Gumbo le Funque, the metro area’s only New Orleans-influenced funk band, will be serving up its brand of NOLA roots music at Aurora’s Zephyr Lounge on Saturday, September 1, 9 p.m. This muscular groove is funky modern roots music that pays homage to the musical melting pot that is the Big Easy. Along with funk/blues/rock classics from the Nevilles and Professor Longhair, the band will also play originals from bandleader/saxophonist Jason Justice. Listen for “Funky Way” and “The Woman is Bad.”
This show also marks the Aurora debut of Gumbo le Funque’s newest band members, vocalist and keyboardist Edwina Hebert (TJ High choir teacher with roots from Breaux Bridge, LA) and bassist Kevin Wall (from Slidell, LA). Also known as “The Cajun Princess” for her bona-fide Acadian lineage, Hebert’s soaring vocals with an edge of sweetness lend heart-wrenching desperation to the lyrics of the band’s cover of “The Letter,” as well as the requisite sass in “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” the Willie Dixon blues classic.
Bassist Kevin Wall is a talented multi-instrumentalist who brings a masterful funk sensibility to every tune he touches. He brings true Louisiana authority to Gumbo le Funque’s music, having been immersed in NOLA’s music from childhood. His saxophonist father was actually a sideman for American legend, Fats Domino. Kevin’s melodic, creative solos are not to be missed.
The band will also be taking donations for the Red Cross, in anticipation of any needs from Hurricane Isaac.
The Zephyr Lounge is at 11940 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora. Show begins at 9 p.m., no cover. Saturday is Ladies’ Night at the Zephyr, so don’t miss the $1.50 jello shots!
See you there?