Funk Filharmonik is a long-running a funk and soul outfit from Astoria, New York which has been together since the mid-1980s. The group contains former Tower of Power members. Individually and collectively the group has performed and recorded with major artists.
History The group was formed in Huntington in 1985.New York Times, December 17, 2010 - A Celebration With a Little Harmony and a Lot of Funk By TAMMY LA GORCE The original name for the group was Funk Philharmonia. Their first show was on November 21, 1985. They are one of the longest-running groups from Long Island.Good Times, November 17, 2015 - Page 15 Long Island Spotlight Funk Filharmonik In the late 1990s, there were two former Tower of Power members in its lineup.Billboard, February 14, 1988 - Page 32 Artists & Music, NOTAS, (Continued from page 30) Two of the founding members were drummer Lee Finkelstein and trombonist and singer, Ozzie Melendez.New York Times, December 17, 2010 - A Celebration With a Little Harmony and a Lot of Funk By TAMMY LA GORCELong Island Press, July 4, 2015 - Feel The Love Supreme! Coltrane Day Celebrates The Jazz Great’s Legacy & Hopes For His Huntington Home - Spencer Rumsey Melendez has recorded with Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Jennifer Lopez and Lita Ford.The Huffington Post, May 18, 2017 - Musician to the Stars, Ozzie Melendez, Finally Takes Center Stage, Dustin Fitzharris Finkelstein has worked with Ben E. King, Donna Summer, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and the Tower of Power.University of Arkansas, Jan. 29, 2018 - 2018 Black Music Symposium: Shaping American Music, Meet the guest artists Members of the group have worked with and recorded with artists such as Tito Puente, Willie Colon, Freddie Hubbard, Jonathan Butler, Marc Anthony, Lionel Hampton, and the Brecker Brothers.Long Island Exchange, October 22, 2009 - Funk Filharmonik: 24th Anniversary Funksgiving at Club Funk in Huntington
In 2008, they released their album Everybody Get Down.Horn Driven Radio, December 4, 2008 - Funk Filharmonik New CD Guest musicians on the album included Barry Danielian, Carl Fischer, Jillian Armsbury, Tim Lawless and Ted Kumpel.All lossless-
In April 2015, the group was appearing with Troy Ramey at K.J. Farrells in Nassau County.Brown Paper Tickets - The one and only FUNK FILHARMONIK @ KJ Farrell's Live Music (w/ guest TROY RAMEY) In late November 2015, the group was appearing at The Rockville Centre in New York.New York Times, November 19, 2015 - Things to Do on Long Island, Nov. 20 to 29, 2015, Music and Dance
Members Tom Bowes – Lead Vocals Ozzie Melendez – Musical Director, Trombone & Vocals Lee Finkelstein – Drums, Band Leader Brent Carter – Lead Vocals Ron Fox – Trumpet Vinnie Cinquemani – Trumpet John Scarpulla – Tenor Sax Dave Lavender – Guitar Chris Karlic – Baritone Sax Jack Knight – Bass Greg Schleich – Keyboards Steve Finkelstein – PercussionTicketfly, Tuesday, March 26, 2013 - The Cutting Room Presents: Funk Filharmonik
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