Il Funk ky Shu’s Wit Nu Soles

II Funk ky Shu’s wit Nu Soles is a powerhouse R&B, soul, and funk ensemble that has become a cornerstone of the North Beach live music scene. Led by the deep, rhythmic grooves of Shepard on bass and the commanding, soulful vocals of Tambora, the band is celebrated for their “all-killer, no-filler” sets. Whether they are performing at local staples like Tupelo or larger venues like Yoshi’s, their mission is simple: to make the audience boogie with a mix of timeless classics and high-octane originals.

Soulful Repertoire: Their sets are a masterclass in the Great American Soulbook, featuring hit covers ranging from the Jackson 5’s “ABC” to modern anthems like “Uptown Funk” and “Get Lucky.” They specialize in bringing a “legitimate band” feel to every cover, infused with their own improvisational flair.

The “Nu Soles” Sound: The band typically features a lush, full sound powered by a tight rhythm section and a vibrant horn line—including trumpet, tenor sax, and trombone—creating a Wall of Sound that is impossible to sit still to.

Global Influence, Local Roots: After years of performing abroad, the group returned to San Francisco to reclaim their status as neighborhood favorites. They are frequent headliners for North Beach First Fridays, often performing high-energy sets that turn Grant Avenue into an open-air dance floor.

No Cover Groove: At venues like Tupelo, their Saturday night residencies are usually free to the public, offering world-class musicianship without a cover charge—though tipping the band for their marathon 3-hour sets is highly encouraged.