Tank and the Bangas
Tank & the Bangas, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, formed in an open mic show titled “Liberation Lounge” in 2011. Since then, they have taken New Orleans and the international funk scene by storm. Brewing up their own unique mix of funk, soul, hip hop, rock, and spoken word, ‘TaTB’ won the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Contest and were nominated in the Best New Artist category for the 2020 Grammys, as well as Best Progressive R&B Album (2023), Best Global Music Performance (2024), and won Best Spoken Word/Poetry Album in 2025.
Rajul Punjabi (The Village Voice) described the group's debut album ThinkTank as "Sincere and eclectic. Ball’s vocals are strong and versatile—evidence of her childhood in church—and she coasts through sweet melodies and wide-ranging vocal undulations reminiscent of Nicki Minaj’s character voices.”
MonoNeon
MonoNeon is an American bassist and experimental musician from Memphis, Tennessee. He is known for his presence on YouTube playing bass guitar and being one of the last people to work with Prince. MonoNeon is a Grammy Award-winning artist, for his participation on the 2020 Nas album King's Disease. Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has referred to Mono as “the greatest fucking electric bass player”. On November 1, 2022, Fender released the MonoNeon Collection, which included the MonoNeon Jazz Bass V Signature.
MonoNeon has collaborated with artists such as Mavis Staples, George Clinton, Pete Rock, Ne-Yo, Mac Miller, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Ghost-Note, and more. Known for his otherworldly live show, MonoNeon has played Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, and more.
George Porter, Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners
George Porter, Jr. is best known as the bassist of The Meters, along with Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste. The group was formed in the mid 60's and came to be recognized as one of the progenitors of funk then called R&B. The Meters disbanded in 1977 but re-formed in 1989. Today the original group still plays the occasional reunions but the Funky Meters, of which Porter and Neville are still members, most prominently keeps the spirit alive.
Few bass players in the history of modern New Orleans music are as storied as George Porter Jr. During the course of a career spanning more than four decades, Porter has not only made a deep impression with his work in the Meters, but he’s notched session work with artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne, Patti LaBelle, Robbie Robertson, Tori Amos, Taj Mahal, Ryan Montbleau and live performances with Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Warren Haynes, John Scofield, Steve Kimock, Eric Krasno (and including recent studio releases with Warren Haynes and Bill Kreutzmann) just to name a few. Early in his career, Porter worked with seminal New Orleans artists like Allen Toussaint, Earl King, Lee Dorsey, and Johnny Adams, Irma Thomas, The Lastie Brothers again to only name a few.
Porter is also the band leader of his own unique long-term project: The Runnin’ Pardners, well respected not only as a quintessential New Orleans band, the touring band continues to receive accolades on the jam band and festival scene. He has assembled some seasoned and talented musicians to join him on this project. George Porter Jr. plans to keep a smile on his face." I feel like I am working towards something that will be remembered."
Erica Falls and Vintage Soul
Soul singer and songwriter Erica Falls credits her unique vintage sound to her childhood growing up in New Orleans’ 9th Ward, where her parents introduced her to Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn, and Whitney Houston. Whether on stage or in the studio, she channels a sassy, soulful tone that recalls an earlier era. But Erica cautions her fans: “Vintage soul is not about bringing the listener back to a time of authentic music, it’s about reminding them that it never went anywhere,” she says.
Her show-stopping performances did not go unnoticed; Offbeat Magazine nominated Erica twice for Best Female Vocalist in which she won in 2017 and 2019. She was also nominated for Best R&B Artist and Best R&B Album. Throughout her career, Erica has recorded and performed with icons including Grammy-winner Allen Toussaint, Sting, No Doubt, Joe Sample, Dr. John, Jennifer Hudson, and John Fogerty, among others.
