Neftali “Funkadrill” Santiago, former drummer for classic funk band, Mandrill, and one of its only surviving members, will take the stage to perform Mandrill’s music for the last time. By special request, Philly’s Funk Queen, Badd Kitti, will make a guest appearance at Funkadrill’s farewell concert – “The Road To Love”. The concert is scheduled for two nights only, August 18-19, 2023 at the Bristol Riverside Theater in Bristol, PA. For tickets, visit https://www.brtstage.org/shows/funkadrill-mandrill-experience/
Funkadrill and Badd Kitti were introduced by a mutual friend a few years ago when he initially began organizing the concert. The event was suddenly postponed, but the two remained friends and stayed in contact. The idea for the concert was rekindled when Badd Kitti & Funkadrill reconnected at the annual Funkateer’s Ball in 2022. However, Badd Kitti was completely surprised by the invitation to perform in the “Road To Love”. Says Badd Kitti, “The chance to share the stage with a legend like Funkadrill, and to play these classic jams is a musical dream come true!”
Santiago joined Mandrill in 1972 and is featured on many Mandrill albums and hits. Mandrill’s multi genre sound has not been matched by any other band to date. In the early to mid 70s, the band headlined concerts throughout the country, including the Spectrum in Philadelphia, breaking a RFK stadium attendance record of 85,000.
Santiago has racked up four platinum albums with Mandrill, as well as six gold albums collaborating with artists like Snoop Dogg, Public Enemy, Wyclef Jean, Kanye West and many more.