Snarky Puppy! Great musicians
by Jackiemusician on 3/6/18Orpheum Theatre - Los AngelesRating: 4 out of 5Just really cool! Excellent musicians and good vibes. Great Experience, I loved the improvisation.

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Snarky Puppy on Tour
With a jazz-minded head and a jam-band heart, Snarky Puppy are the ultimate live act. A collective of 40-odd rotating members who typically play shows in groups of 10 to 20, they frequently play with guests ranging from David Crosby to Charlie Hunter to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Led by bassist and composer Michael League, this rogues' gallery of instrumental misfits stir up all sorts of styles — rock, jazz, funk, R&B, Afrobeat, fusion and various world strains — into one big roiling pot of groove. Snarky Puppy have been playing together in various iterations since 2004, and live recordings of their countless club shows, festival stops and concert hall gigs are feverishly collected by fans with good reason. No two concerts are alike, thanks not only to an ever-shifting lineup but also to a healthy dose of improvisation. When they have the space to stretch out, Snarky Puppy can easily go a couple of hours onstage, playing songs from their 10-plus official albums plus plenty of imagination-infused, on-the-spot riffing.
Snarky Puppy in Concert
Though Snarky Puppy are based in Brooklyn, Michael League founded the group in Denton, Texas, under ironic circumstances considering the group's runaway success. As a freshman jazz major at the University of North Texas in 2004, he wasn't good enough to place in any school ensembles. Starting his own band was a way to play the music he'd loved since his teenage years. And since then, Snarky Puppy have not only become a legendary live band, but won three Grammys: Best R&B Performance for their Lalah Hathaway–sung cover of "Something" (on 2013's Family Dinner, Vol. 1), and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for both 2015's Sylva (with the Dutch Metropole Orkest) and 2016's Culcha Vulcha. The group's unwieldy roster happened by accident. In Snarky Puppy's early days, members couldn't afford to turn down gigs with bigger touring artists, so League would bring in pinch players, train them and put them on the road. But between the bonds formed and knowledge acquired, it seemed a waste to kick them out afterward. Hence, "The Fam," as they're called, grew and grew, from Snarky Puppy's self-released debut, 2005's Live at Uncommon Ground, through League's move to New York, and on to albums like 2019's Immigrance, which leans deeply into the members' multicultural backgrounds to arrive at a sound that's continually new and evolving.
Over the course of their career, Snarky Puppy have brought many venues to capacity, like Warner Theatre (Washington, D.C.) and the Hollywood Bowl (Los Angeles).
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Just really cool! Excellent musicians and good vibes. Great Experience, I loved the improvisation.
I can’t say enough about this group. Every show is different because of the nature of their music. They are insane improvisational musicians and never play the same set twice. They’re a special, musical snowflake in this world and always play from their souls. They also know how to throw one heck of a party during the show. Never miss them.
We had an incredible time at the Snarky Puppy concert this week...their energy was crazy and although I know it was rehearsed, they made you feel like the whole show was kind of unplugged and raw! Their song selection was great and the crowd was totally into the show. Definitely worth seeing the show if you get the chance!
These eleven musicians represent the future of jazz! Each are infinitely talented and innovative. Mesmerizing to experience in the beautiful Orpheum theater.
Performance and sound quality were top-notch, and the band members were super cool, signing and meeting people after the show. A little bummed they didn't play 'Lingus' but you can't have everything.
Best concert ever. Jazz Rock Fusion doesn't get any better than Snarky Puppy. I've been into jazz and rock since elementary school. Played some myself. Nothing like Michael League and his over the top talented group He is confident in his own talent as an electric bassist that he encourages the other stars in the group to riff and perform incredible improvisations. He raises his fist in the air to signal it's time to "bring it back home" and return to the melody and resolve each amazing creation. I've been a huge fan for over 5 years. My day job is as a classical music radio PD and host but I thrive on all forms of music. Yaay Snarky Puppy. Tonight's concert is streamed online. Google it.
Snarky Puppy is a spectacular band, and they did not disappoint. Each member could have their own group; together they are just amazing. I will definitely see them again whenever possible!
The acoustics at the venue were only so-so and it was mostly just standing, but Snarky Puppy delivered in a BIG way. Amazing set-- the rhythms and sounds just cut through me in the best way. They ended on Shofukan and the audience did the acapella. It was transcendent. Once they left the stage the audience started back the Shofukan acapella and wouldn't quit until they came back on stage for another half hour monster jam! WHAT AN EXPERIENCE. If you have the chance to see them and you are at ALL interested in what they do, do not miss your chance to go and experience them.
Great show. Great venue. This band is the best. Will see them again.
I loved both groups. It was an incredible night overall.
We love this group! They put so much energy and fun into their show. You can see that they really enjoyed playing with each other and as well as letting each player have the spotlight where you could really see the talent of each. And they even included the audience in their music. Loved It. Can't wait to see them again. Regarding Theater: Saw Snarky Puppy on the pier in NYC which was great platform on the river. On the pier we could not get up close to group, but here we felt like we were on the stage. This theater is in excellent shape for its age and the staff was very nice. It was a really fun atmosphere, you felt like you were in NYC or out on the town. It was an easy ride from South Jersy to this theater. FYI: park at a meter down 2 blocks down the street there is no charge after 6:00 pm, (we put money in then read the signs, and don't get stuck paying $15-30 for 1 block closer in the lots.) It is in a safe neighborhood. Enjoy!
Perhaps if your a dedicated fan. If you want anykind of introduction into Jazz stay away
Snarky Puppy is a creative progressive jazz group of talented musicians! This is an amazing experience for people who are new to jazz and people who are huge fans of jazz..The band plays with a lot of heart and soul, and you can see it in their performance as they close their eyes and dance along! They hook you in with catchy upbeat tunes and keep your interest with their live improvisations!
Music was excellent. They didn't disappoint! Could have listened to them all night!
The show was so good that if it lasted three more hours I would still be so happy.
I had a blast at the concert, extremely enjoyed myself. Like any other fan i just wished it could have been longer as the concert time was 6-9 and was over shortly before 8. The performance in that time span was amazing.
Excellent show. Would love to see them perform again
Snarky Puppy had a distinctive blend of old and new jazz. They brought a refreshing new sound introducing jazz to the next generation fans. Their funk fusion blend entice and captivates the audience. Snarky Puppy exposes new jazz fans to experience and appreciate live music. Would love to see Snarky Puppy at Capitol Jazz Festival in Columbia, Md or Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club in Bethesda, Md.
Snarky Puppy was great as usual. This is my second time seeing them in a year. They are a great Band . I was curious to see that there was no opening act. Another surprising thing, only one place close to get something to eat. All other restaurants and shops were closed.
This band did not disappoint. They are incredible musicians and the show was incredible. The level of musicianship is amazing. If you ever get the chance to see them, you must do it. The venue in Berks County was perfect.