Lila Gongora
LV Life Editor
Funk’d Martini, a funk, pop and R&B band, stopped by Chase’s Old Town La Verne on Saturday to kick off this month’s Saturday live music events at the restaurant.
In the month of September, Chase’s will host live music events on Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
“We like to have a good time, sorry for the heat,” the lead vocalist of Funk’d Martini, Frances “Kika” Martinez, said while performing. “It’s ‘cause y’all are hot.”
The band was stationed towards the right side of the restaurant, so sitting at the bar or in the dining area would give the perfect view of the three performers and their colorful setup.
Chase’s has warm lighting with a rustic, yet upscale look. Empty beer bottles are lined up to sit on top of the barrier between the circular bar area and main dining room, while paintings and posters honor the city of La Verne.
Patrons were enthralled by the conversations between old and new friends as Bonita High School’s 45th class reunion also took place that night.
After the first few notes of Funk’d Martini’s rendition of “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse, heads shifted towards the band as people got up to sing and dance.
Funk’d Martini originated with Martinez’s family in their garage. Her father introduced her and her two older siblings to rock ‘n roll at a young age.
Now, Martinez carries on the legacy of this band as lead vocalist and bass player with guitarist and musical director Akira Harrison and drummer Daniel Fernandez.
Fernandez, a Whittier local and bank worker by day, is able to indulge in his “fun job” by night.
Fernandez and Martinez attended Colony High School where they first met. The two were in jazz and marching band together and have since become lifelong friends. The three members are best friends with a lifetime of shared experiences through their music.
“My favorite thing about playing these environments is there’s a lot of cool people,” Fernandez said. “These people become friends, they become like family.”
Martinez’s unique voice and rendition of songs, Harrison’s guitar solos and Fernandez’s experienced drum-playing has drawn in fans over the years.
The band members have day jobs, but play live events almost every weekend as well as private events. Though Funk’d Martini does not play as much as they used to, their following has remained loyal and they have formed true friendships with these familiar faces.
“They take time out of their lives to come see our little show … everytime I get to play for people it is a blessing,” Martinez said.
A group of women took to the dance floor and even got a shoutout from Martinez. This group of longtime fans calls themselves the “Groupies.”
“The music that they play is sort of timeless; it crosses all of the genres and they tend to reach everybody,” fan and Upland resident Renee Siegel said. “I’ve gone as far as Corona, I’ve gone as far as Palm Springs, Indio, to see them.”
“It’s worth it and they’re good people with good hearts, good work ethic,” Siegel said. “We know that this is not their regular job and they give everything to it even though it’s a side job.”
Funk’d Martini brought Chase’s to life playing songs from “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” by Carl Carlton to “Redbone” by Childish Gambino.
Those at the bar—and even workers—danced as they walked by. As the night went on, the makeshift dance floor only grew.
Chari Bussman, a Bonita High School class of 1981 graduate, is on the planning committee for her high school’s reunions.
Bussman has known the original owner of Chase’s, Christopher Gendreau, for over 45 years as he also graduated from Bonita in 1981. The reunions have always taken place at the restaurant even with a move in locations in 2018.
“My husband and I frequent here all the time,” Bussman said. “La Verne’s still home to me.”
“They have live music quite often, I don’t live in the area anymore … but I have been here numerous nights when they’ve had it and it’s always a blast.”
The La Verne staple, Chase’s, invites customers to try the wood-fired meats or craft cocktails with a side of live music. Their next event will take place Wednesday with country singer Brant Cotton performing.
For more information about Chase’s events visit chaseslaverne.com.
For more information about Funk’d Martini visit funkdmartini.com.
Lila Gongora can be reached at lila.gongora@laverne.edu.
Lila Gongora is a sophomore communications major with a concentration in public relations. She is the LV Life editor for the Campus Times and previously served as a staff writer.
