Hot Like Mars Bring a Funky Good Time to Bell’s
Words & photos by Adam Briggs | View the full concert gallery here
May 24th, 2025 — On May 24th, Chicago-based band Hot Like Mars headlined a show at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They were joined by members of Michigan-based All American Funk Parade.
Hot Like Mars headlined the evening’s lineup with their genre-bending style that incorporates funk, soul, and dance music while treading heavily into the jam band arena. This is a band who’s ability to incorporate a wide range of styles with their musical virtuosity makes for a high-octane live show. The band consists of Anthony Perry (lead vocals/piano), Frank “Frankie Lightning” Minella (guitar/vocals), Patrick Walsh (guitar), Lamontae Norwood (bass/vocals, and Wes Julien (drums/vocals).
Much of the band’s setlist came from their live album “Hot Like Martyrs’ ” and their debut studio album One Way Ticket Up. They played fan favorites like “Every Day Above Ground,” “The Funk,” and “Sum’n Boutchu.” Also included during the evening was one of the first performances of a new track that’s set to release at the end of May.
The crowd was on fire throughout the show. From the first notes, the raucous crowd showed their support for the band. Before the show, I talked to several people and overheard many more that have seen the band many times and travel to see the band perform. After seeing this show, I understand why. Perry’s vocals demand your attention, Walsh and Minella’s guitar playing are spell-binding, Norwood’s bass playing is dynamic and powerful, and Julien’s drumming is rhythmically complex and thunderous. The combination is truly mesmerizing.
It was hard to imagine that the show could go to another level after their hour and a half long set was over, but this band managed to deliver. After a short intermission, the band was joined onstage by members of Michigan-based funk outfit All-American Funk Parade. As if to say, “you thought that last set was good?”, the septet performed an hour-long completely improvised set. Led by Funk Parade’s Aaron Stinson, the group started jamming with a whiteboard at the front of the stage and encouraged audience members to write suggestions down. Suggestions ranged from “Middle Eastern Metal,” “Mario Kart music,” and more. The set let to covers of popular songs, and other completely improvised sections. The ensemble never once stopped playing during the hour-long set. This was truly a spectacle to behold that made it even more evident how talented this band is. On a spring night in Kalamazoo, MI, Hot Like Mars completely showcased why they are a band earning their acclaim and dedicated following.
STAY UP TO DATEW WITH HOT LIKE MARS
Website & Tour Dates: https://www.hotlikemars.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotlikemars
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/26JLN9tc9p730kRILV3mvh?si=-2ISjWzMT9K6Wtb-J5vJqA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hot-like-mars/1720454233
