Funkanites

Funkanites is an eight-piece Little Rock, Arkansas-based ensemble. They can handle any genre thrown at them; however, their focus is heavily on late ‘60s and ‘70s Afrobeat, soul, and funk with a contemporary spin on the genres. Big bombastic horn lines are the norm, as well as an airtight rhythm section that stretches and sews the pocket, but never leaves it. They are ambassadors of music that is not so readily available in a live setting today.

Founded in 2010 by core members of Amasa Hines—Judson Spillyards, Ryan Hitt, and Norman Williamson—Funkanites comprises world-class musicians who are no strangers to the major festival scene. Major festivals performed within the experience of these musicians include Austin City Limits, Newport Folk Festival, Bonnaroo, and SXSW to name a few. Though the lineup of the band has changed a few times since its inception, the current members have been in place for the past five years with other musicians rotating in as needed.