Turbo Street Funk

Turbo Street Funk defy convention; whether they’re playing a festival, pub, concert hall, or even on a busy street corner, the infectious sounds of Turbo Street Funk always sound at home. With a performance style rooted in the New Orleans horn band tradition, Turbo Street Funk combine Top 40 hits with top notch originals in an incendiary show that gets people moving.

Formed in 2011, Turbo Street Funk started as a professional busking band, performing on the streets of Toronto four days a week each spring and summer while members of the band attended university. The band received high praise from local journalists for their fresh sound and popularity with Toronto audiences:

“Turbo Street Funk takes Toronto busking to a new level” - BlogTO

“…Turbo Street Funk have become a fixture on Toronto’s sidewalks.
They gather crowds wherever they go” - Torontoist

The band quickly drew the attention of Canadian jazz legend, Richard Underhill, who introduced them to fellow “Shuffle Demon” and music producer, George Koller. With George at the helm, Turbo Street Funk released their debut album, To The Street, in May 2014 at Toronto’s legendary Horseshoe Tavern. The album features unique artwork and design from JUNO Award Winning graphic artist, Michael Wrycraft.

In July 2016, Turbo Street Funk released their sophomore album, Momentum, a nine track initiative that “captures their infectious energy neatly” (FYI Music). Produced by Chris Birkett (Buffy Sainte-Marie, Sinead O’Connor), the album received two 2016 Toronto Independent Music Award nominations in the categories of “Best Jazz Vocal” and “Best Jazz Instrumental.” Momentum debuted at #8 on earshot!’s National Jazz Chart and is frequently found on CBC Radio, JAZZ.FM91 and campus/community radio charts from across Canada.

After hundreds of performances throughout Ontario, Quebec and the U.S.A., and Europe, Turbo Street Funk has gained a reputation for powerful live performances that bring audiences to their feet. The band has become a “must-see” event at festivals such as the Ottawa Bluesfest (2024), Kesington Market Jazz Fest (2019), TD Niagara Jazz Festival (2018), Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival (2017),Tremblant International Blues Festival (2016), Blue Skies Music Festival (2016), Mariposa Folk Festival (2015), CAN-AM International Festival (2016), Beaches International Jazz Festival (2015, 2016), Sound of Music Festival (2016), Jazz Sudbury (2016), Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival (2016), Lighthouse Blues Festival (2016), London Bluesfest (2016), Cultura World Music Festival (2014, 2015), and many more.

Turbo is on the road in 2024, with performances at the Ottawa Bluesfest, Jazz Sudury Festival, and their European debut at the Veszprémi Utcazene Fesztivál in Hungary.

They are working on their latest single, which is being produced in both Canada and Japan.