John Grooters, born June 26, 1962 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, grew up in the Valley of the Sun in Scottsdale, Arizona, spent his high school years in Northern Michigan in the town of Charlevoix, and has resided in Holland, Michigan for all of his professional life. As a writer, producer, director, and musician his work has taken him to more than 40 countries around the world, and 49 states in the US. (He's dying to get to Alaska and finish the list.) As a creator of film, documentary, and music, John's focus is always on the recipient of the media - the viewer, the listener, or the audience. If the art form goes too far towards avant garde and the audience lies confused - even if they are impressed - John doesn't feel he has done his job as a communicator. "Good film, television, or music keeps you awake, anxious for the next movement or act, and wanting more when it is finished," John says. "I love books where I can't wait to turn every page, songs that grab me the first time I hear them, and films that make me totally forget about the craft because I am totally engaged in the story."