The Funk Ark is a world funk ensemble based in Washington DC. The group draws on influences from the African and Latin funk/dance music scenes of the 1960s and 70s and the result is a gritty and soulful mix of inspired afrobeat and big band funk. The group's keyboardist and main songwriter, Will Rast is well known for his work with a veritable encyclopedia of artists both locally and internationally, such as Mya, Federico Aubele, Natalia Clavier, RAMP and Raheem Devaughn. He will be featured on the upcoming release from Thievery Corporation, as well as on several other projects with producer, Eric Hilton, including the upcoming release by Ocote Soul Sounds (with MartinPerna of Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and Adrian Quesada of Grupo Fantasma) on the ESL label. He has performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival as well as the Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza and Treasure Island Festivals. The Funk Ark has just finished production on their own debut album on ESL Music. The Funk Ark has played in venues ranging from small jazz clubs to large nightclubs and outdoor amphitheaters and festival stages. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.