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The student band, FunkGnosis, took the winning title for this year’s opening performance for Fred Fest 2012, after the three-day Battle of the Bands hosted by Sound Services, a student organization.
Led by Paul Mercado (guitar and vocals), FunkGnosis describes itself as an eclectic mix of Reggae and Rock with a mix of Funk. Taking influence from the Roots, John Legend, cee-lo, John Brown's Body, and the SOJA, they are held down by a fresh rhythm section and excited by a powerful core of horn players. FunkGnosis has the sound to dance to.
Other band members are Merik Goma- bass/vocals; Victor Diaz - vocals, rapping, beatboxing, keys; Mat Fitzgerald- drums; Kenneth Cobble- saxophone and Matt Suprina- baritone sexiphone.
The three-day Battle of the Bands kicked off on April 3 at ‘Doons in downtown Fredonia featuring performances by Perestroika, The Blank Shots and Mr. Boneless.During the Battle of the Bands, The Blank Shots earned a majority of the votes that evening with Mr. Boneless named as the wildcard, advancing both bands to the final round. Funkgnosis and Elephant Upstairs were the only two competing bands the second night, but FunkGnosis carried on to the final battle with Mr. Boneless and The Blank Shots.
The final round of Battle of the Bands was held on April 10. Taking a majority of the votes that evening was FunkGnosis, making them this year’s opening act for Lupe Fiasco.
This year’s Battle of the Bands was hosted by Sound Services. You can check out Funkgnosis’ music at http://www.reverbnation.com/funkgnosis#! They also have a facebook page.
