How Funky Did Columbus Get? Funk’N Beer Fest Funky!
Stuff like The Funk’N Beer Festival is a seldom occurrence: the perfect mix of atmosphere, vibes, and music run by an amazing staff in the perfect venue. Two nights filled with glorious funk and a crowd there for one reason: to have an awesome time. That’s exactly what The Funk’N Beer Fest was, a wondrous celebration of music, love and beer.
The Bluestone hosted this dazzling spectacle in all of its glory. I can’t think of a cooler place to house such fantastic acts such as Big Gigantic, The Floozies and Turkuaz. The Bluestone is a 100+year-old church right in the heart of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Whoever built this place deserves a medal. The stained glass windows withstood hurricane-force bass, the balcony withstood an elated crowd, and the sound was glorious.
When the Music Hits, You Feel No Pain
Doors opened at 7 pm both nights, but the music didn’t start for at least another hour. At first, I was a bit nervous; it was 8:15 pm, and there were only around 100-200 people there, but no one shows up to a good party on time. Friday night kicked off with Wax Future on the side stage. These two dudes bring hip hop beats drenched in funk juice. Guitarist Keith Wadsworth and producer/DJ Connor Hansell brought the heat on the coldest night of the year. Guitar solos accompanied by dirty bass got the crowd ready for Friday night’s first headliner, Turkuaz.
Turkuaz is Everything a Funk-Ready Heart Needs
This amazing ensemble is made up of nine the most talented musicians you can see on the same stage at the same time. David Brandwein (vocals/guitar), Taylor Shell (bass), Craig Brodhead (guitar, keys), Michelangelo Carubba (drums), Chris Brouwers (trumpet, keys), Greg Sanderson (tenor sax), Josh Schwartz (baritone sax, vocals), Sammi Garett (vocals), and Shira Elias took the stage at 9:30. Each member of this group brings a unique and spectacular sound which helps create an overwhelming fabulous set. The next hour and a half was nothing short of brilliant. Their luminous outfits helped their colors shine brightly in this historic venue. The musical communication on stage allowed each performer to share their talents with a thrilled crowd.
Also, they all have great shoes.
Let’s Get Dirty
Vibes were through the roof after Turkuaz left the stage as SoDown quickly took over the energy of the Funk’N Beer Festivalcrowd. Nine people were replaced by one guy with one purpose, to make people fucking dance. To say he overachieved his goal is an understatement. SoDown is a healthy mix of funk, hip hop, ’90s hits, and bass; everywhere I looked people were getting so down and dirty. Security worked tirelessly to keep the walkway clear, but people kept dancing their way up behind the stage. He played on the side stage and brought enough energy to power the sound system for the upcoming headliner, The Floozies.
Nooo They Weren’t Ready
The Floozies nearly blew out the windows of The Bluestone while they simultaneously blew the minds of every person in that building, an hour and a half of spellbinding music that cannot be put into just one genre. These brothers bring something unique to every show. Their seamless song transitions barely gave the crowd a chance to catch their collective breath. A blinding light show and wild lasers, accompanied by thunderous beats, incendiary guitar, funktastic saxophone and heart-stopping drums made for a wondrous end to a thrilling night.
Saturday
As Saturday night rolled in, I could barely contain my excitement. In just four hours, Big Gigantic, one of my favorite live bands, were going to take the stage and play to a sold-out crowd. Before they could close out Funk’N Beer Fest, there were five more groups to get the crowd pumped up and ready.
The side stage had a more relaxed vibe that night when compared to Friday. Squirple was a name I had heard before, but I wasn’t familiar with their sound, nor had I had the pleasure of seeing live. I guess I would classify them as trance/dance rock? Echoing vocals, beatboxing, acoustic guitar loops, and a wild synth help bring you on a musical journey. Keep an eye on these Columbus natives; I think they’re going to be going a part of the festival season soon.
Flamingosis
New Jersey-based producer and electronic musician Flamingosis took the main stage after the duo Harok finished off a soulful and dance-heavy set. Each song that this New Jersey native played is a bit celestial with classic funk and disco samples scattered throughout. His sound is unique yet also familiar. It invites you out for drinks, and before you know it you’re hammered and dancing the night away. Flamingosis had to share the stage with all of Big Gigantic’s instruments and gear, which did take a bit away from his set. This may be my only complaint about all of Funk’N Beer Festival.
Big Gigantic Closes Out a Spectacular Weekend
After Ghost Gardens was done commanding the crowd, it was time for Big Gigantic to take the stage. Silence filled the room for just a moment before the crowd erupted. That energy didn’t cease for one moment throughout their nearly two-hour set. These two guys bring nothing but infectious good vibes to the stage. Dressed head to toe in all white, their spiritually cleansing music is fueled by soulful saxophone solos and resounding drum beats.
With Dominic Lalli on sax and Jeremy Salken on drums, there’s not much else you could want from a live show. There aren’t many people who can do what Dominic Lalli can. Simultaneously playing the saxophone, pumping a crowd, dancing and deejaying is no easy task. He does it with grace and with passion. One of the highlights of their set happened once the music stopped. Jeremy Salken left his drumset and made sure anyone who wanted a high five or handshake got one. Moments like this are what music is about. It’s about bringing people together to celebrate something they love with people they care about. Thank you Funk’N Beerfor making this possible. I sure I am not alone in hoping that this isn’t a one-time event.
Full Photo Recap of Funk’N Beer Below!
