Sophistafunk/Uptown Buddha

Garnering a name for themselves across upstate New York and beyond, Sophistafunk have done much to blend diverse strains of funk, electronica and hip-hop. Back in October, the band dropped a new six-song EP Freedom Is, and it’s a tight little combo of tunes. Album opener “Gotta Walk” shows you all you’ll need to know about the band’s sound. Emanuel Washington, Adam Gold and Jack Brown work their way across an upbeat tune that straddles acoustic and electronic worlds. Washington spits fire the whole way through it. Twentyeleven (2011) is another great place to pick up the band’s funk canon. Everything contained within their studio output promises strong translations onstage, which you can check out tonight. (Eric Sandy)