7:30 - Doors Open
8:00 - Michael Darling Band
9:00 - WURK
$10 advance / $15 day of
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