Coconut Monkey

Funkus is one of Orlando's most prolific and enduring bands. Dubbed 'flavor rock' and declared 'a guilty pleasure' (Orlando Weekly), their 'groove heavy precision' (Orlando Sentinel) and often surprising blend of musical genres have inspired audiences statewide to move, groove and gather since 1998. Since the group's inception 14 years ago to becoming 'Orlando jazz-groove staples' (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay), the band has played at festivals and hundreds of venues all over the state and has independently released four studio albums. Toni Brown, author, musician and former publisher/editor of Relix Magazine, writes: 'Funkus fits neatly into the eclectic jamband musical melting pot. The band possesses powerful blues leanings and intense R&B and funk rhythms. With an emphasis on meaningful songwriting and free-form jam exploration, their songs range from quirky and catchy to emotionally moving. The combination results in highly danceable, energetic grooves that reach dizzying, intoxicating highs or soothing, spiritual lows.' Indeed, original members Dave Mann (guitar) and Adam Freeman (drums) provide the distinguishing characteristics the band has thrived on from the beginning. With the addition of Brian Burgess (bass), a newly relocated, well-known Tallahassee musician, and longtime Orlando music fixture Bill Bairley (keys), Funkus's current line-up marks the most musically adventurous incarnation of the band to date. The brand new record chronicles the past five eventful years of change and marks a new beginning for one of Orlando's longest running bands. The Players: Adam Freeman - Drums Bill Bairley - Keyboards, pedal steel, rain stick, guitar, vocals Brian Burgess - Bass, vocals, monkey screams Dave Mann - Guitar, vocals Avis Berry - Vocals Chuck Crawley - Drums, percussion David Whittaker - Bass Sharif Mekawy - Keyboards, vocals Anthony Cole - Saxophone, meatloaf Clay 'Bonedaddy' Watson - Trombone Paul Viani - Saxophone.