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Funk Factory Band



The "Funk Factory" band and orchestra is comprised of the most talented and accomplished musicians playing social affairs across the area.  The band's musicians are world renowned, and have played with stars such as Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, Ashanti, Adele and others. They are passionate about their work and their chemistry always energizes a party like no other.

 

Latest Videos of The Band

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Audio Samples of The Band

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Recent Funk Factory Performances

Allegria Hotel and Spa: Grand Opening

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The Allegria Hotel and Spa celebrated its grand opening in style featuring the Funk Factory Band and Orchestra. Funk Factory's lead singers and guitarists Jason Murden and Mark Shine together with band leader, Chris Laybourne, rocked the crowd, which included many celebrities, politicians, and hundreds of guests. NYFF is proud to be a preferred vendor and featured house band at this luxurious and chic, boutique hotel.

Meet the Band

Chris Laybourne
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Chris Laybourne is a world renowned saxophonist, Grammy nominated producer/engineer & one of N.Y’s top band leaders. He has performed with, produced, or engineered in excess of 1,500 recording artists over the past 20 years. His credits include the likes of Latin Jazz innovator Eumir Deodato, Caribbean stars Bounty Killer & Lady Saw, Gospel legends Shirley Caesar & Coko, Rock Icons Ted Nugent, Buddy Miles,& Edgar Winter, Blues Idols Leon Russell & Bo Diddley Jr. MTV, Turner Broadcasting, Howard Stern, Hallmark, Record World, & The Conan O'Brien Show just to name a few...


Jason Murden

JasonNEW.jpgJason Murden is a world renowned Guitarist, widely recognized for his expert musical skills as a talented multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter.  Jason is one of the greatest show men in the entertainment industry today and has performed on the David Letterman Show as well as with Grammy Artisit Ne-Yo.  Jason's song writing, and producing add to his very accomplished career.


Mark Shine
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Mark Shine, born in Portland JAMAICA is recognized as an international recording artist having been named NY Entertainer of the Year by Billboard Magazine.  Mark's appearances include the Today Show, Shea Stadium, BB Kings Club, the World Famous Blue Note and the Jamaica Jazz + Blues Festival amongst others.  His passion and love for music shines through in every performance.


Perrita Kitson

PerritaNEW.jpgKitson began her musical career at the tender age of five by taking up both the violin and viola.  Her musical education included rigorous study of both the classical and popular genres.  By graduation Perrita was already performing all around the Boston area which helped her establish a distinctive style full of explosive sound and energetic warm heartedness that continues to overwhelm audiences today.   She has had the honor of performing with such great artists as: Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle, Bill Crosby, Liza Minelli, Lonnie Liston Smith, Najee, Phoebe Snow, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Adeva, and songwriters - Diane Warren and Desmond Child.


Derrick Wright
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Derrick Wright, a world renowned drummer, was born and raised in Roosevelt NY and began playing the drums before he could reach the seat & pedals. Both song writer and music producer, Derrick is very passionate and fortunate to be playing the drums for more than 20 years. Derrick has toured the world and has performed and recorded with Toni Braxton as well as Adele, Fabulous and Angie Stone.


Dan Policar
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Seattle native Dan "The Band" Policar, can be seen backing Grammy-nominated artists both in NYC and around the world. From the urban sound of grammy-nominated hip-hop star Fabolous to the legendary sound of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, he is a master of too many styles to list.


Jon Arons
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Jon Arons is a Grammy award winning New York City based trombonist, actor, singer, and dancer.  He has been featured on television many times, most notably for his "trombone dance" in which he plays the trombone while dancing energetically while still holding his trombone! By age 5, Jon, was taught to play piano and sing, leading to performances with the Children's Chorus at the Metropolitan Opera in the mid 1980s. During this period he found a trombone left by one of his father's friends who played in the family Dixieland Jazz Band, and hasn't put it down since! Jon's performances include America's Got Talent 2008, Showtime at the Apollo, NBC, and Jay Leno just to name a few...


Mike Lewis
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Mike is a world-renowned trumpeter and jazz artist born in NYC and is famous for playing for many years with Buddy Rich, an American jazz drummer and bandleader, billed as "the world's greatest drummer". Mike’s performances include playing with Natalie Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennet and Billy Joel. He is the most sought after, in demand, trumpeter on today’s musical scene.


Charmaine Patterson
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There are very few entertainers who possess both the talent and stage presence that seem to come so naturally to Charmaine.   To listen to her sing, is to hear her passion; she is our "Queen of Soul'.  Her signature style is unique, and her emotional delivery is an expression of love through lyrics and rhythm. Put simply, Charmaine is an untouchable force behind the microphone.


Topaza Watkins
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A performer known for her charisma and soulful dynamic voice which captivates an audience every time.  She is a singer known for her impressive vocal range and she is influenced by various genres of music.


Dan Boruchowitz
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Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Dan is well known for his exceptional work as a vocalist, having performed at numerous Jewish events including Weddings and Bar Mitzvah receptions. He fronted the most popular Jewish wedding band in Johannesburg and has a diverse repertoire in Jewish and secular music. Dan has toured all over the world and is also a cantor in New York City.