I must confess that I, Viv Kopka’27, author of this article, have a huge conflict of interest on this subject: I friggin’ love D’Funk and The Grease Monkeys.
The band played with three other bands on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 5BAR. Along with the Grease Monkeys were artists Lambretta — a local indie/alternative rock band — and CRASHprez, a Chicago-based rapper and hip-hop artist.
D’Funk and The Grease Monkeys came to Beloit College for the first time in April 2022, and have played on campus seven times since then. Though they haven’t played at the college since April 2025, and I talk about them like they’re my dead wife, students welcomed their presence at 5BAR as if no hiatus had taken place.
“We out here,” said Alex Cambouris’27. A man of few words. Some things just speak for themselves.
“Great show, great bands, great performers, great atmosphere,” added Cian McKeown’27.
I did not get a formal interview with the band, but Dimitrius “D’Funk” brought up their upcoming album plans. After a move from Madison to Chicago, life put a pause on their ability to make new music and perform as frequently as they wanted. Now, they’re getting back into the groove, and out of “D’Funk” from the move.
In a Nov. 2023 interview with The Round Table, Cheldyn, who plays hand drums and whatever the hell else he’s feeling like for the band, elaborated on the move to Chicago: “One bar told us that they didn’t like hip-hop because of the crowd that it brings, which is code for ‘we don’t like Black people,’” he said.
The venue wasn’t packed, but given the events of Beloiter Days and the weather, the turnout was more than expected.
D’Funk and the Grease Monkeys will be back in Beloit. Big things coming soon.
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