Set 1: Momo, Ride On The Funky Train*, Price Is Right, Don’t Boom Boom, Get You Moving, Fire, Hard Time*, I Want You (She’s So Heavy)**, Instant Coffee
*w/ Kim Dawson on vocals
**Have A Cigar by Pink Floyd Teases
Euforquestra is a touring force that continues to play multiple runs across these entire United States. Their blend of world, Afrobeat, funk, soul and jam continues to develop as the years go by. Recently they have invited a rotating cast of horn players and percussionists to join in the fun. At this particular show long time friend and former member Matt Grundstad was on percussion and Jon Stewart from Supercollider was on sax. They also invited powerhouse singer Kim Dawson up for a few songs as well. All in all this was a great chance to see Euforquestra at the Mish after quite some time away. Fires, flooding, and everything else God can muster has kept Euforquestra from gracing the Mishawaka with their presence. Kim sitting on “Funky Train” was a huge highlight of the entire night. However the showstopper was a powerfully funky rendition of The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” which included a beautiful segue into Pink Floyd’s “Have A Cigar” before returning back on course. The closed their set with a snappy “Instant Coffee.” Electro-dance party explosion Juno What came to the stage quickly after Euforquestra disappeared into the night. Lead by Joey Porter, best known as the keyboardist to The Motet, Juno What seems to have gone through some changes since the last time I caught them live. Originally touring as a trio with Dave Watts and Steveland Swatkins Juno What is now a four piece with Garrett Sayers on bass and synth bass, Dan Schwindt on guitar, and Tyrone Hendrix on drums. I have to say the new lineup seems to have re-energized this band’s sound. Juno What got the night going strong with their unique take on modern love, “Sex With A Stranger.” The electro-funk continued with a huge “ElectroCity.” Joey seems less focused on utilizing his talk box the entire time giving this awesome band he’s assembled more time to just jam on the funk. The obvious highlight was Juno What’s anthem cover of Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue.” http://youtu.be/1fpPOoGpRao Finally after over three hours of opening music it was time for the main event, Kung Fu. I feel like people don’t really know who Kung Fu is and where they come from. The fact is that Kung Fu is a super group of the funkiest proportions. Comprised of Tim Palmieri on Guitar (Breakfast), Todd Stoops on keys (RAQ), Rob Sommerville on sax (Deep Bannana Blackout), Chris DeAngelis on bass (Breakfast), and Adrian Tramontano on drums (Breakfast) Kung Fu is a conversion of talent the likes of which the world of funk rarely sees. Their show at The Mishawaka was a blend of funk, electronica, jam, rock, jazz, and more. They opened with their hard-hitting track “Gung Ho.”Set 1: Gung Ho, Hollywood Kisses, Chin Music, Steppin In It, You’ve Got The Love*, Paragon, Cramp Your Style, Samurai, S’all Good, Do The Right Thing
Encore: Standin’ On The Verge
*w/ Kim Dawson
The air was quickly filled with the heavy rhythms of funk. Kung Fu alternates between instrumental journeys into the darkest realms of funk and lyrical adventures. “Hollywood Kisses” was a searing shred fest that saw some solid playing from Palmieri on guitar. They invited the talented Kim Dawson up for “You’ve Got The Love.’ http://youtu.be/Y3hZxBu7yC4 Their ninety minute set was chocked full of tight collaborations and funky goodness. Strong renditions of “Samurai” and “Do The Right Thing” helped to make this show truly enjoyable. This is a band on fire right now. Kung Fu is well known on the East Coast. They have been working tirelessly to make inroads out West for the last couple years. Hopefully this headlining run with a strong cast of local characters will give them the traction they need. Their show at The Mishawaka was an absolute blast. So if you find yourself in a funky mood check out Kung Fu. You won’t be disappointed. [gallery ids="20150,20151,20152,20153,20154,20155,20156,20157,20158,20159,20160,20161,20162,20163,20164,20165,20166,20167,20168,20169,20170,20171"]]]>
