First off, here’s the official word:

The Phantastics are a seven member band from Kansas City specializing in tantalizing, genre-blending dance floor activators. In 2015, the music group was crowned “Kansas City’s best party band” by the Kansas City Star. But “party” doesn’t encompass the range in which The Phantastics reign. Musicianship and diversity are at the core of their success. Expect to hear Rock, Rap, Dance, Funk, Jazz and Soul all incorporated into a seamless, winding river of music. “The band that can do it all”, according to I Heart Local Music, has shared the stage with some of music’s most legendary acts including George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic. The Phantastics were formed in December of 2010 and have been trying to save live music ever since.

And now the inside scoop from your Communications Director and local music lover:

george_clinton_02_t460If you follow me personally on Facebook, you may have already seen my “coming attraction” pic of this extremely popular and sought-after local band.  The Phantastics recently rocked Lawrence at the Free State Festival in June as they opened for Funk Legend, George Clinton.  The street in front of the Lawrence Arts center was shut down to traffic and people packed in to listen to & jam with the music.  As their name implies, they were indeed, Phantastic…High-energy entertainment merged with an excellent mix of sound and some serious powerhouse musicians.

While standing in the Lawrence Arts Center before the show began, I was chatting with a friend who introduced me to another woman standing with her.  We chatted about clay for quite a bit after our mutual friend connected our interests.  Of course, I told her about NCECA, and she was very excited to hear it was coming to Kansas City.  Toward the end of our conversation, I discovered she was engaged (now recently married) to the band’s lead male vocalist, and she was kind enough to introduce me to him.  They LOVE to play for crowds that like to dance, he told me….

“oh, we like to dance!!!!”,       I replied

…throw in a little magic, and BOOM, they’re our band!  I can’t wait to share this amazing group with my clay family.  They’ll be jammin’ at the JazzHaus here in the fall, and I’ll be sure to warm them up for y’all!  SO BE SURE TO BE THERE Friday night, March 18, 2016, and be ready to rock it!