Erica has toured nationally with renowned New Orleans funk band Galactic as their lead vocalist for the last 5 years, but she made the decision to leave that position and nurture her solo career. In 2024, Erica released her new LP ‘Emotions’ with her backing group, Vintage Soul. Written during the pandemic, the full-length studio work reflects Falls’ experience living life as a Black woman during a tumultuous time. With lyrics that invite listeners to ride a roller coaster of human sentiments, Emotions digs deep into love, sadness, frustration, fear, grief, marginalization, joy, doubt, encouragement, and release.
Polyrhythmics
Polyrhythmics’ sound originated in Seattle’s underground deep funk scene combining impossibly tight grooves with bold brass and hypnotic percussion that showcased elements of R&B, progressive jazz, and Afrobeat which defined the instrumental group’s early era sound.
Now on their 15th year as a recording project and touring ensemble, the band’s sound continues to evolve with the 2023 release of their seventh full length album Filter System. As journalist Bee Getz writes, “it feels something like a new beginning for these fellas; Filter System is filled with uptempo dance tunes, crunkadelic bangers, and dusty blunted safaris-in-sound”.
Polyrhythmics virtuosic musicianship and musical conversation has been built on a relentless touring schedule of the previous decade which has led them to their current sound that fills a room with an impending mood where anything could happen - sometimes evoking their brighter and cinematic Fela-influences, but also a more sinister and darker turn toward a more a progressive sonic palette combining psych-funk with dub reggae, film noir “and galaxies beyond.”
Polyrhythmics recently released their full-length LP, ‘Life From Below’, featuring vocalist Adryon De Leon to support the brave new direction the band has taken. Look forward to Adryon (one of the 2026 Olympia Funk Festival artists-at-large!) joining Polyrhythmics on stage!
Eddie Roberts and The Lucky Strokes
If luck is what happens when hard work meets opportunity, the union of Eddie Roberts & The Lucky Strokes epitomizes that adage. The New Mastersounds’ guitarist and bandleader has a knack for leaning into individual strengths and that sensibility is evidenced through his recruitment of Mississippi-based guitarist and vocalist, Shelby Kemp, who brings a Southern rock grit and candid, nimble songwriting to team up with the Tampa Bay-based Galbraith sisters who possess a simpatico rhythm section chemistry only found within a family bloodline. Powered by the urbane guitar playing and production of Roberts, and you have a new tour de force ensemble that makes listeners stop in their tracks the same way Roberts did upon hearing the talents of Kemp and the Galbraith Sisters.
The quartet first teamed up to perform Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom’s 20th Anniversary party in Denver, CO, and recorded a full-length record at Color Red Studios the next day to further solidify the newly forged musical connection. The sound is an amalgamation of celebrated country lyricists such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and George Jones mixed with the rhythmically driven aesthetics of James Brown and rounded out by honest rock ‘n’ roll - a combination slated to make its own luck and take the scene by storm.
Toyesauce
Headed by Nashville guitarist Leon Toye, Toyesauce is an experimental collaborative funk music project, uniting killer artists from New Orleans, Nashville, and Austin. Featuring a rotating cast of all-star guests, Toysauce has featured the music industry’s tightest musicians, including George Porter, Jr. (The Meters), Stanton Moore (Galactic), Aurélien Barnes (The Rumble), Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk), Jeff Coffin (The Flecktones), and countless others.
While no two Toyesauce performances seem to be identical, all in attendance can count on a few things: tight grooves, stellar musicianship, unique improvisation, and good times by all.
Psycodelics
Coming highly reviewed and suggested by our funk friends and artists, up-and-coming The Psycodelics from Charleston, North Carolina wowed the crowd on the latest 2025 Jam Cruise. Awarded City Paper’s 2021 Soul/R&B Act of the Year, The Psycodelics’ flavor of Black American music has blended foundations of blues, jazz and disco with fresh funk rock. With a stage presence as multifaceted and emotive as its lineup, the already-potent sound retains even greater magic to make you get up and dance.
Eldridge Gravy & The Court Supreme
ELDRIDGE GRAVY & THE COURT SUPREME is a funk juggernaut. Backed by the hot, gritty orchestration of the 12 member Court Supreme, front man Eldridge Gravy easily works dance floors to a fever pitch with his full-bore performance and smooth rapport with the audience.
