About The IMPACT Band

Central Pennsylvania’s answer to the question “what does a great night out sound like?” — a ten-piece funk orchestra that exists for one reason: to fill the dance floor.

The following feature was written for The FLY Magazine by Jeff Royer and originally published in February 2003. It is reproduced from the band’s original site with light updates by the band.

Some bands play music as an artistic outlet. Some play to make lots of money. And some bands play for the express purpose of getting your freakin’ funk on. One glimpse at The IMPACT Band will tell you exactly which kind of band you’re dealing with.

“We play the groove that makes you move,” exclaims drummer Jeff Cox. “We’re a dance party band. We play almost entirely funk, and we do everything from Ohio Players, Earth, Wind & Fire, [The] Commodores, and Tower of Power up through Christina Aguilera’s arrangement of ‘Lady Marmalade’ and Pink’s ‘Get This Party Started.’ We do everything really from the ’70s up through 2002.”

The IMPACT Band is a monstrous 10-piece orchestra of funk featuring former members of Pennsylvania mainstays like Full Effect, the Jimmy D Band, and the Daine Paul Russell Band. Joining drummer Jeff Cox in the funk party are (deep breath): Greg Wolfgang on vocals, Antonio Fountain on guitar, Chuck Seay on bass, Jeff Falcone on vocals, Steve Walthius on trumpet, Bill Gingrich on trombone, Bill Perbetsky on trumpet and flugelhorn, Mike Formica on keyboards, and Janelle Verones on vocals.

“We’ve got a good cross-section of people who go out to clubs, hear what’s being played by the DJs and what’s on the radio. We try to add a couple of tunes a month,” says Cox, who credits the band’s lone female, Verones, for helping to keep their sound current. “She came on board with us in December 2001 and she adds a lot to the band. She’s obviously very capable of doing the newer stuff,” he boasts. “She does a great job on the Pink, but she also does a great job on ‘I Will Survive’, the Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer hit.”

The group has been hauling its party-on-wheels around the eastern U.S. since its inception in January 2000 as the Full Impact Band. Now, complete with a new name (there were too many bands that started with “Full,” Cox explains) and a sponsorship by Rolling Rock, the party is better than ever, according to Cox.

Where to Go Next

Ready to bring the party to your club, festival or private event? Head to the booking page or contact the band directly — and don’t miss the links page for friends of the band.