Kung Fu Centers Chi on the Rook

Friday, Sept. 21

When it comes to laying down some real high-flying, hard-kicking, up-in-your-face prog-funk jams, Kung Fu are … well, let's just say they're most proficient indeed.

The New Haven, Conn.-based quintet of funk ninjas — long a staple in the greater Northeast region's festival and live music scene — have just one piece of advice for those interested but uninitiated in their onslaught of sound: "Enter the dragon!"

Sound advice from a group that bases its name on one of the finest martial arts, and its sonic backbone on some of the finest truly adventurous music (think Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, The Headhunters).

And however you take it — especially if you're into very well-played improvisation — we suggest you follow it when Kung Fu shows up to kick it for two sets at the Kings Rook Club on Friday, Sept. 21.

They're well-schooled. Well-disciplined. Well-practiced. And, well, bad-ass and fun as hell.

— Ryan Smith

9 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/kingsrookclub