In 2024, the group released their fifth studio album titled ALWAYS NEVER NOT A GOOD TIME. The ten tracks here run the gamut from funk to disco-funk to down-n-dirty funk, and provide all the necessary raw materials for getting down. Recorded at the Funk Castle, mixed by Floyd Reitsma at Studio Litho.
Over the past few years EG&tCS have headlined practically every prestigious venue in Seattle and Portland, including Crocodile, Neumos, Tractor Tavern, Showbox, Doug Fir Lounge, and Star Theater. They have also ruthlessly funked thousands of festivalgoers at Bumbershoot, the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, July 4th at Gasworks Park, and Summer Meltdown. Olympia is excited to welcome back founding friends of the Olympia Funk Festival!
Sgt. Splendor f. Kate Vargas & Eric McFadden
Before joining forces, the duo behind Sgt. Splendor were already formidable solo artists, Kate Vargas chalking up acclaim at outlets like NPR, HuffPost, SPIN, No Depression ,Rolling Stone, and Vice (including praise from the “Dean of American Rock Critics” Robert Christgau).
Eric McFadden has amassed an impressive resume including stints on guitar with George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars, Anders Osbourne, Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, and Eric Burdon & The Animals, plus a slew of solo albums, and session work and gigs with everyone from Jackson Browne to The Clash’s Joe Strummer.
“Tom Waits’ music has always been a point of connection for me & Kate. While our musical approaches differ, they’re also kindred and share a lot of common elements. Our Southwestern upbringing comes through—that sort of mysterioso desert thing—but also a carnivalesque Waits-ian vibe. The new record is a bit more cohesive but still eclectic. Kind of an Alt-Funk, Desert Roots, Dirty Blues, Rock thing. Our styles have always been complementary.” Vargas concurs: “Sgt. Splendor really feels like a combination of both of us—equally.”
Among the players who have accompanied Sgt Splendor in the studio and on stage are Dave Schools (Widespread Panic), Norwood Fisher & Angelo Moore (Fishbone), Dominic Davis (Jack White), Paulo Baldi (Les Claypool), Falcon Greenwell (Tedeschi Trucks), Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads).
Andy Coe Band
With a rich background in jazz and a joyful enthusiasm for blues and psychedelic rock, Andy Coe is recognized as a deeply intuitive, emotive guitarist. As an architect of sound and style, Coe draws in listeners, making collective exploration and resolution accessible across genres.
Andy has performed in many bands including Andy Coe Band, Rashied Ali Quintet, Robert Walter's 20th Congress, Skerik Bandalabra, Clinton Fearon, McTuff and many more.
Andy Coe Band:
Originally formed to pay tribute to guitar hero and folk legend Jerry Garcia, the Andy Coe Band has evolved into the liveliest psychedelic jam band to come out of the Pacific Northwest in years. Guitarist Andy Coe, with Gary Palmer on keys, Chris Jones on bass, and Scott Goodwin on drums, deliver stellar improvisational tunes in mystical proportions.
Mega Cat
In the summer of 2020, Aaron Benson (drums, percussion, guitar) and his wife Emily began hosting weekly bonfires at their home. Keyboardist Kim West and her husband Ryan Devlin (of Smokey Brights) were in regular attendance, along with a handful of neighbors and friends. It was the era of lockdown and social distancing, and the Benson bonfires became a sanctuary of connection. The tradition lasted until autumn’s arrival and the notorious Seattle rain that came with it.
With the skies darkening, Aaron asked Kim and Ryan if they’d care to come into his home studio, Mad Val, and hear some of the great drum sounds he was getting. This first spark inspired the three musicians to join forces and jam: Kim on her electric piano and synthesizer, Ryan on bass, and Aaron on kit and running tape op. With no direction other than the joy of making music, they played for hours on end. The compositions came naturally, and with the liberty of no expectations, the trio found themselves combining sounds, genres, and textures in surprising ways. The first session was labeled “KRA 1,” for Kim, Ryan, and Aaron.
