SOLID GOLD FUNKIN’ GOOD TIMES

The Funk Hunters (Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith) delivered a solid performance to a sold out Ten Nightclub in Calgary, Alberta. Not that I was shocked – these guys are the goods that Calgary clearly craves time and again. Not only are Nick and Duncan uber talented world touring deejays, but Nick Middleton is also (if you didn’t know already) an acclaimed producer and label owner of Westwood Recordings.

Anyway, back to the beginning.

The night started off with ‘The Neil & Bob Experience,’ an opening act that I was intrigued to watch live, and, well ladies and gents, they most definitely did not disappoint. The duo consists of Marcus Dylan & Code B, both Calgary boys who are apart of the world renowned Supreme Hustle Crew.  They have played alongside Slynk, Featurecast, Stickybuds, The Tropkillaz, just to name a few. Their street bass and deep house tracks definitely caught my attention, with an interesting throwback to UK garage music. Dig it. Put this duo on your radar and on your next playlist.

Next up was Mertz, a familiar face at both Shambhala and Calgary, who stepped on the decks and riled up the crowd with his funk-dified beats dripping with throwbacks to the 70’s. I wasn’t wearing enough sequins for this set. Nu disco mixed with house and classic rock; the diversity was endless and he read the crowd well.

The Funk Hunters energy is infectious, with a larger than life stage presence with an A/V show that is out of this world. Every track lined up perfectly with their visuals, showcasing their creativity both on the decks and on the screen. I can only imagine the hours these boys put into the prep work for their show. I danced so hard I felt like I was in grade 9 gym class, not surprising, since the entire room was bumping to those funky beats. I commend those two on their energy, they bring it every time. Never have an off-night, always on fire. They just walked off a plane for christ sakes from Envision Festival – right onto stage at Calgary. True professionals and artists. Much respect.

The team behind the night: Slim Pickins, The Supreme Hustle, Boodang, Wolfcastle & Transmission did it again. This partnership has becoming a veritable force on the music front here in Calgary and we can’t thank you enough for your hospitality and producing yet another show stopping party! Keep em coming.

WORDS: Sean Hill

#seanylovesyatoo #247killinit #doubleroundhouse

PHOTOGRAPHY: Torren Arndt