Who we are

Introducing Synaptic Groove, a unique Long Island NY-based musical band that performs your favorite musical hits while educating audiences about the benefits of music for health.

Synaptic Groove is under the musical direction of renowned keyboardist and vocalist Paul Block, and under the scientific direction of neurologist, music researcher and saxophonist Dr. Alan Ettinger. We perform pop tunes, dance music and smooth jazz music for traditional parties and receptions but also deliver concert/lectures for health organizations, catered to the specific medical disorders. We also provide seminars for hospitals and corporations on the use of music-based techniques to fight employee burnout including teaching music-based mindfulness and using music in the workplace to reduce stress and anxiety.

Some of the sites where Dr. E and Synaptic Groove or earlier iterations of the band have performed include Neurology Grand Rounds at Weil Cornell Hospital, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Beth Israel Medical Center, NYU Medical Center and NYU-Winthrop University Hospital. The band has also performed for the cocktail hour at the Suffolk County Medical Society annual meeting, and provided lively dance party entertainment for companies such as at Mohonk Mountain House and locally on Long Island. On May 4, 2024, Synaptic Groove had the great honor of performing at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Our energy, musical versatility, humor, and neuroscience-based education will translate into a memorable and meaningful event. Book us for your next event here.

  • Paul Block

    KEYS AND VOCALIST

    Paul has been entertaining Long Island audiences for over 40 years. His high energy piano, keyboards and vocals have played a wide array of events with a varied range of styles. Over the past several years Paul has gone back to concentrate on his great love of Jazz, Fusion, Blues and Funk. Paul plays with his band ProFusion at various venues as well as serves as band director of Synaptic Groove. Paul also continues to write and record his own material that spans many musical genres.

  • Rick Corwin

    DRUMMER

    Rick Corwin is a veteran career professional drummer and drum educator from Long Island. He brings 50 years and thousands of gigs worth of experience to the band. Rick is one of the most in-demand go-to drummers on L.I. when a band needs a drummer to fill in. His musical diversity and experience from playing weddings & corporate gigs, country, classic rock, jazz, funk, hard rock, disco and dance music, alternative, Top 40 etc. makes him a welcome addition.

    Rick was formerly drummer for the popular L.I. country bands Southbound, and for the classic rock tribute band 60s Invasion. He currently drums with the bands Lisa Landry & Southern Blues Band and also, Mountain Men: A Tribute to Alabama & Charlie Daniels Band. He has opened for acts such as: Eric Church, The Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Pure Prairie League, N.R.B.Q., John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, Roberta Flack, The Outlaws, Orleans, and many others. Rick has played many popular venues on L.I. including Westbury Music Fair, My Father's Place, The Boulton Center, The Emporium (Stereo Garden), 89 North, Mulcahy's , Napper Tandy's, Dublin Deck, K.J. Farrell's, The Warehouse, Nutty Irishman, The Boatyard,

  • Kelsey Demsky

    VOCALIST

    Growing up in Detroit, Kelsey has the driving soul of the classic Motown sound you can only find deep within The Motor City. Moving to New York to pursue an education and career in criminology, Kelsey’s path took a turn when introduced to many of the extremely talented musicians at the forefront of The Harlem Renaissance and cut her teeth performing in vocal ensembles under the guidance of artists from Harlem’s famous Striver’s Row. Possessing a drive that you couldn’t fit under the hood of the automobiles that roared out of the factories she grew up in the shadows of, she is able to maneuver gracefully through musical elements of soul, jazz, blues, funk, and country. Kelsey has proven to be an artist to fit this, or any other, generation.

  • Dr. Alan Ettinger

    SAXOPHONIST AND EDUCATOR

    Alan best known as Dr. E, is a former Professor of Clinical Neurology who has published numerous papers and textbooks on the psychological challenges of experiencing neurological disorders.  He runs a 2nd opinion epilepsy clinic at True North Neurology, in Commack NY.  His recent research work has focused upon the impact of musical interventions on seizures, and music-induced reduction of stress and anxiety from neurologic illness.  He is a proficient jazz saxophonist who also plays the clarinet, the aerophone and guitar.

  • John Ridulfo

    DRUMMER

    John is the consummate percussionist with 40 years of experience on the drums.  Having played in numerous busy wedding bands, he knows what audiences are looking for to have a great time on the dance floor.  He has also shared his skills as a dedicated teacher with special attention given to teaching musical skills to young children.  Currently, John plays in several notable funk and jazz bands on Long Island.

  • Bob Scollo

    BASSIST

    An accomplished bass player who has been a fixture on the Long Island band scene, he studied with two of the most distinguished bass players in the world (Richard Davis and Walter Botti).  Bob is known for his work in large high energy funk bands including “The Toys”.  He also has done a lot of studio work including jingles and Broadway commercial work, as well as serving as a staff musician on Princess Cruises.  As an instructor at the Long Island Drum Center for many years, he has taught and inspired future generations of bass players.