Five Alarm Funk are taking their fourth studio album, Rock the Sky, on the road. Nominated for ‘Instrumental Album of the Year’ at the 2013 Juno Awards and ‘Instrumental Recording of the Year’ at the 2013 WCMAs, fans will be able to enjoy the band live on their cross-Canada summer tour, kicking off on June 21 in Kelowna, BC.
As the name implies, and the epic Pegasus on the cover attests, Rock the Sky has the band embracing their rock influences. “Iron Pegasus” is Iron Maiden meeting Tower of Power in an Egyptian bazaar, while “Wash Your Face” evokes Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock fighting to the death. The funk is not forgotten in “The Critic”, with heavy baritone sax propelling a slow and sexy groove.
On stage the group is an unstoppable orgy of energy. Ten musicians perform intricate and airtight arrangements with delirious dance moves and full-on head banging. Choreographed arm movements coincide with melodic climaxes, while the four percussionists create a true spectacle, not to be missed.
The horn powered, percussion fuelled sonic and visual assault has brought their relentless and unforgettable live show to clubs and major festivals across Canada and the United States for over a decade. Touring around in their trusty 15-passenger van numerous times, they have built their fan base from the ground up. From over 500 Five Alarm Funk shows some highlights include: Vancouver Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest, Shambhala, Sunfest in London Ontario, Ness Creek Festival in Saskatchewan, Summer Meltdown in Washington, the Keelung Mid-Summer Festival in Taiwan, and numerous sold-out shows at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver.
Five Alarm Funk is:
Gabe Boothroyd – Guitar
Oliver Gibson – Guitar
Neil Towers – Bass
Tayo Branston – Drums/Vocals
Justin Kennedy – Percussion/Vocals
Tom Towers – Congas
Carl Julig – Timbales
Nimish Parekh – Trombone
Dameian Walsh – Tenor Saxophone
Kent Wallace – Trumpet
Just watched you guys at the Sunfest and you guys rocked!!!! should play in london more often you guys have alot of fans!! p.ss you guys aree alll a great looking bunch!!!
Fantastic show at the Tractor Tav in Ballard, WA last night. Perfect way to celebrate my 50th b-day. Best band I’ve seen live in years.
Anything scheduled for Saskatchewan? Preferably Prince Albert or Saskatoon. I’ve seen a couple of videos of your performances on YouTube and just recently saw the band live at Ness Creek. And what I remember of it was awesome! Lol. Wants/needs to see more!
Possibly late November. Stay tuned!
Hi FAF,
I just attended your show last night at Sunfest. It was our third time – and was just amazing. Thanks.
I do have a question: The musician that usually plays the Shekere was not at last night’s show. Has he been replaced or is he not in the band anymore?
Suggestion: Not that you guys need any more depth to your sound, but have you considered a keyboard player to add to your “wall of sound”?
All the best on the rest of your tour.
Justin – the shekere player was in the process of having a baby so had to miss a few shows but he’s back now!
Hey you guys were soooomuch fun at Sunfest yesterday in London, Ontario. When are you coming back to this area?
Great job at Sunfest Sat afternoon guys!
Short but sweet – should have done an encore. Bass was a little over powering (and I love bass). Come back to Ontario soon!
When are you guys playing again in Vancouver?! We caught your show at the jazz festival and can’t wait to see more!
Nothing scheduled yet but possibly in the fall. Stay tuned!