Holidaze Wurk Party: WURK, M Shays
Doors 7PM / Show 8PM
$18ADV / $25DOS
Wurk is a 6-piece funk-fusion group which formed in Madison, WI in 2016. Inspired by Umphrey’s McGee, Snarky Puppy, Lettuce, Phish and many others, their innovative original songs and ambitious interpretations of popular covers offer an impressive blend of jazz fusion, prog rock, jam rock and more, all with the consistent underlying grooves of funk. Wurk has opened for acts including The Motet and Andy Frasco & the U.N. and helped pack venues across Wisconsin. Described by Isthmus Magazine as “summer-jam-perfect” and two-time recipient of the Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) Artist of the Year Award (2019, 2022), Wurk fills the gap between complexity and groove, impressing fans and keeping them dancing all night.
Frank Laufenberg uses his electric guitar to provide funky rhythms and dense chord structure while filling the role of principal songwriter and vocalist. He leads the charge alongside Daniel Haschke (saxophones/flute) who hypes the crowds by leaping off of the stage and spreading his infectious joy to the dance floor. Max Morkri’s blend of solid grooving and intricate drum chops glue the band together. Carl Hipenbecker (trumpet/synth/vocals) and Brandon Jensen (keys/synth/vocals) offer a diverse range of skills to make each tune fresh and unique. 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.
Modern Joey is a primarily jam-rock group that encompasses just about every rock subgenre into their original music, alongside an eclectic mix of covers and a guaranteed good time. With endless inspirations, Modern Joey strives to celebrate a universe of styles and genres. Giving everything that classic Modern Joey spin, they aim to bring you a high energy show ripe with dancing, headbanging, stank-faces, and the electric energy that will wake up your soul.
From Milwaukee, WI, the fellas of Modern Joey have been playing music together since 2017. It was a long time coming when they excitedly released their first single, “Light”, in October of 2023. This was followed by another single, “Sweet Dreams” and eventually their debut album, “Hello Sunbeam” was released in April of 2024.
M Shays is atmospheric indie-pop based in Madison, WI and formed by singer/songwriter/producer Meggie Shays Gilfillan. Meggie's expansive voice enchants while her spectacular piano skills dazzle. Initially a solo act, M Shays is now a full band ordeal! She's moved from moody indie-folk into more uplifting indie-rock/art-pop territory akin to AURORA, Kate Bush and Regina Spektor. Her vocals still sit front and center as they captivate and charm...You haven't heard a voice quite like this before. The new singles "Middle of Nowhere" and "Bleed" show the expanded palette while keeping true to her calculated piano-based compositions.