Phunkplayah

PHUNKPLAYAH & The Faculty Of FUNK comes as a full band when bringing that "OLD SCHOOL FUNK"/ CLASSIC R&B-SOUL from the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Suppose his Contemporary Smooth Jazz, Jazz Funk, Latin Jazz, and Mood/Erotic Jazz show is requested. In that case, it can come as a "One Man Band" show, Duo, or Trio depending on the size of the venue, the specifics of your event, and your budget......all with the same sound of a full band thanks to today's technology.

“ PHUNKPLAYAH’S 411”

Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Kirby L. Hamilton, Jr. (aka “Phunkplayah”) has been active in the music industry for over three decades as an Artist, Studio Musician, Producer, Arranger, Entertainment Director, Special Events Coordinator, Promoter, Nightclub Manager, Director of Marketing, and Educator. He received his Bachelor of Science in Music from Winston-Salem State University, and during the same year of graduation, recorded with platinum R&B/Funk recording artists “Brick,” known for such hits as “Dazz”, “Ain’t Gone Hurt Nobody”, and “Dusic”. After a brief stay in Atlanta, he returned to North Carolina where he recorded his first singles “You’re In Good Hands” and “I’m Trying”, followed by the LP “RIP Life”. After receiving regional airplay in the southeast, and being recognized by Billboard Magazine as “Pick Hit of The Week” with the single “A Different Place” (from the RIP Life LP), he relocated to Palm Springs, California where he continued his musical career as drummer (and later bass player) for the local favorites “Tonal Eclipse”. During this time he was recording Muzak and local television theme songs while teaching in the public school system. The group disbanded after their sold-out debut performance at the famous Hollywood Palace in Hollywood California.

Staying active in the industry by way of recording, producing, and writing, Phunk then started his career in gaming (casinos), and with a strong entertainment background, he held positions as Nightclub Manager, Director of Marketing, Entertainment/Special Events Coordinator, and finally Asst. General Manager. During this time he hooked up with Dr. Dre’ (Death Row Records) who was producing multi-platinum hits back to back. Phunk performed on Snoop Doggy Dog’s debut CD “Doggystyle” which debuted double platinum and skyrocketed his career. Phunk also was in Snoop’s first two videos “What’s My Name” and “Gin and Juice”. Dr. Dre is responsible for introducing Phunk to the talkbox, made famous by artists such as Roger Troutman, Peter Frampton, Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder, and others. Now he is hooked on that Roger/Zapp sound he had always loved. Phunk continued producing up-and-coming Black and Latino Hip-Hop artists throughout southern California who were in search of that “Ol Skool” Roger/Zapp sound. While still “dunked in funk”, Phunk played drums with The John-Stanley King Band (one of Palm Springs's local favorites in classic rock) and performed on their debut CD.

Relocating back to North Carolina, with years of experience behind him, along with today’s technology, he has put together an exciting "OLD SCHOOL FUNK / CLASS R&B-SOUL" show concentrating on “GFM” (Grown Folks Music) which takes you through a musical journey of Dance/Funk hits from the 70s, 80’s, and 90’s and beyond, along with his originals. His Funk show includes a “Tribute To Roger Troutman” which is a crowd favorite. He also delivers some Smooth Jazz and Jazz Funk for your listening and toe-tapping pleasure if your event starts with a "meet and greet"..... or they can go straight to the FUNK.

He has also put together a Gospel show that has the energy and flavor of “Old School Funk but with a message of spiritual awareness, praise, and worship. (FUNK THROUGH FAITH) can be found on most digital distribution platforms along with his Contemporary Smooth Jazz / Jazz Funk projects "MY PERSPECTIVE" & "ISOLATED". He continues to produce independent artists in R&B / Hip-Hop / and of course "Old School" Funk.

Phunkplayah has shared the stage with such artists as:
Frankie Beverly & Maze / The Emotions / Bootsy’s Rubber Band / Zapp & Roger / One Way / The Dramatics / Ice Cube & Westside Connection / Herbie Mann / Art Blakely / Dazz Band / Vince Neil

Self contained with PA 4000 watt system, however we ask that funding be provided to transport, or I can hire a sound crew that travels with us occasionally with the bigger shows. This will depend on the size of your event. We usually use the following:
Behringer or Yamaha PA Boards with a minimum of 10 mike inputs. (for full band) 4000 watts or more
18 inch subs (2) ....... 15 inch mids (2 per cabinet)....with horns that can handle the power listed above
Monitors (5)
Lights
We prefer seated audience to be at least thirty feet from the stage or band. Dance floor can be a little closer
Everything listed in this section depends on the type of event and the numbers attending. If it is just a light Smooth Jazz show, we can get by with less however you'd rather have and not need than need and not have. We prefer to set up and do sound check TWO HOURS before show time. Hotel rooms and meals depends on how far we have to travel. Some shows don't require this.