Ozone Funk Reaches New Heights at the Brickhouse Brewery

On Friday, June 4, the group Ozone Funk sent Patchogue's Brickhouse Brewery & Restaurant straight into the stratosphere with their undeniably smooth R&B and pop-laced renditions of iconic songs, such as their opener, Michael Jackson's Rock Wit You. Ozone definitely had everyone "in the zone."

The four-man band managed to make 80's songs such as "Kiss" by Prince sound fresh and current.  They undeniably made each song their own.

During Kiss keyboardist and vocalist Craig Haft came out from behind the keys sauntering around the packed pub.  The suave Haft crooned in a seductive falsetto while serenading the ladies up front.

Band leader Roy Leftenant of Massapequa was on drums and vocals.  Haft; bass player, Gary Johnson; and lead guitarist, John "Groovalicious" Willis all reside on Long Island.

Leftenant said, "This is the third reincarnation of the band, and this one is the best yet."  The current line-up formed just in January, but sound like they've been playing together for ages.

Ozone's tight as a drum, pulsating, funk-rock synthesis had the audience on their feet as soon as their dynamic set began.  The crowd were swaying, hip-bumping, dancing and generally "getting down."

Several in attendance had come to see Hank Frank & Bible Jay, a duo who performs comedic spins on pop songs.  The offbeat pair attracted a lot of 20 somethings, but there were some in the crowd in their 30s, 40s and beyond having just as good a time.

Those who came for the opening act or were just enticed by the hand-crafted beer on tap, were instantly won over by Ozone's energy.  The band definitely lived up to what Leftenant promises on their website, "When performing, we bring the party, the music, and that makes the people party and dance, but we don't sacrifice the showmanship."

The band's leader was formerly a member of the group Cameo, of song Word Up fame and the song Candy, which can be heard in the movie The Best Man.

The Brickhouse has bands every Friday and Saturday night.  The venue's entertainment director, James Skidmore has, in the last few years, geared the Brewery toward a younger demographic.  He said, "We encourage original music as much as possible."

The neighborhood hot spot also features a lot of cover bands that perform hits from the last two decades, as opposed to many other area clubs that stick with the classic rock format.  Skidmore said, "Instead of going with the crowd, I decided on going the other way with real grass roots stuff.  I enjoy it."

In the last five years Skidmore has modeled the Brickhouse on a nightspot you might find in new hipster mecca, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  He said they're, "bringing the urban experience to the suburban."

Wednesday at the Brickhouse is Open Mic Night which Skidmore calls "young, urban and original." Thursday is Karaoke.  Tuesday is Movie Night, which features a lot of campy B-Movies and cult classics.  Sunday is the Open Blues Jam, when a lot of famous old-time locals like Bobo Rondelli of Black Sabbath are known to come down to the low-key club.

As the eclectic band played a soulful rendition of a Beetles' classic and sang the lyrics, "One thing I can tell you is you've got to be free.  Come together right now over me," it was obvious that the diverse audience was doing just that.

Check out ozonefunk.com for upcoming shows and booking info.