Syracuse in focus (SIF)

Danielle Ponder, vocalist

We hear that Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People came to Syracuse previously and played the Westcott Theater.

How did we miss this band?

Ponder is the lead singer for the neo-soul/funk quintet, and she can be best described as follows: hair like Chaka; dancehall moves like Patra; gut power like Jill Scott; vocal inflection like Regina Bell, all with the bravura of Lauryn Hill. She belted out some original songs, and even did a Billie Holiday version on one cut.

Before the night was over people could be heard screaming from the back:  “Danielle Ponder! Danielle Ponder!”

Not to be outdone, or out-shined, the band, made up of Avis Reese (keys), Timm Cash (guitar), Corey Owens (drums) and Carlton Wilcox (bass), were the perfect side order. Their out-of-this-world solos, particularly by Wilcox and Owens, quickly drove the audience onto the dance floor.

The event, which also featured opening band Funk Nut, was produced by CuseCulture Magazine.

Just after midnight Ponder invited poet and actor Reenah Golden onto stage and she free-styled some verse for the mostly millennial audience. We last saw Golden during a one-woman show at Syracuse University’s Drama Department, and her stage presence remains legendary.

Funk n’ Waffles

Last night’s two-hour show is further evidence that Funk n’ Waffles is becoming the go-to spot for a generous whiff of the Downtown Funk Scene.

Nothing goes better with good, foot-stomping music than the aromatic bliss of waffles and maple syrup. We eagerly await this group’s return to the ‘Cuse. Maybe next time they party til breakfast.