Porky’s Groove Machine & WURK

Porky’s Groove Machine

Porky’s Groove Machine has been getting both funky and silly since the fall of 2011. Formed in Appleton, WI and now based in Minneapolis, MN, they have spent the last eight years performing everywhere from dirty basements to historic theaters, for audiences comprising anyone from middle school birthday party-goers to high-powered construction executives. While their costumes and sense of humor show their willingness to not take themselves too seriously, their dedication to high-energy and high-entertainment performances is anything but laughable. With classic covers, quirky originals, and synchronized dance moves (for band and audience alike), their live shows are a delight for crowds of all ages.

Nearing a decade of trombone solo-ing and audience congas lines, they have not gone unnoticed by audiences and promoters across the Midwest; Porky’s has been chosen to support national touring acts like Guster, Here Come the Mummies, The Motet, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, The Werks, and The Main Squeeze. As winners of the 2018 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) for “Best R&B/Soul Band,” they were one of three bands chosen to headline the sold out Wisconsin Funk Fest at Madison’s legendary Majestic Theater in January, 2018.

Hot off the release of their new full length “Hello My Name Is” in March of 2019, they’re already heading back into the studio with keyboardist Kevin Gastonguay (Cory Wong, Dr. Mambo’s Combo) in the producer’s chair for their next EP, to be released winter 2020. You can catch them around the midwest in the fall of 2019 as a part of the People Be Porkin’ tour with Madison WI’s People Brother Band, culminating in a New Years Eve show at the Majestic Theater in Madison, WI.

Porky’s Groove Machine also offers workshops to middle and high school band programs in which they share their passion for funk, improvisation, and getting silly. As the ensemble in residence for Appleton, WI’s Mile of Music Music Education team, Porky’s considers breaking the barrier between audience and performer an integral part of their mission as a band. All professional music educators in one way or anther, the band has given workshops as a part of the Mile of Music festival, as well as for the band/choir programs of Fridley High School (Minneapolis, MN), University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee, WI), Upper Mississippi Academy (St. Paul, MN), Lawrence University Band Camp (Appleton, WI), and Wrightstown High School (Wrightstown, WI).

WURK

Wurk is a 5-piece funk-fusion group that formed in Madison, WI in 2016. Inspired by Snarky Puppy, Umphrey’s McGee, Herbie Hancock, and many others; their innovative original songs and ambitious interpretations of popular covers offer an impressive multi-genre exploration of funk, jazz fusion, prog rock, reggae, and more. Described by Isthmus Magazine as “summer-jam-perfect”, their sound seeks to employ a musically educated tone; Wurk fills the gap between complexity and groove, impressing fans and keeping them dancing all night. The Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) Awards recognized their rapid ascent to stardom in 2018 with the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award; then only six months later Wurk won five more awards including the coveted 2019 MAMA Artist of the Year Award. Wurk’s 2021 single “Ignition” won the 2022 MAMA for Song of the Year Award and helped the group become recognized once more as the 2022 MAMA Artist of Year.

Max Morkri drives the band with his blend of solid grooving and intricate drum chops, which is coupled by Casey Seymour’s powerful bass lines to glue the band together. Frank Laufenberg (guitar/vocals) provides rhythmic and tonal complexity while filling the role as the principal songwriter and vocalist. Daniel Haschke (saxophones/flute) and Carl Hipenbecker (trumpet/vocals) top it off with impressive horn lines and effects. Most of Wurk’s members grew up in Mount Horeb, WI, just west of Madison; their shared background creates the band’s closeness and ability to communicate complicated ideas musically.