Sophistafunk, welcome to Flavortown! The Syracuse funk band was hinting at big news earlier this year, posting cryptic photos on their social media and now the cat is out of the bag. Syracuse’s own Sophistafunk has been tapped as the house band for Food Network star Guy Fieri’s new game show, Guy’s Ultimate Game Night, which will be airing on the Food Network beginning tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9 pm and streaming on the Discovery+ platform.
Sophistafunk has had a long-standing relationship with Fieri, the Food Network star of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games, Guilty Pleasures, and Guy’s Ranch Kitchen, and that relationship has turned into the opportunity of a lifetime for the funk band from Syracuse.
Fieri first encountered Sophistafunk when visiting Syracuse for his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show for the Food Network 10 years ago. That meeting led to a long-lasting friendship between the band and the chef which led to the band performing at several private parties for Fieri and providing the theme song for Guy’s Grocery Games.
Things came full-circle earlier this year when Fieri’s business partner contacted Sophistafunk keyboardist and Funk ‘n Waffles owner Jake Gold about becoming the house band for the new show.
The band, which consists of Gold, Jack Brown, Tommy Weeks, and Emmanuel Washington, flew to Los Angeles to film 10 episodes of the show, which features celebrity participants such as Bret Michaels from Poison, actor Bobby Moynihan, comedian and actor Cheech Marin, and actors Alyssa Milano, Jay Mewes and Kevin Smith competing in food challenges with Sophistafunk providing the musical backdrop and occasional interactions with the participants.
“If you put a game show, late night talk show, and a food competition show in a blender, you get Guy’s Ultimate Game Night,” said Fieri. “It’s the best dinner party you’ve ever been to…filled with food, booze, off-the-hook games and the funkiest live soundtrack around.”
The first five episodes will air on consecutive Wednesdays on the Food Network beginning tomorrow night, with the remaining five episodes airing in the fall. All will be available on the Discovery+ streaming platform.
Check out the band’s recent performance at the new Syracuse music series, Hanover Thursdays from Aug. 11 below.
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