Article and Photos by: Jolene Roderick

CHARLOTTE, NC — While the January air outside was enough to make anyone retreat into a parka, the energy inside Starlight on 22nd this past Friday night, January 16th, was nothing short of volcanic. The venue hosted a co-headlining “fire” showcase that served as a perfect reminder that local music reaches its peak when the players have enough technical prowess to be dangerous, but enough heart to stay delightfully silly.

Opening the night was Warp Street, who traded their usual alternative leanings for a surprisingly deep, funky pocket. For a band already known for their talent, this set felt like a victory lap in versatility. They kept the early crowd moving with rhythmic, driving basslines that anchored the room, proving they could lock into a groove just as effectively as they could rock a stage.

Their performance was a masterclass in musical conviction, taking the energy in the room and amplifying it through tight, professional arrangements. It wasn’t just a warm-up; it was a high-octane display of musicianship that set a high bar for the rest of the night.

The “heat” wasn’t just coming from the amplifiers. Between sets, the venue turned into a proving ground for the brave during a hot sauce competition. Fans lined up to test their palates for a chance at a signed poster and a “cool trinket,” creating a communal, block-party atmosphere that bridged the gap between the two bands perfectly. It turned the usual “gear change” lull into a shared experience of sweating and laughing.

By the time Funkwondo took the stage, the room was primed for a movement. This 6-piece collective is a masterclass in “the art of funk,” a discipline that requires equal parts surgical precision and reckless abandon. Their lineup—anchored by a punchy frontline of trombone and dual guitars—delivered a wall of sound that felt massive yet remarkably agile.

Their set was a kaleidoscopic journey through soulful, soaring vocals and psychedelic jams that stretched the boundaries of the genre. They showcased an uncanny ability to read the room, leaning into extended grooves when the dance floor caught fire and tightening the screws during their more intricate, jazz-fused transitions.

The performance featured a seamless weave of originals and curated covers, leaning into the “seriously funky” attitude they’ve been kneading into their music since 2022. Standout moments included a blistering rendition of “Disco Inferno,” revitalized by a brass-heavy arrangement, and original compositions that truly defined their presence.

“Wondo’s House” played like a mission statement—an infectious invitation that allowed the rhythm section to lock into a deep, unshakable pocket. Meanwhile, the high-energy delivery of originals like “Forever on the Run” and “Keep Up” showcased the band’s technical depth, with the dual guitars trading licks with the trombone in a high-speed musical conversation.

Funkwondo turned the intimate Starlight space into a full-blown, sweat-soaked dance party that left the crowd breathless. Friday night wasn’t just a concert; it was a reminder that the best way to beat the winter chill is through community, unexpected musical moments, and the “more the merrier” mantra that defines the Funkwondo experience.