GB/Funk/Dance
Funkytown is one of New England's most sought after dance bands for weddings, private parties and corporate functions. This dynamic and energetic band features two singers who perform an extraordinary variety of music for dancing and listening. Music choices include jazz standards, R&B, classic and contemporary rock, funk, soul, jump and Texas blues, reggae, Brazilian, Calypso, Ska and much more.
Derrik Jordan is a soulful lead vocalist who plays electric violin, keyboards and percussion. He has sung national commercials, performed in numerous New England-based bands and has produced jazz, children's, folk and Native American independent recordings. In 1992 he made his national recording debut on "Right As Rain," a compilation CD to benefit the rainforest that featured Jerry Garcia and Paul Winter. His songs have been recorded by Angela Bofill and O.C. Smith among others. He has released three CDs of his original music -"Expecting A Miracle" (1997), co-produced with Tom "T-Bone" Wolk (Hall & Oates, Carly Simon), "Touch The Earth" (2002) and "SuperString Theory" (2003). His song "Something's Gonna Change" won top honors as 2002 Reggae Song Of The Year from Just Plain Folks, the world's largest songwriter organization.
Todd Royce is a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. Royce has been a prominent player in New England and beyond since the early 90's, notably during his tenure with the nationally known "Eight to The Bar." Lighting up stages and exciting audiences with his exceptional guitar playing and singing, he is in demand for recording sessions from Vermont to New York. Todd has shared the stage with many of the best in blues including dates with Roomful Of Blues, NRBQ, Texas Flood and Duke Robillard. He has composed music for film and has released a full length original CD, "Step Into The Light," for which he received favorable reviews from mainstream critics. His style draws from the great blues rock and jazz guitarists while developing a singular sound and approach all his own. Royce is an alumnus of The Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Paul Venezia is a versatile bassist, performing on electric upright bass and electric bass guitar. Playing professionally since the age of 15, Paul has toured the US and Europe with Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, worked extensively with Vermont's Al Alessi, including performances at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Paul has also performed with numerous other acts throughout New England. His recent projects include Hipology and recording in his home studio.
PJ Donahue, drummer, has performed from the tip of Maine to southern Florida and has accumulated countless hours behind his kit onstage, on the road and in the studio. Providing the backbeat for a variety of groups has given him diverse experience in many styles, though funk, R&B and blues remain his forte. He has performed with The Radio Junkies and Brick House and has opened for Maceo Parker, Semisonic and The Radiators.
Erik Lawrence (Funkytown's optional fifth member) plays saxophones and flutes. He began playing sax at five years old under the guidance of his father, jazz musician, founder of the New School of Jazz in NYC. He has received a Meet-the-Composer Grant for his writing and has performed solo improvised saxophone at Carnegie Recital Hall in New York. Erik has performed and/or recorded with numerous artists in his roles as sideman and bandleader including Bob Dylan, Buddy Miles, Branford Marsalis, The Band,The Spin Doctors and Chico Hamilton
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