Cimafunk | photo by Ellen Miller for WXPN
2021’s XPNFest saw Cimafunk play not one, but two show-stopping sets
If there had to be an encore set by any artist from Saturday evening on Sunday, XPoNential’s audience is sure glad it was high-energy latin band Cimafunk.
The news came late last night: Dawes had to cancel their 2021 appearance at XPoNential after a positive COVID test among a member of their touring party. Saturday’s crowd-pleasers Cimafunk filed in, and gave the audience a second dose of their healing funk vibe.
As it turns out, Cimafunk gets better the more you see them. The band’s energy could hardly be contained on the expansive River stage, and the whole lawn left their chairs to get closer and dance. Cimafunk’s second set of XPoNential 2021 featured solos from almost every band member, including players on the trombone, sax, and bass. Also impressive was Cimafunk’s dance moves, made even more dynamic by his turquoise flare faux-leather pants.
The musicians in Cimafunk’s lineup are multi-talented. The horn section doubles as backup vocals and dancers. And most members of the band can dance, unsurprisingly. You can’t make a groove like Cimafunk produces without knowing how to move. One member of the auxiliary percussion section jumped out from behind his drums to breakdance, and the crowd went crazy.
To hear more Cimafunk — because they’re not back for another day at XPoNential tomorrow, we promise — stay tuned for their new release El Alimento out on October 8th. Listen to the performance in full below, and check out a photo gallery of Cimafunk round two.
Basta
Cocinarte
La Papa
Beat Con Flow
Apretao-Apretado
Relajao-Relajado
Me Voy
Funk Aspirin
Se Acabo-El Regalo
Caramelo
Ponte Pa’lotuyo