Funkwondo Brings Charlotte Funk & Improv to Life

Funkwondo Brings Funk, Family, and Fresh Grooves to Local Music Somewhere

FunkWondo lit up the rBeatz studio with their signature energy, two live performances, and an honest look at what it means to be part of Charlotte’s growing music scene. Hosted by Greazy Keyz, the band talked community, creativity, and keeping the groove alive—on and off stage.

Charlotte’s Unique Music Scene

When asked about outside perceptions of Charlotte’s music culture, FunkWondo flipped the focus to what they’ve actually experienced on the ground. For them, the scene’s strength lies in its openness and sense of community.

They pointed out that in Charlotte, you can find seriously talented players turning up to an open mic on a random Tuesday night—something you don’t see as often in bigger cities where jam culture can feel exclusive or limited to tight circles. Instead, Charlotte offers a warm, welcoming space where musicians of all styles can connect, collaborate, and grow together.

The band highlighted how much original music is coming out of the city, with artists supporting each other rather than competing. A big part of that momentum, they noted, comes from community-driven efforts like the Cosmic Collective jams, which helped spark a network of fusion and jam musicians who continue to feed off one another’s creativity.

For FunkWondo, Charlotte isn’t just a stop on the map—it’s an incubator for collaboration, diversity of sound, and a music scene that feels like home.

Chemistry, Community, and Commitment

FunkWondo emphasized how their lineup has grown into more than just a band—it’s a family. The members spoke about cycling through players over the years until they reached a point where the six-piece feels tight-knit and solid. Each musician is focused on improving individually and collectively, with the common goal of making the music the best it can be.

That commitment carries over into their live performances. Every show is different, fueled by an improvisational free spirit and an energy that gets the whole room moving. The band pours everything into the live moment, creating an atmosphere where audiences don’t just listen—they dance and become part of the experience.

They credit Charlotte’s open mic and jam community, including the influence of spaces like Smokey Joe’s and the Cosmic Collective jams, for shaping their sound and giving them a supportive environment to grow. For FunkWondo, it’s not just about playing music—it’s about building community, sharing energy, and keeping it funky together.

Exclusive In-Studio Performances

The band kicked off with their latest single “Malfunction,” a stripped-down version of the track that still brought the fire. “It sounds amazing stripped down, because yeah, usually you guys are a six-piece band,” Greazy Keyz noted. They followed with an unreleased song, “Last Train to Raleigh,” giving listeners a first taste of what’s next for their catalog.

Upcoming Funkwondo Shows

The band isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Catch them live at:

• October 24 – Smokey Joe’s (Charlotte, NC)
• October 31 – Green Life Farms Halloween Festival (w/ Counseloring & Little Bluefish) – camping + costume contest
• December 12 – Fort Mill Christmas Show – featuring funky holiday tunes & even a “funky dreidel”