What Up Funk gives Funk-adelic Performance at Outpost
Jacque BoothbyStaff Reporter
Issue date: 2/24/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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What Up Funk is comprised of seven musicians: three guitarist, two drummers, one keyboardist and one saxophonist. With such a variety of instruments the band can put together beats and tones that are very unusual.
While the music of the band is "funk with a bit of old school" says Kevin Franklin, the group's founder and guitarist, it also seems to encompass some bohemian flare. Their music is very captivating and reminds people of lying on the beautiful beach of a tropical island.
Joseph Bartolotta, a sophomore from Long Valley, NJ said "I was walking by and the melodic music just drew me in!" Bartolotta usually does not come to the Outpost, but the music from the band could not keep him away last Wednesday night.
When asked how the band was established Franklin said "It was just a project I put together." That "project" has certainly come a long way seeing as how the band has since released two CDs and is currently enjoying national recognition.
The band's debut CD is entitled As Funky as You Wanna Be and was a huge success in the Tri-State area. Their second CD, Sofunkful (the music will release you), was released on October 30, 2003.
What Up Funk has been together for about 11 years. Since the beginning, the band has played all over New York and Connecticut. Recently the band performed at Fairfield University, where they had a very successful turnout. What Up Funk has also played at a variety of major clubs, some of which include Toad's Place of New Haven, LeBar Bat of New York City, Mohegan Sun Casino, and a few outdoor festivals such as New York City South Street Seaport and Norwalk's Oyster Festival.
One reason for the band's vast amount of success could be the lyrics to their songs. Most of the words are so positive and upbeat that everyone wants to listen to them. All night the only thing you could see from the audience was bobbing heads and tapping feet; it looked like everyone just wanted to get up and dance.
"They're really jammin' up there," said Tessa Cleveland, a sophomore from Lyndell, PA. Cleveland heard about the band through school e-mails and decided that they sounded interesting enough to check out.
The stage looked amazing. The lights were bright and colorful, the band was really getting into it and the music tied it all together. The audience had such a positive response to What Up Funk and they are welcome back to Sacred Heart anytime.
For more information on What Up Funk's CDs and performance dates, visit the band's website at www.whatupfunk.com.