Funk Evolution set to jam annual SPAC Winter Ball
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Saratoga Performing Arts Center Presents is presenting its annual Winter Ball, themed Passport to Morocco, and local band Funk Evolution is playing the party.
The fundraising event, presented by SPAC’s Junior Committee, will take place at 7 p.m. on March 4 at the the Hall of Springs in the Saratoga Spa State Park.
The Moroccan theme was inspired by the rich culture and mystique of Morocco, sometimes referred to as “the land of the setting sun.”
Upholding its reputation as one of the Capital Region’s premier winter social events, the Ball will feature live music by Funk Evolution, a paparazzi photo booth by Heather Bohm-Tallman, craft cocktails and fare by Mazzone Hospitality including several Moroccan specialties.
“The Junior Committee is excited to host Passport to Morocco. Guests will have a wonderful time while enjoying an atmosphere that will transport them to the rich, beautiful culture of Morocco. In the midst of winter, this evening will be a fun, festive escape,” said Samantha Kercull, president of the Junior Committee, in a press release.
The Winter Ball is also a big gig for Funk Evolution, a horn fueled funk/R&B band out of Schenectady. Based in the Capital Region, Funk Evolution has performed thousands of shows throughout the U.S. and beyond, including throughout the North East and some major events down the East Coast.
Last year, group played the event for the first time on SPAC’s big 50th anniversary, and they were invited back for more.
“The crowd and the party itself were just incredible and we cannot wait to be a part of it again this year,” said general manager and saxophonist Stephen ‘Rocco’ Christman.
Christman shared a bit about Funk Evolution, how the band built its reputation in the area, and future plans for 2017.
So Funk Evolution has been around since 2010. How did you guys form?
The original lineup of Funk Evolution formed when former members of The Refrigerators, The Burners UK, Moxie and other major groups all decided to collaborate on a new Funk/R&B project which ended up morphing into what Funk Evolution has become today.
• Were you always eight members or did it grow to become that?
We actually began as a nine-piece group. Over the years we’ve had musicians transition in and out and the group has truly ‘evolved’. In our last significant ‘evolution,’, our original trumpet man, Chris Mattice stepped away from the group. It was at that time that we decided to move to a three-piece horn section which tightened up our sound dramatically. Soon, however, we anticipate another exciting new transition which will likely bring us back to a nine-piece, or possibly even 10-piece band.
• You guys play in the Saratoga area a lot, right?
We do. In many ways, Saratoga has become our primary region for both club and private performances. We have been the house band at Dango’s Saratoga (the number one rated party patio in Saratoga) since it opened; we perform Dango’s weekly from June through early September each year.
We’re also on a very steady rotation at the phenomenal Creole/New Orleans themed restaurant/pub Nanola in Malta year-round and will be on a regular off-season rotation at Newberry Music Hall in Downtown Saratoga beginning this winter. Throughout the year we perform regularly at The Hall of Springs, The Canfield Casino and frequently at Saratoga National for premium wedding, political and corporate events.
• It seems like you guys are really all about the live experience. Describe a live Funk Evolution show.
Funk Evolution started as a party band focused specifically on creative arrangements of a unique blend of fan favorites - in a single Funk Evolution show we take fans on a musical journey that features amazing hits from most every genre of popular music: funk, classic rock, modern rock, 80s current Top40, swing, country... even reggae and electronic music at times. We like to transcend genres and re-interpret music stylistically so it all is enjoyable by all demographics at the same time. We believe strongly that most all genres of modern music have a funky edge and we try to highlight the evolution of funk through the broad range of material we cover. We’re also a truly immersive entertainment group - from our saxophone battles in the middle of the dancefloor, to our high-end lighting and sound production that are designed to pull the audience into the show - even the scent we put into the fog fluid, we take pride in immersing our audience into what we do so they truly become part of the show.
• Do you guys do much studio recording?
We don’t actually. Our true forte is live entertainment. What we do creatively can only happen in a live setting. We’ve certainly spent our share of time in the studio recording demo materials and such, but the true essence of Funk Evolution requires the involvement of our amazing fans; we need them to do what we do best. Far beyond musicians, Funk Evolution is a team of live entertainers; that’s hard to convey on a recording.
• What are your plans for Funk Evolution in 2017?
We always have something new and exciting up our sleeves. This year we are excited to introduce some new musicians into our group and re-invent ourselves a bit. Our fans can anticipate a fresh energy and exciting new arrangements deeply focused on huge, dynamic horn lines and crazy new vocal harmonies. We’ll be traveling a bunch in 2017, introducing hot new Funk Evolu-
tion venues and continuing to evolve every aspect of our performance. We’re very excited for 2017 and all that we have planned. We can’t wait to share it with everyone.
The upcoming Winter Ball is typically a sold-out event, so attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets soon.
Tickets to the ball, and more information, are available online at spac.org. Proceeds raised at the event support classical and educational programming at SPAC.
“SPAC’s commitment to creative, exciting experiences extends to every program and event we present,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO, in the release. “I am grateful to our dynamic Junior Committee for helping us reach that bar once again with a Winter Ball that will be their best yet. I encourage everyone to join us for this spectacular event to not only have a great time, but to help support SPAC’s extraordinary programming and impact on the community.”
For more information about Funk Evolution visit www.FunkEvolution.com.