SLU Funk’s Triumphant Return
Bringing out Impressive Java Turnout
Streaks of colorful lights blinded me as my favorite Java show of the year began. SLU Funk, the only group of the year to start a Java show on time, took the stage with their instruments and microphones just as I entered the building. Last Thursday night was the first show I attended after being abroad in the beautiful land of Sweden, and I was beyond excited to see what SLU Funk had in store. I am particularly fond of funk music, having grown up on Earth, Wind & Fire, The Jackson Five and Lipps Inc.
The show was a mix of vocal performances and sundry instrumental breaks, all headed by SLU’s funk extraordinaire (and director/guitarist), Mr. Larry Boyette. Boyette, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate, has previously expressed concern about SLU Funk’s future after losing a whopping seven seniors at the end of the 2023-24 school year. However, the group has come back in full swing, boasting a variety of members on brass, percussion and vocals.
The group’s baritone saxophone player, Hannah Petit ’27, was thrilled to be performing for a crowd of her peers, stating, “I think my favorite piece to perform was probably “Respect” [originally by Otis Redding], just because the bari sax had a really fun part which combined a couple of different ideas from other instruments in the band.” Petit has been in SLU Funk since the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester. “I was a little nervous heading into the show since it was my first one with SLU funk, and I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Petit continued. “In general, it seemed like everyone in the crowd was really enthusiastic and just happy to hear whatever we wanted to play, which was really supportive.”
From a Java standpoint, the turnout for the show was one of the best for the year so far. Something is to be said about how much SLU students love supporting their fellow Laurentians. Java member Autumn Nealis ’25 said, “Overall, I thought it was great. I always love when SLU Funk comes because it’s students supporting other students, so it usually brings in a pretty big crowd and maybe more diverse people because there are so many friends supporting a friend who’s playing in the band.” She continued to praise the band for their general energy during the show. “Obviously, their set was also awesome. Every single funk song they played was so fun, and I think it brings a good energy to Java when cover bands [play]… because students want to sing and dance along to a song that they actually know.” Nealis assertively believes, “it brings a different energy. Lots of excitement and lots of energy.”