By the time the group got to “KRA 18” almost two years later, the world was beginning to reemerge. Joined by guitarist Dave Dederer (Presidents of the United States of America), percussionist Jacob Whinihan (Special Explosion, Scarves) and a horn session of Jason Cressey (trombone), Peter Daniel (sax and flute), and Bill Jones (trumpet), they settled on a name for their genre bending, interstellar instrumental music project: Mega Cat.
Funkways
American music artist, Joel Ricci (Lucky Brown, and The S.G.’s), writes and records in his tiny forest cabin in the foothills of the North Olympic Mountains on the Olympic peninsula. When called to do so, he assembles and conducts dynamic live public ceremonies/spectacles employing some of the most sought-after Funk and Jazz artists in the Seattle area. Via his dozens of self-produced "deep funk" vinyl singles released in Europe over the past two decades, he has been hailed by music mavens worldwide as a deep funk pioneer.
His latest live ritual, “Funkways” is an all-original rhythmic endeavor kicking up dust at the crossroads of primitive funk and vernacular jazz. In the words of the artist: “Funkways’ mission is to commemorate, celebrate, and consecrate true soul music as played from the heart, and to engender cultural health by promoting greater neighborhood social cohesion through the ancient practice of collective dance and community voice-raising. It is our aim to publicly generate live dance music that encourages the metabolization of body-held trauma as the result of survival in the belly of a brutal empire that seeks to disconnect, dominate, and dehumanize its subjects.”
McTuff
Hammond organist Joe Doria brings together some of the best of the NW music scene to create a powerful and jaw-dropping funk and jazz sound like you’ve never heard, exhibiting a mix of stellar musicianship, seasoned songwriting and deep groove where no musical stone gets unturned. McTuff is best experienced LIVE. It’s a movin’ and groovin’ adventure that you will not soon forget.
McTuff began in 2008 as an ode to jazz organ greats Jimmy Smith and Captain Jack McDuff, and has since evolved into a versatile and exciting group that has performed across the nation. McTuff has performed at Bumbershoot, the New Orleans Jazz Fest, as well as festivals and venues all over the US. The band has also held a residency at Seattle’s legendary Seamonster Lounge for over five years. Their Tuesday night show has become regular stop for local and traveling musicians including Skerik, Allen Stone, Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), G Love (and Special Sauce), Blake Lewis, Kevin Sawka, and many others.
The members of McTuff have performed and toured with an impressive list of world-renowned groups and artists including Carlos Santana, Stanton Moore, Ravi Coltrane, Bobby Previte, Michael Shrieve, Mike Stern and many others.
The Gold Souls
The driving grooves of funk, rich textures of soul, and the compelling storytelling of the blues converge through The Gold Souls’ unique brand of boogie. Captivating lyrics tell modern tales, while fresh arrangements propel a classic sound, inspiring audiences everywhere with positive messages straight from the heart to the dance floor.
Led by the dynamic Juniper Waller, the group is made up of young talent hailing from the Bay and Sacramento areas. With Alex Severson on the keys, Billy D. Thompson on the drums, Madison Armstrong on saxophone, Liliana Moore on trumpet, Kari Anne Estrada on trombone, Chris Paisley on guitar, and Avery Jeffry on bass, each member has a hand in writing and song composition, making The Gold Souls a truly collaborative effort.
"The Gold Souls [are] crafting good-time music while never losing sight of its implications about life, the self and the soul." – Submerge Magazine
NW D'Lux
NW D’Lux is the brainchild of acclaimed drummer D’Vonne Lewis - A musical journey through the legendary sounds of the Northwest and Seattle’s rich musical history. This dynamic ensemble, composed of some of Seattle’s top musicians, is a celebration of iconic bands and artists that have left an indelible mark on the region. NW D’Lux ventures into the catalogs of legends such as Nirvana, The Ventures, The Sonics, the Kingsmen, Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Ernestine Anderson, and even pays homage to D’Vonne’s grandfather, the renowned Seattle-based organist Dave Lewis.
