Speakeasy with Jimmy Pruitt

Pruitt is a music promoter with Groove Truck Productions.

Q: Who and what makes up Groove Truck?

We are a local music and sometime art promotions company. It has always been Jim Clinger and myself with some help from others such as Kyle Hayworth and Lanny Boles. Our last Art vs. Art show we partnered with local not-for-profit organization Primary Colours and it was quite a learning experience. While on the subject of who makes up Groove Truck I have to give major credit to Clinger for his always great design work — and putting up with me.

Q: Tell me about your favorite local bands.

The Pieces are the best band in the city, but I’ve really enjoyed seeing Pravada here recently, and Majhas are always nice and mellow, and I gotta mention our city treasure, Otis Gibbs.

Q: About how many times in a given Pieces set do you say, “Fuck yeah,” or, “Oh my god”?

Real funny, “MOXY.” I guess that depends on how much alcohol I’ve consumed. I just saw them last Saturday in Chicago with my son at the Wrigleyville street fair and didn’t say it once, thank you.

Q: Who’s been your favorite accidental finds?

Lately it’s Gentleman Caller from Bloomington, and Miranda Sound from Columbus, Ohio, are always fun and they are the nicest guys ever.

Q: When was the last time you acted like an asshole, knowing full well you were being an asshole?

It happens all the time and is one of my most or least endearing qualities depending on who you ask.

Q: Best record ever recommended by a friend?

Good? Locally I would say either She’s the Word by United States Three or Come Clean by Mysteries of Life. Releases by these and other great lost treasures can still be purchased at Flat Earth Records.

Q: Worst record ever recommended by a friend?

I have several hippie friends so anything jammy, you know the kind of music people twirl around and dance to.

Q: When is the next Groove Truck event?

Aug. 12 at the Vogue, co-presented by Luna Records as part of the Midwest Music Summit with details coming soon.