By ASHLEY CENTERS For Inland360
Formed in 2003 after an anonymous individual placed a newspaper ad looking to form a band, Five Alarm Funk knew it had something magical from the first beat. Audiences have been grooving to the band’s funk and fusion ever since -- and according to timbales player Richard Valentine, they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
The eight-piece ensemble is bringing an amalgam of funk, reggae and progressive rock to the dance floor at John’s Alley Friday in Moscow as part of a tour celebrating the release of its seventh studio album, “Sweat,” which won the 2017 Western Canadian Music Award for Instrumental Album of the Year. Other stops include Boise, and Portland and Eugene in Oregon.
“Patrons can expect to see a man in a tutu ride a shark across the stage and then that same shark lace a blistering conga solo,” Valentine said. “People can expect to dance and laugh and smile. We perform with passion and integrity and with grace. Also, we wear funny outfits.”
The band, hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, is no stranger to John’s Alley or Moscow and members said they look forward to some late-night, post-show Sweaty Teddy’s (steamed bagels), from Moscow Bagel and Deli -- if it’s still there (they are).
“I personally love watching people dance and laugh at shows,” Valentine said. “We are very honest in our performance, and that allows a deep connection with the audience. Humor is a primary ingredient in our music soup.”
In addition to touring, Five Alarm Funk is working on a new single titled “The Wheels on the Bus," which pays homage to the touring life and the band’s audiences.
Band members are Gabe Boothroyd on guitar, Oliver Gibson on guitar, Jay Smith on bass, Tayo Branston on drums and vocals, Tom Towers on congas, Richard Valentine on timbales (or as he referred to them, cowbell), Eli Bennett on saxophone and Kent Wallace on trumpet.
IF YOU GO
WHO: Five Alarm Funk WHEN: 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 WHERE: John’s Alley Tavern, 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow COST: $7
