Something About Funk:30...
On a moonless December night 2005, three guys – practically strangers - met in a remote studio hidden among the hills and vines of East Paso Robles. The guitar player brought a couple guitars, an amp, and a bad attitude. The bass player was there because the ad said “funk and blues” and figured anything in that territory couldn’t be all bad. The drummer sat half hidden behind toms and cymbals, checking out the other two, calculating whether his vision for the band had even a 50-50 shot at happening.

From such inauspicious beginnings, the band that was to become known as Funk:30 was born.

First order of business: finding a unique approach to playing live while avoiding the musically mundane. The band spent several months developing what would become the Funk:30 sound, diving into blues, rock, funk and R&B, tweaking traditional arrangements along the way.

Just one thing missing – gutsy, soulful vocals. So the band set their sights on adding the last major piece. Enter Brett Hoover, established central coast blues and R&B vocalist, formerly of The Blues Angels, and currently lending his talents to the hugely successful Cinders blues band.

With the core lineup finalized, Funk:30 quickly and emphatically established their presence at wineries, fundraisers, select clubs, backyards, boardwalks, festival stages and parks up and down the central coast. And the guitarist eventually got his attitude adjustment.

Today...
Committed to the success of your event, Funk:30 blends professionalism with exemplary musicianship. Material arrives from a spectrum of artists that spans Robben Ford to Tommy Castro, Al Green to Al Wilson, Talking Heads to Rare Earth and Duke Ellington to the Beatles. Guest artists occasionally join in, expanding the sonic palate from which the band can draw.

But none of that matters if it isn’t fun to hear and easy to dance to. Says guitarist Terry Cline, “If it doesn’t move, it doesn’t stay in the set.” Jeff Smith, drummer and founder, concurs “It’s all working when both the band and the audience are feeling the song, feeding on the energy.” Holding down the low end, bassist John Van Eps adds “I’ve played in plenty of bands, but nothing compares to the response this band can generate.”

And isn’t that the point? Bands are hired to make events memorable; the best bands transform casual gatherings into celebrations. And that makes your brand the winner. If you want to leave your guests with a lasting, positive impression about your event or organization, then bring on the best.

Funk:30 delivers, guaranteed.

Brett has been singing - and playing cowbell - in various local bands for the last 25 years, including a year's stint fronting a band in Lake Tahoe.

A blues enthusiast, Brett's earliest influences include Joe Cocker, David Clayton Thomas, and The Beatles.

His main goal in life is not being the last one to get to practice.

Raised on Yes, Kansas, and Rush, Jeff embraced funk after hearing Tower of Power, and now calls The L.A. Express and The Beat Disciples among his favorites.

Influences include Steve Smith, Phil Ehart, Neil Peart, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, and David Garibaldi.

He’ll play quietly if you ask him. Repeatedly.

A recovering trombone player, Eppy switched to bass about 20 years ago.

Since then, he has played jazz, funk, blues and salsa with numerous local groups. He enjoys playing most when people are dancing.

He’s considering going back to trombone after playing with these guys.