10 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS continued from page 9 Smooth Jazz News. at timing couldn’t be better, as he’s slated to perform at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in Avalon, California, in October—another reason to celebrate what’s ahead. It was a pleasure catching up with Euge—and an even greater thrill witnessing the genuine surprise and delight that rippled through the room when he walked in. Fans weren’t the only ones excited, the artists in attendance were just as delighted. For many, it was the rst time they’d seen him in years. Euge has been largely absent from the touring scene due to serious health issues, details he chose to keep mostly private. en, last year—a er enduring and overcoming more than most ever see—he decided it was time to share part of his story, on his own terms. On Feb. 25, 2025, he began a Facebook post with: “Ok, I guess it’s probably time to come clean. I really hate sharing personal things here on Facebook, but so many people have been reaching out with concern and support, that I just need to share. “I had full-on open-heart surgery on Dec. 16 to replace my aortic valve. It had severe calcium buildup. A condition the surgeon thought I was probably born with.” At the time, he was 10 weeks postsurgery. He wrote: “It’s just an extremely slow recovery. My cardiologist, which I just saw today for a checkup, said everything is doing great. He said it would probably take six months to feel pretty good, and a year to being back 100 percent. I told him great, because I haven’t been 100 percent since about 1987.” It was classic Euge—honest, resilient and disarmingly humorous. When he attended our Anniversary Brunch Party at Spaghettini on Jan. 18, 2026, almost a year had passed since that post. Today, he’s healthier than ever, savoring the joy of becoming a grandfather and nding comfort in Odysseus, who was always by his side at the brunch. Although his lungs aren’t strong enough yet to play saxophone for an entire show, Euge is de nitely ready to return—to the road, the stage and the social connections he’s long missed. at reconnection began, ttingly, at our brunch celebration. roughout the day, Euge told me what’s been happening with him since his pause in performing and medical issues. When I asked if he’d be comfortable with me sharing more of that journey with our readers, he happily agreed. Rather than a traditional feature—one we’ll happily save for later this year, when he’s fully back on tour—I chose a Q&A format that allows Euge’s voice to lead and his experience to unfold in his own words. While this isn’t a format we typically publish, it felt like the most authentic way to honor this moment. ( at said, for those who have been following my own journey submitting my Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival feature to the San Diego Press Club’s 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards contest, I’m thrilled to report that it earned rst place in the Magazines: Entertainment Reporting category!) What follows is the heart of our conversation, along with a few notes of my own—a celebration of resilience, reconnection and the joy of seeing Euge where he belongs. Was our party your rst smooth jazz outing since you paused touring? Yup, and it was like a homecoming of sorts. Seeing Richard Elliot, Peter White, Eric Darius, Michael Paulo and DW3 performing onstage, did that make you anxious or interested in getting back to performing? It reminded me, especially seeing Richard play, how much work I have to do to get my “live” chops back up. Playing in the studio and onstage are two completely different beasts. Top: Euge Groove and Eric Darius Bottom left: Euge Groove and Odysseus Bottom right: Craig Collier, Euge Groove and Melanie Maxwell Photos: Harper Hardwick
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