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“An exultant throwdown of smart danceability” (Village Voice), Snarky Puppy isn’t exactly a jazz band. It’s not a fusion band or a jam band. It’s probably best to take Nate Chinen of The New York Times’ advice, as stated in an online discussion about the group, to “take them for what they are, rather than judge them for what they’re not.”

The global collective which features a revolving cast of up to a dozen musicians makes what it likes to call “music for your brain and booty.” Led by bassist and composer Michael League, the band features a rotating lineup of world class instrumentalists whose résumés boast work with stars like Erykah Badu, Marcus Miller, Justin Timberlake, Roy Hargrove, Snoop Dogg and John Mayer.

Their latest GroundUP Music album, 2022’s Empire Central, received a well-earned GRAMMY win for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the 66th awards ceremony — their fifth win in as many nominations — and was inspired by the band’s formative home of Dallas, blending their whirlwind jazz-ified funk with elements of Southern rock, electric blues, classic soul, slinky R&B, and modern gospel.

Setlist
all compositions by Snarky Puppy
Binky
Semente
Pineapple
Honiara
Skate U
Tarova
Thing of Gold
Take it!

Personnel
Michael League bass
Nikki Glaspie drums
Bob Lanzetti guitar
Zach Brock violin
Bobby Sparks keyboards
Justin Stanton keys
Chris Bullock sax, flute, clarinet
Jay Jennings trumpet
Michael Maher trumpet
Nate Werth percussion
Mark Lettieri guitar