New York-based psychedelic-soul group Ghost Funk Orchestra performs at the WJCT Soundstage as part of the Jacksonville Music Experience’s Soundstage Series with support from FL psych rockers The Venus and local hip-hop artist Kale James on Friday, May 2. The brainchild of composer and multi-instrumentalist Seth Applebaum, the band combines elements of psych rock, jazz and funk into a powerhouse live sound. Ghostfunk’s latest album, 2024’s A Trip to the Moon increased the group’s profile, and their reputation as a can’t-miss live band has landed them on the stages of legendary festivals as Telluride Jazz, Treefort, Montreal Jazz and Levitation. Ghost Funk Orchestra is recommended if you like soul-infused rock from bands like Black Pumas, Durand Jones & the Indicators and Say She She.
Opening the show is St. Pete, FL psych rockers The Venus and local hip-hop artist Kale James (formerly Kale That Raps). The Daytona-bred, Jax-based singer-songwriter and rapper’s 2024 album IT’S PERSONAL finds Kale at his most inventive, combining elements of hip-hop, soul, R&B and gospel. Kale’s single “READY TO WIN” made JME’s list of the best local songs of 2024. Read more about Kale That Raps and IT’S PERSONAL here.
Show schedule:
6 p.m. – Doors + Arts & Music Vendor Market
7 p.m. – The Venus
8 p.m. – Kale James
9 p.m. – Ghost Funk Orchestra
****THIS IS A STANDING SHOW
About the Soundstage Series: At the Jacksonville Music Experience (JME), we believe in the power of music to connect and inspire. Beginning in February, JME and WJCT Public Media will pair internationally acclaimed artists with local and regional acts for the JME Soundstage Series, a season of concerts aimed at building community through music discovery. The series features headliners Shannon & The Clams, Rahill, Levitation Room, and Ghost Funk Orchestra. In addition to internationally acclaimed headliners, each JME Soundstage Series concert will introduce audiences to emerging local and regional acts. Held at the WJCT Soundstage in Downtown Jacksonville, each community-focused event will feature a local vendor market, food trucks, and more.
Tickets and Pricing: As part of our mission to build community through music discovery and introduce audiences to artists from around the world – including those making music in the Jacksonville area – ticket prices for each show will be significantly less than market value. Ticket buyers can also purchase tickets for the entire series at a discounted rate. Tickets for individual shows are $25. Tickets for the entire series (four shows) are priced at $80.
