Sophistafunk: Live band hip-hop and funk

(this piece was published by Planet JH Weekly)There’s heaviness, smoothness, a grimy mix of funked-up hip-hop, live drums and Moog savagery. Meet Syracuse’s Sophistafunk—Jack Brown (vocals, lyrics), Adam Gold (keys, bass, vocals) and Emanuel Washington (drums). The Soulive-esque freshness to their groove is mashed with insightful, lyrical poetry and elements of A Tribe Called Quest, Parliament, The Roots and Herbie Hancock. Perhaps you caught the band on an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” when Gold’s restaurant and music venue, “Funk n’ Waffles,” was featured. Host Guy Fieri liked them so much, he invited them to play his personnel birthday party. Act like it’s your birthday, and get Sophistafunked. Sophistafunk, 10 p.m. Thursday at Town Square Tavern. DJ Cut La Whut opens. $10. 307Live.com.