Other funki include: Sharif Mekawy (The Dave Quattro, The Fling, Sonar) - keys, vocals David Whittaker (The Dave Trio, Sonar, The SEAD) - bass Ron Betts (Pitch Blue Jam) - guitar, vocals John 'Mojo' Jones (Houseshakers) - bass, vocals Jim 'Mad Dog' Mahoney (Houseshakers) - guitar, vocals Chris 'The Iceman' Raynor (Soul Cactus) - harp, trumpet, vocals Chris Charles (Junkie Rush) - assorted saxes Clay 'Bonedaddy' Watson (The Legendary JC's) - trombone 'RasTrent' Spears (Burning Spear) - saxophone Jay Camphire (Refried Confusion) - keys Tom Constanten (Grateful Dead) - keys ... and many others
Influences
Eric Clapton & Cream, The Grateful Dead, Phish, moe., Medeski Martin & Wood, Soulive, Umphrey's McGee, Dave Matthews Band, The Ramones, The Meters, The Beatles, The Police, Ben Harper.... this crazy list can go on and on...
funkUs is one of Orlando's most prolific and enduring bands. Their charismatic stage show and unique blend of musical genres, (dubbed "flavor rock" by the Orlando Weekly and declared "a guilty pleasure" by OW music critic, Jason Ferguson), have earned them statewide recognition and an intensely loyal following since their inception in 1998. They perform regularly in the Central Florida area at music venues and festivals from coast to coast.
A leading figure in the Orlando music scene, the band is also responsible for organizing Jambando @ Hard Rock Live, Central Florida's premiere jam band showcase, and regularly perform at the world famous venue to hundreds of fans each year. Other accomplishments include a celebrated appearance at the inaugural Bluesfest in downtown Orlando, heralded as one of the best of the festival; the establishment of now legendary late-night jams for annual music festivals in DeLand and Daytona Beach; and multiple performances with original Grateful Dead keyboardist, Tom Constanten, who also appears on their latest CD release.
Toni Brown, former publisher and editor of Relix Magazine, writes:
"funkUs fits neatly into the eclectic jamband musical melting pot. The band possesses powerful blues leanings and intense R&B and funk rhythms. With an emphasis on meaningful songwriting and freeform jam exploration, their songs range from quirky and catchy to emotionally moving. The combinations result in highly danceable, energetic grooves that reach dizzying, intoxicating highs or soothing, spiritual lows."
The band encourages the many who've joined The funki, (fans of funkUs), in spreading the music, infecting a wide audience with the spirit and energy defining funkUs' flavor rock.
Visit the NEW OrlandoBands.com website! We've added some great new features, here are some of the highlights!
-We’ve re-organized our entire content database! Now find articles from our writers quicker and easier!
-New “Technicians” listing under the “Industry Professionals”. AV techs, put yourself online for bookings!
-Go shopping! We now have a new OrlandoBands.com shopping area where you can find an ever growing assortment of fun things! Purchases go to help support the OrlandoBands.com site and local music!
-Weekly Video updates and column additions from our writers!
Also, browse through our latest columns added to the site! Exclusive new interview write ups added today! Watch for our weekly updates and videos! .. ..
OrlandoBands.com will be offering a NEW YEARS promotion! Get your project or business off on the right start for 2010! Gain tons of exposure to THOUSANDS of new people with our up coming promotion. Please contact us from our handy dandy "Contact Us" page of the OrlandoBands.com site for more details!
We are looking for bands to submit 2 of their favorite songs to be played on our show! If interested please email your links to download your two songs for our show! Mail your links here: mailcall@bhsportsconnection.com
Whats up! Just wanted to let you know I have FREE VIP tickets to our upcoming networking party on the OrlandoBands.com site for our Networking Party on Saturday Sept. 26th. Here are some details:
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-Open mic event-Band and Industry professional interviews- $1 Raffles (click below to see all the prizes!) Come and hang your banner! Free vendor space
-This event will be streamed online LIVE and seen throughout the world! Thanks to Right Step Media for their donation of a multiple camera video shoot!
Online Now!
