Where funk, pop, rock, jazz and gospel all grace the same stage, The Funkyard Experiment - or "FunkyardX" - bring their soul-laced & groove-heavy sound back to BLU! Featuring Steve Johnson, Leon Turner, Larry Galloway, Jeremiah Napier, Chris George, John Turner, Willie McMillon, Matt Segal, Daniel Spearman, Richard Smith.
In the 70s and early 80s, funk, rock and pop dominated most dance floors. From artists like James Brown, Jimmy Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, Roger & Zapp, Earth Wind & Fire, P Funk, Rick James to the Brothers Johnson; these artists inspired generation after generation.
The Funkyard Experiment emerged in 2013 by founder Steve Johnson. Creatively inspired by these pioneers, adding a twist of gospel, jazz and fusion, the Funkyard sought to create its own unique sound. The band’s musical performances are soul laced and loaded with head nodding funky rhythms powered with massive energy drawn from rock influences. This combination has dazzled every audience that has witnessed their musical wizardry.
The Funkyard Experiment is made up of nine musicians–analog synth players Steve Johnson and Leon Turner, drummer Johnny Blaze Turner, lead guitarist Chris George, bassist Jeremiah Napier, vocalist & rhodes player Willie McMillon III, trumpeter Daniel Spearman, saxophonist Matt Segall, and trombonist Larry Galloway.
The electrifying band is based in Cleveland, OH, the home of Bone, Thugs & Harmony, the legendary O’Jays, Levert, Avant, and the Rude Boys.
In the band’s short time together, they have accumulated an ever growing fan base and have graced the stage with all time greats such as Angie Stone, Boney James and Gerald Albright.
This year, the Funkyard seeks to drop its first single, continue in the expansion of its fan base and grace numerous new stages with its undeniable one in a million talent!
Join us at BLU as we welcome this high-energy, funkified unit back to BLU for a night of great live music that will make you want to move – get your tickets now!