The Funk Sessions has reliably provided memorable collaborations and can’t-miss late-night dance parties for years in both Denver, where the series was started, and New Orleans, where it has migrated for annual outings during Jazz Fest. As time has gone on, however, the ethos of The Funk Sessions has evolved from “let’s get funky” into “let’s get out there.”
After last year’s otherworldly Fest by Nite edition of The Funk Sessions featuring Skerik, guitarist Nels Cline, drummer Stanton Moore, and organist Wil Blades pushed the envelope of what “funk” can be, this year’s 2:00 a.m. edition at Toulouse Theatre late on the second Saturday of Jazz Fest saw Skerik, the enigmatic saxophonist and unhinged improvisor, imparting that crazed mission to the rhythmic core of Lettuce: drummer Adam Deitch, bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes, and guitarist Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff.
As Forrest Reiff/Optic Tempo draped the room in kaleidoscopic projections and the clock ticked past 4:00 a.m., Skerik, Shmeeans, Deitch, Jesus, and special guest trumpeter Ashlin Parker (Dumpstaphunk) followed shadowy sonic paths through fogs of jazz, funk, electronica, psychedelia, and more for two-plus thrilling hours of collective spontaneity. A highlight of Fest by Nite 2025, to be sure.
Jesus’ brother Ty Coomes, a.k.a. Tycoon, also made a special guest appearance, tagging in for Deitch on drums toward the end of the set.
Below, check out a gallery of photos from the Fest by Nite 2025 edition of The Funk Sessions at Toulouse Theatre via Jay Strausser, a full, crowd-shot video of the show via Optic Tempo, and a handful of other choice clips from this memorable night in New Orleans during Jazz Fest.
The Funk Sessions – Toulouse Theatre – New Orleans, LA – 5/3/25 – Full Show
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
