Pop Break Live: Kung Fu at Nectar’s in Burlington, Vermont
Words & Photos by Levi Norton
When Burlington Vermont celebrated Mardi Gras at the end of March, the town was buzzing with two days of live music all around town. The festivities kicked off Friday night at local hot spot and iconic music venue Nectars, who hosted an anticipated performance by the powerful funk-fusion band Kung Fu.
Tim Palmieri (lead guitar, vocals) is one of the most animated guitar players on the scene these days; often waving his guitar up by his ear in the midst of a climactic peak of a song, or having it knelt down by the speakers on the floor while delving into deeper, darker parts of a jam. At one point in Friday’s show, he was actually whipping the strings of his guitar with a hand towel. The connection between him, the other band members and the crowd becomes palpable, erupting into a collective experience for everyone involved.
By blending the explosive improvisational styling of a hard rocking jam band, with the concentrated precision of a seasoned funk band, Kung Fu is a truly euphonious experience. Backed by an energetic rhythm section including: Robert Somerville (Tenor sax/vocals), Chris DeAngelis (Bass guitar, vocals), Adrian Tramontano (drums/percussion) and Beau Sasser (keyboard, vocals), the compelling quintet powered through an essentially non-stop one set performance of mostly original material.
Although Kung Fu can be caught headlining summer music festivals, and selling out larger venues, something felt appropriate about seeing them back in Vermont, in a smaller bar scene. It was all too perfect, as the band members and show goers seemed to feel seemed to appreciate the time and place of the party that ensued.
After stepping off stage at the end of their set, a roaring crowd brought them back for on for an encore. Anticipation and excitement rose as a familiar symphonic sound came out of Sasser’s keyboards, which quickly took shape to a cover of Baba O’Riley (The Who). The crowd sang along and boogied down to the very last notes, which seemed to conclude the evening perfectly.
Setlist:
Bringing up the Rear
Cookie Monster
PAWTYN
Th Lurker
Speedbump
The Get Down
Dirty Power
Prime time
Scorpion
Chop Suey
Won’t Get fooled Again
Encore:
Baba O’Riley (The Who)
