I want to thank Eric and the entire gang at Secret Stash Records for supplying us at WORT some of Sonny Knight & the Lakers releases on both CD and Vinyl for our recent and upcoming pledge drives as well as a few guest list spots at the Majestic for the most recent show a couple weeks back. The show was just as expected with one major plus (for Sonny & the crew as well as all of us in attendance). Opening the show was the one and only Clyde Stubblefield All Stars. The thrill of being in the presence a master is always something to sonically behold, and the funky backbone of the evening was set straight right away.

Sonny took the stage and blew the roof off the place. Interacting with the band, the crowd and the grooves made for a sweaty good time on the floor. The guys love to take the trip to Madison and it certainly shows when the all they have is given out with a soulful grin and a rockin’ beat. While the set-list is always a steady mix of originals and a couple of well worked covers, it is no doubt the love and energy that makes this experience worth it to the fullest. If you are need of a good time (and who isn’t), anytime this band is in town you can prepare for those good times by packing your dancing shoes and sweatbands and don’t leave out your “Get Up & Get Down”. There is little left in the tank after the band is done performing, yet Sonny and Eric are always spending extra time talking to the people, making connections with the souls that get it, and shaking the hands connected to the ears that will most certainly spread the word.

Sonny Knight and the Lakers will be back in Madison to close out the AtwoodFest on the weekend of July 30th -31st and my goal is to invite them into the land of WORT to do an intimate interview and jam session to bring it on home to the place that loves them like they were born here.  So if you missed them this last time or have not yet gotten to hang with this scene, plan accordingly.

Funk You,

Mr. “Smokey” G.

Saturday Night at Smokey’s Joint