This past Thursday night at Brooklyn Bowl, NOLA vibes filled the air as Galactic put on a spectacular show. The funk band was joined by frequent guest singers Maggie Koerner and Corey Glover (Living Colour), trombonist Corey Henry (of Rebirth Brass Band), and a surprise appearance by acclaimed saxophonist Skerik. The energy in the packed room was through the roof as the band had everyone getting down hard from start to finish.

While Galactic never fails to bring the party, their shows had begun to get a bit repetitive as of late since the release of their most recent album, Carnivale Electricos (2012). This latest run of shows has revealed a different side of the talented funk band, who moved smoothly through a wide range of different styles. They switched it up with a variety of older staples and well-executed covers, hitting all bases from harder rock jams to lighte, groovy jazz numbers. This show was a reminder to fans old and new of the band’s distinctly diverse talents.

Skerik stole the show on sax, as did the remainder of the horn section (Henry and Ben Ellman). Glover and Koerner’s powerful pipes absolutely brought the house down. Concert attendees were treated to several Stanton Moore drum solos, who put all of his energy into destroying the kit, as always. A highlight was when the band was joined on stage by openers High and Mighty Brass Band for fan favorite “Buck It Like a Horse,” really getting the NOLA-style party started. An encore of “I Used To Love Her” into “Sympathy for the Devil” put a funky spin on two Rolling Stones classics and brought the show to a close in perfect, high-energy style. It was truly a show for the books.

– Sara Furer

Check out the setlist from this top-notch, cover-heavy set:

Tornado
Total Destruction To Your Mind (Glover)
Bittersweet (Glover)
Manic Depression (Glover, Skerik)
Hamp’s Hump (Skerik)
Church (Skerik)
Let’s Do It Together (Glover)
Boom Boom (Glover)
Move Fast (Henry, Glover)
Technocheck Collision
I Want You Back (Maggie)
Groovy Lady
Snowball (HMBB)
Buck It Like A Horse (HMBB)
Cult of Personality (Glover)
I’m Tired (Glover)
Goin’ Down (Glover)

E: I Used To Love Her (Henry)
Sympathy for the Devil (Glover, Maggie)