On a night brimming with live music options across the Capital Region, one event on May 16, 2025 stood out as the undisputed centerpiece. Sophistafunk & Friends at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs. Joined by Glens Falls’ genre-bending powerhouse CAPITAL Zen, Sophistafunk transformed the beloved venue into a radiant celebration of life, community, and creativity.
Recruiting an all-star cast of some of the finest musicians in New York State, including members of Dopapod/Neighbor, Aqueous/Death Kings and Lettuce/Soulive, the room pulsed with an electricity that long-time fans later called “an all-timer.” A party paradise of pure musical joy.
Opening the night, CAPITAL Zen reminded audiences why they’ve remained a regional favorite since their 2006 inception. Forged in the PCB-laden waters of the Hudson River, their music had fans on their feet from the very start. Blending funk-rock, hip-hop, and complex progressive rhythms, the band launched into a high-energy set with “Broken Pieces” and “Elevator,” immediately sending fans into a dancing frenzy.
Zen’s tight grooves and fearless experimentation were on full display through songs like “Crunchy Dirt” and “Touch Your Body.” But it was the sneak peek of their upcoming album The Phoenix, set for release on May 23, that truly showcased their evolving artistry. Tracks like “The Lost Strangers,” “Unsaid,” and the anthemic title song hinted at a matured yet still edgy sound. Closing the set with a memorable reggae-inspired cover of the Chuck Berry classic “Johnny B. Goode,” CAPITAL Zen was the perfect way to kick start the party at the Putnum. Then came a one-of-a-kind jam odyssey like no other.
With anticipation thick in the air, Sophistafunk & Friends took the stage and instantly flipped the switch from party to full-on funk revival. Known for their genre-defying style and soulful performances, the Syracuse natives elevated their sound into the stratosphere with a dream-team lineup of guest artists. The roster read like a who’s-who of modern jam and funk music. Rob Compa (Dopapod/Neighbor) and Mike Gantzer (Aqueous/Death Kings) brought jaw-dropping guitar work, while saxophonist Sam Kininger (Lettuce/Soulive) added searing soul to the mix. Drummer Josh West (Annie in the Water), keyboard wizard Scott Hannay, and DJ RD rounded out the stellar lineup. It honestly felt like there haven’t been this many people on a Putnum stage since Turkuaz back in the day.
Opening with a cover of The RH Factor’s “A Place,” the ensemble immediately set the tone: expansive, groove-heavy, and deeply collaborative. “Nevastop” followed, while “Duke of Errl” encouraged fans to light up those pre-rolls with it’s thick, synth-driven rhythms courtesy of Adam Gold, whose multi-keyboard and bass combo dazzled the crowd. Frontman/emcee Jack Brown, sporting NY Knicks gear in celebration of their playoff win over the Celtics, captivated with his rapid-fire lyricism and radiant charisma.
The night was rich with surprises, including the unveiling of unreleased tracks “Pieces of the Puzzle” and “Cali Dreamer” and emotional highlights like “No More War,” where Brown urged the crowd to connect with strangers. “Electric Blue,” the band’s latest single, brought a fresh vibrancy to the set, while nostalgic cuts like “Big Bad Boots,” “Wil’ Out,” and “Tell My Baby” pleased long-time fans.
In true Sophistafunk fashion, the set reached peak communal energy during “Make ‘Em Clap,” with a cheeky tease of “O.P.P.” from Naughty By Nature, a reminder that this band knows how to balance substance and swagger. The night ended with the appropriately titled “Feels So Good,” a track that encapsulated the night’s spirit: joyful, inclusive, and undeniably funky. Putnam Place has seen its share of legendary performances, but this lineup, both in terms of talent and atmosphere, felt like a culmination of everything live music aspires to be. A one-night-only sonic summit. From CAPITAL Zen’s explosive start to Sophistafunk & Friends’ transcendental jam session, May 16th wasn’t just another Friday in Saratoga Springs, it was a celebration of sound, soul, and friendship. With The Phoenix on the horizon and Sophistafunk’s ever-growing legacy, it’s clear that upstate New York remains fertile ground for musical magic.
Sophistafunk & Friends | May 16, 2025 | Putnum Place | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: A Place[1], Nevastop, Duke of Errl, Recognize, Pieces of the Puzzle [2], Big Bad Boots, Cali Dreamer [2], No More War, Electric Blue, Wil’ Out, Tell My Baby, Other Side, Make ‘Em Clap, Feels So Good.
[1] The RH Factor cover
[2] Unreleased
*Friends for this show featured Rob Compa (Dopapod/ Neighbor), Mike Gantzer (Aqueous), Sam Kininger (Lettuce/Soulive), Josh West (Annie in the Water), Scott Hannay and DJ RD.
CAPITAL Zen | May 16, 2025 | Putnum Place | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Broken Pieces, Elevator, Party in Paradise, Crunchy Dirt, Summertime, Touch Your Body, The Lost Strangers, The Phoenix, Unsaid, Johnny B. Goode, Dust and Stone.
*CAPITAL Zen’s new album The Phoenix drops May, 23, 2025.
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