Article and Photos by Diana Stropko

New Orleans-based Galactic brought the funk and the party to a snow weary DC crowd at the 9:30 Club Thursday night.  After being blanketed by over a foot of snow, fans came out to party with Galactic members Ben Ellman, Robert Mercurio, Stanton Moore, Jeff Raines, and Rich Vogel.

The night began with opener Ryan Mountbleau.  Mountbleau, a singer-song writer from Massachusetts, warmed the crowd up with his smooth voice and soulful lyrics.

Galactic took the stage shortly after 9:30 pm. Their set was composed of an eclectic mix of songs, from classics like James Brown’s “It’s a Mans, Mans, Mans World” and the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”, to new hits like the crowd pleaser, “Hey Na Na” off of Galactic’s 2012 album, “Carnival Electricos”.  They also played an amazing version of “Dolla Diva,” their 2014 super fun hit featuring David Shaw and Maggie Koerner.

Galactic was joined on a stage by female vocalist, Maggie Koerner, who has been accompanying them on their 2014 tour. The band’s big sound did not overpower her voice, as she wowed the crowd with her incredible range.  Having no permanent lead vocalist, the band has a revolving door of talented guest musicians and singers that make each live performance unique to that moment in the band’s constantly evolving sound.

The band played one long set, and would go on to say how special they felt that so many came out in the inclement weather, also tweeting a thanks to fans for making it out. The 9:30 club’s website summed it up best saying, “This snow ain’t stoppin’ people from getting funky!”