12 must be the lucky number these days. The 9th Annual Groove Walk will be on May 12th and it brings 12 bands at 12 different establishments all for just eight dollars. You can walk from place to place (or use the free RMTD trolley) to check out all the groups or sit back and enjoy one or two of your favorites for the whole night.  The lineup is a diverse one, with a little something for everyone.

Starting off at 505 Lounge we can turn our attention to their featured performers, the band Starlite Radio.  The group was founded in 2002 by brothers Nathan, Jordan and David McDonald. Jessica Schleuter (McDonald) was added to the line up the next year. More recently they've been joined by Shawn Stonesifer. Their music is a combination of new-folk and roots-rock with an emphasis on powerful lyrics and killer harmonies.

Big Cities Lounge will be featuring Blues Hawks. Playing a form of traditional blues, the group have been laying it down for their fans for years now, and have released four CD's.  While many great local musicians have been members of the band in the past, the Blues Hawks these days are made up of Ray Campbell, Dave Hansen, Joe Beert and Vedo LaFranka.

Andy Spitson is an up and coming musician who not only performs solo (as he will for his Groove Walk appearance) but also plays in Spinderson and M-28. Spitson has released one solo disc thus far. He will be featured at Cru for Groove Walk.

J-Bear's Place will have a longtime Rockford musical institution laying down the tunes for Groove Walk. That's because Basement Blues Band will be the featured performer there. With almost 25 years of entertaining the Rockford area, you can bet these guys know how it's done. Be sure to check out their brand of hard rocking (but still quite authentic) blues.

When you go to Krypto Music Lounge to check out Dean Moriarty Jazz Band, don't expect Dean to be there. That's because the group is not named for its leader, but rather for a character  in Jack Kerouac's novel "On the Road." While you won't find anyone on stage named Dean Moriarty (the members of the group are Jeff Layng, Phil Pilcher, Chris Hyatt, Tim Shaffer and Dan Kasten), you will get some great jazz covering a wide range of schools.

For something totally different you can stop by Octane Interlounge. That's where Without Return will be laying down the music. Their sound is a mix of hard rock, old and new school metal and a bit of the blues. The group (Jack Beltz,  John Huff and Adam Minder) have been playing under that name since 2005 and have released two (soon to be three) EP's.

If you are more of a fan of country music, there are a couple places you will need to visit. One is Rue Marche as they will be playing host to Southern Heritage. While the core of the band's sound consists of country ranging from George Jones and Johnny Cash to Keith Urban and Dierks Bentley, don't be surprised if you hear them turn in their own interpretation of something by someone like Van Halen or the Commodores. It's just what they do. Southern Heritage consists of Dan Magner, Reggie Winterland, Brian Thompson and Mike Gosnell.

For more country sounds you can check out Juelane & Gid-e-Yup at Swilligan's Pub. The band plays material from a more traditionally "country music" group of artists. Their setlist includes songs from Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Sarah Evans, Sugarland, Pure Prairie League and more.

Brio will be showcasing up and coming Rockford born and raised (although he now lives in Nashville) Clark Richard. A 2004 graduate of Boylan Catholic High School, Richard might be young, but what he lacks in years of experience he makes up for with sheer talent. Be sure to stop by and check out this rising star.

So, you say you like the music of the '80's? Then get over to CJ's Lounge to check out TraSH 80's. Covering music from such acts as U2, INXS, The Replacements, REM and many more artists, TraSH 80's are the answer to your '80's music prayers. While the core of their sound is based in the past, the group also pulls in modern sounds to make their musical expression vital and unique.

Last, but certainly not least, The Rockford Funk will be playing at The Office Niteclub. With funk in their name, you can imagine that these guys know how to play that sound - and they do. They don't stop their, though. The group weaves a musical tapestry that includes sounds from the '60's to the '90's. Their repertoire showcases rock, funk, pop and even country. Where besides a Rockford Funk gig will you hear music from artists as diverse as James Brown, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top?

In an era where it seems like value for your money is a thing of the past, you just can't beat this deal. With such a diverse cast of musical characters, and talent all around, a great time is sure to be had by one and all. Mark your calendars because May 12th will be a very lucky day indeed.