Transcending genres and trends, Hot 8 have performed and collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Lauryn Hill and Alice Russell to Mos Def to the Blind Boys of Alabama, and were nominated for a Grammy in 2013 for their second album ‘The Life and Times Of…’. 2015’s acclaimed ‘Vicennial – 20 Years of the Hot 8 Brass Band’ LP, exemplifies their ability to honour their city’s musical traditions while forging their own powerful legacy. A celebratory 2016 gold vinyl release of remixes for their renowned version of “Sexual Healing” (for which a new video was also recently launched, gaining 700K hits) has continued to expand on their forward momentum and diverse appeal around their 20th Anniversary milestone. In the live arena, Hot 8 Brass Band continue to win over audiences with their old school street brass approach, fusing it with some harder, funkier currents in the process and juxtaposing magnificent originals with fresh versions of Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, The Specials or Basement Jaxx.

“THE UNSTOPPABLE FUNK HIP HOP DANCE PARTY THAT IS SOPHISTAFUNK”   From their home in Syracuse NY, SOPHISTAFUNK has been traveling from coast to coast and overseas. Last summer, they played 2 sets at Electric Forest Music Festival in ROTHBURY, MI, closing out the fest Sunday night in the Carousel Club.   Sophistafunk is known for their HUGE sound, dank beats, and heady flows. Singer/beatboxer Adam Gold plays four keyboards at once, melting faces with synth bass lines and vintage tones. Drummer Emanuel Washington ignites the dancefloor with pocket grooves and smooth vocals. Energetic front man Jack Brown create his own revolutionary brand of lyrical artistry. Together, they combine into a unique blend of live hip hop, funk, and jam music, often featuring live horns or other musical guests. For this show, they’ll be joined by saxophonist Tommy Weeks, a powerhouse of energy and talent.   Following the success of their anthemic single “No More War” (https://youtu.be/BHF08ZVp4oE), Sophistafunk continues to build momentum in 2020. Some festival highlights include Camp Bisco (PA), Night Lights (NY), Purple Hatter’s Ball (at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park FL), Rain Dance (at Horning’s Hideout OR), Finger Lakes Grass Roots Music Fest (NY), and two of the UK’s biggest festivals: Shambala & BoomTown.

Big Village Little City is a brass-driven hip-hop funk band based out of Brooklyn, New York. Commanding a high energy fusion of funk, jazz, soul, and hip-hop, BVLC is dedicated to creating an experience of release through rhythm and movement. With a combination of hard-hitting New Orleans-style brass, virtuosic rap, and jazz-influenced vocals, BVLC's lyrics draw attention to the human condition as the sound entices the body into the euphoria of dance.