has won a Canadian Gospel Music award for Best Jazz Vocal for her debut album, “Essence of Life”. Critics have praised her voice and stage presence as being akin to Ella Fitzgerald and Whitney Houston.

Each night the band will perform a soulfully eclectic set of covers by the likes of Pharrell, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and more. Meanwhile, Mei’s bar staff will serve up a range of new summer cocktails like Pisco Punch (made with Demonio de los Andes Pisco Cocchi, Americano Luxardo apricot brandy, pineapple puree, lime and marshmallow, priced at RMB 95); the Mango Hemingway Daiquiri (featuring Clement Blanc, Maraschino Liqueur, lemon, passionfruit, Monin vanilla syrup and mango puree foam, also costing RMB 95); and the Sloe Gin & Tonic (which sports Hayman’s Sloe Gin and costs RMB 90).

All these features make Mei a perfect place for swanky Beijingers to celebrate summer. Be sure to check out Groove Academy before they end their residency at the end of August, click here for more information about the band (VPN required).

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Photos: Mei Bar