Funktastic Five
R+B, Funk, and old-school Motown.
William "Whistle" Jones - Vocals (formerly in New Complexion.)
Nicole Collins - Vocals
Nate Nicholson - Guitar (formerly in Ellis Kell Band, New Complexion.)
David Abdo - Bass
Eric Sparks - Drums (formerly in Speedfinger.)
Some former members:
Frank Drew - Saxophone (formerly in Jazz Express and the Steady Rolling Band. Also in Black and Blue Blonde.)
Kindred Priest - Bass
Tommy T
Dewey Lacefield (formerly in Jazz Express, New Complexion.)
"The Funktastic 5 was formed in the winter of 2003. A new band to the Quad City music scene, the members of the Funktastic 5 consist of some of the top musicians in the area. William "Whistle" Jones provides dynamic, diverse, and velvety vocal treatments to the multiple styles played in the Funktastic 5. Saxophonist Frank Drew is a mainstay in the Quad City R&B/Smooth Jazz scene, and his articulate playing provides lots of flavor to the band’Äôs sound. Nate Nicholson is one of the area’Äôs top guitarists. His versatility and musical ability add depth and style to any tune. Bassist David Abdo lays the foundation to the Funktastic sound, combining a strong knowledge of music with solid chops. Percussionist Eric Sparks has an immense understanding of rhythm, which allows him to set many moods in the Funktastic’Äôs music. The Funktastic 5 has recently added a sixth member. Female vocalist Nichole Collins is no stranger to the stage and music scene. Nichole’Äôs background is in gospel and R&B, and her feminine touch induces passion in any song she sings."
Whistle, looking sharp at Mojo's.
"March 31st, 2005 5pm Live@5 with The Funtastic 5 featuring Nichole Collins. Looking for a high energy, exciting event for your Thursday night? Then drop in the RME on Thursday, February 17 and get your groove on with the Funktastic 5. Featuring the smooth vocals of Nichole Collins, this Quad Cities favorite injects your soul with your favorite R&B and funk sounds. Admission to this event is FREE!"
Some 2005 Shows
Jan. 01: RIBCO, 10pm
Jan. 14: Crave, 10-1
Jan. 28: Crave, Band 10-1
Feb. 11: Crave, Band 10-1
Feb. 17: Mojo's, Live@5 Mixer 5-7
Feb. 25: Crave, Band 10-1
Mar. 11: Crave, 9-1
Mar. 25: Crave, 9-1
Mar. 31: Mojo's, Live@5 Mixer 5-7
Apr. 08: Fargo, 9-1 $3?
Apr. 09: Fargo, 9-1 $3?
Apr. 14: Front St. Brewery, Pub Crawl; $?
Apr. 29: Q106 party, with Lynn Allen 9-1 $?
May 06: Crave, Funktastic 5 10-1
May 20: Crave, Funktastic 5 10-1
May 29: RIBCO, the Travoltas, Funktastic 5 10-1
July 08: John Deere Classic, $?
July 09: John Deere Classic, $?
July 29: Ribco 10-2
July 30: The Bix (Brady st hill in front of Palmer Chiro) 8am- 10:30
July 30: Torchlight 9-1
August 4: Mojo's 5-8
August 5: Isle of Capri 7-10
August 13: Tugfest 8-midnight
August 19: Crave 10-1
August 20: Pulse 3-5
August 20: RME River Roots Festival 11-12:30
August 27: Torchlight 9-1
Sept 4: Ribco with The Travoltas 8-10
Sept 10: the River House 8-12
Sept 11: Front Street Brewery 8-12
Sept 16: Crave
Frank and David at Mojo's.
Booking
William "Whistle" Jones 721-1718
Press
"Formed in the winter of 2003, The Funktastic Five includes some of the area's finest players, including William "Whistle" Jones on vocals, Frank Drew on saxophone, Nate Nicholson on guitar, David Abdo and Kindred Priest on bass, Tommy T and multi-instrumentalist Dewey Lacefield. Their fat, funky and soulful sounds will get your hands clapping and your feet tapping to the beat." - Ellis Kell