Photos and Review by Jolene Rheault
CHARLOTTE, NC — Saturday night in Charlotte had a heartbeat, and it was pulsing straight out of Thomas Street Tavern. Funkwondo, the self-proclaimed practitioners of “the art of funk,” brought their grooves back to home turf with fresh energy, a brassier lineup, and the debut of their latest single, Malfunktion. If you weren’t already moving when you walked in, you didn’t stand a chance once the band locked in.
The new additions—auxiliary percussion and trombone—were more than just extra layers. They were the spark that thickened Funkwondo’s already deep pocket. Every accent, every punch of brass, every shimmer of rhythm kept the crowd tuned in and turned up. This wasn’t just funk—it was an ecosystem of sound where every player fed off each other in real time.
Set one wasted no time in flexing the band’s range. Their cover of Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf) felt like an invocation, setting the groove-heavy tone for the night. Originals like Last Train to Raleigh and Wondo’s House proved that Funkwondo isn’t just about channeling the classics—they’re writing the next chapter. But it was the high-octane takes on Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley and Bad Mama Jama that turned the room into a living, breathing dance floor.
If the first set was a warm-up, the second set was pure ignition. Disco Inferno lit the place on fire in the best possible way, while Keep Up and Dr. Wondo DDS showed off the band’s knack for stretching out a jam without ever losing the thread. Forever on the Run and Malfunktion stamped the set with Funkwondo’s own evolving sound—soulful, playful, and just unpredictable enough to keep everyone hooked. The surprise of the night came when special guest Chris Jan of Council Ring stepped up to deliver a fiery take on I’m a Man, bringing the crowd to a full-throated roar.
The encore was a barn-burner: Brick House > Shakedown Street > Brick House. Funkwondo leaned all the way in, trading grooves and stretching jams until the whole room was moving as one. It was the kind of closer that made the house lights feel criminal when they finally clicked on.
Seven originals across the evening showcased a band that isn’t just riding the wave of funk nostalgia—they’re carving out their own lane. Funkwondo embodies what live music should be: spontaneous, communal, and irresistibly fun. Their philosophy of funk as both art form and playful experiment shines through in every measure, and Charlotte is lucky to claim them as hometown heroes.
By the time the night wrapped, nobody looked ready to leave. Funkwondo didn’t just play a show at Thomas Street Tavern—they threw down a groove sermon, and everyone in the room left a little lighter on their feet.
fuelthescene.com 