NW D’Lux features D’Vonne Lewis (Drums), Darelle Holden (Vocals), Tim Kennedy (Keys), Cliff Colon (Sax), RL Heyer (Guitar/Vocals), Osama Afifi (Bass), and Jerome Smith (Trombone).
Marmalade
Marmalade is a dynamic musical collective hailing from the vibrant city of Seattle, known for their eclectic and energetic performances. Founded in the early 2000s, the group quickly made a name for itself in the local music scene through its unique blend of Funk, Hip-hop, R&B, Reggae, Afrobeat, Acid Jazz, and Rock music, infused with a spirit of improvisation and a palpable passion for live performance. The band's lineup has been fluid over the years, featuring a rotating cast of talented musicians, but the core ethos of creating an electrifying and inclusive atmosphere at their shows has remained constant.
The hallmark of Marmalade's sound lies in their ability to seamlessly blend a variety of musical styles and influences. From the deep, resonant grooves of classic funk to the heart-stirring rhythms of soul, along with elements of hip-hop, jazz, and rock, their music is a testament to the rich tapestry of American musical traditions. This sonic diversity is matched by their live performances, which are known for their spontaneity and energy. Marmalade's shows are more than just concerts; they are communal experiences where the barrier between the performers and the audience dissolves, giving way to a shared celebration of rhythm and movement.
Luna Melt
Hailing from Olympia, Washington, Luna Melt effortlessly blends elements of funk, soul, R&B, and jazz to create a unique sound that keeps audiences on their feet. Inspired by the likes of Herbie Hancock, the Brecker Brothers and Patti Labelle, Luna Melt puts their own modern twist on the classic funk sound. Their original compositions are filled with infectious hooks, catchy melodies, and tight horn arrangements that transport listeners back to the golden age of funk while also incorporating contemporary elements.
With their irresistible groove and undeniable charisma, Luna Melt is a force to be reckoned on the funk scene. Whether they're performing at intimate clubs or outdoor festivals, Luna Melt's magnetic energy and undeniable talent never fail to create an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for the latest updates and releases from Luna Melt as they continue to spread their funk-infused magic worldwide. Get ready to melt into the groove with Luna Melt!
Moon Scooter
An offshoot of the cosmic funk band Luna Melt, Moon Scooter invites you to take a ride across the lunar landscape of funk, jazz, and boogie-woogie. This quartet promises a groovy trip of improvisation over original tunes and thoughtful deep-cut covers. Featuring Theo Ragan on keys, James Schneider and Daniel Landin trading double-duty on bass and guitar, and held down by Ahmer Nizam on drums, Moon Scooter has been honing their chops to provide delicious jams for Olympia and beyond!
Ethan Tucker Band - Featured Soul Brunch Artist
Ethan Tucker’s trademark mix of acoustic roots and layered electric guitars—paired with an unmistakably soulful, blues-tinged vocal—has drawn the attention of peers and legends alike.
Born in Olympia, Washington, Ethan has toured the country with Jimmy Cliff, Buddy Guy, and The Wailers, and has shared national stages supporting Slightly Stoopid and G-Love.
With his release Misunderstood on Stoopid Records (May 5, 2015), Ethan’s love of collaboration shines across the 11-song album, created with producer Mario Caldato Jr. (Beastie Boys, Jack Johnson, G. Love) and featuring special guests Money Mark, Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), and Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta). The record captures a cohesive coming-of-age from an artist whose fans affectionately call him “ET”—even though he famously doesn’t wear shoes.
“Ethan is amazing at whatever he does. Singing, strumming, shredding the guitar on leads, or just making people smile. He’s good at it all. His latest album Misunderstood has many variations of styles. My favorite song off it is ‘This Has All Been a Dream.’ It best captures Ethan’s talent and personality. Good music is great, but when the personality and character of the person making the music is just as great, there ain’t nothin’ better.” — Kyle McDonald, Slightly Stoopid