When Funk Evolution opened for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic in 2013, they were earning their way into a lineage. The nine-piece horn-fueled band has spent more than fifteen years building a set that draws from classic funk, soul, R&B, and rock of the 70s through the 90s — and they perform it with a full live band, real horns, and vocalists who know the difference between covering a song and inhabiting it. On Friday, October 16, they bring that work to Frog Alley Brewing in Schenectady.
About the Show
Funk Evolution’s founding story moves fast. They premiered in 2010 in front of 1,700 people. By 2012 they were opening for Average White Band at an event that drew more than 40,000. By 2013 they had opened for Parliament Funkadelic and been named the Official Party Band for regional radio stations Fly 92.3 and B95.5. The trajectory tells you something about what this band does on a stage.
The current nine-piece lineup brings serious credentials. Founding member and tenor saxophonist Stephen Christman carries session work with Aretha Franklin and Liza Minnelli into the outfit. Trumpet player Scott Halliday holds a master’s degree from the Crane School of Music. Lead vocalists Sabrina Gogan (a Disney performer and competition winner) and Mike Bear, a classically trained tenor, handle a set that stretches from 70s funk and soul through contemporary R&B and pop. The band performs close to 100 events per year across the Northeast, from the Jersey Shore to the Capital Region, and has won both the Berkshire Idol and WGNA Idol vocal competitions.
A nine-piece band with horns up front fills a room differently than a quartet does. The arrangements have weight, and a long evening that runs from 5 p.m. straight through to 11 p.m. is exactly what this kind of set is built for. Dan Sherwin opens at 5 p.m.; Funk Evolution takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Venue & Logistics
Frog Alley Brewing Co. is at 108 State Street in Schenectady, in the Capital Region. The venue books live music on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a 21+ event; a cover charge applies at the door for the late-night music.
Tickets
No ticket price was available from sources at the time of publication. A cover charge applies at the door for the late-night music. Buy tickets