Austin Celebrates Good Times with Kool and the Gang

There was a grand celebration of great music from the 70's and 80's when Kool and The Gang stopped by Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on Friday, January 29, 2016.

Formed in 1964 by Robert "Kool" Bell, his brother Khalis Bayyan and five high school friends as the Jazziacs, Kool and the Gang has been entertaining crowds with their combination of jazz, soul, and funk stylings since they first signed with De-Lite Records in 1969.  In 1979, they incorporated pop into their sound when James "JT" Taylor joined the group.

As with any group formed so many years ago, changes in the group's line-up have happened, but several of the original members are still in place. Robert and Ronald Bell are still leading the band with original members Dennis "DT" Thomas and George "Funky" Brown. Joining the band in recent years are Robert and Khalis' brother Amir Bayyan, Shawn McQuiller, Lavell Evans, Michael Ray, Timothy Horton, and Curtis Williams.

Kool and The Gang have a long list of accomplishments. They have been touring for 50 years. The band has sold over 70 million albums worldwide. The have earned 2 Grammy Awards, 7 American Music Awards, and 31 gold and platinum albums. Then in October 2015, the group was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Setlist for Kool and the Gang
Fresh
Tonight
Misled
Joanna
Too Hot
Funky Stuff
Jungle Boogie
Hollywood Swingin'
summer Madness
Cherish
Take My Heart
Let's Go Dancin'
Ladies Night
Get Down On It Celebration

The Nightowls

Opening for Kool and The Gang was a soul band from Austin, Texas, The Nightowls.

The Nightowls band members include lead vocalist Ryan Harkrider, vocalists Ellie Carroll and Tara Williamson, guitarist Amos Traystman, bassist Rob Alton, drummer Ben Petree, keyboardist Oscar Interiano, and Guitarist Paul Mercurio. Joining them is a talented horn section including Michael Rey on trumpet, Javier Stuppard on trombone and Joseph Serrato on saxophone.