Anna & the Funkle Brothers Became a New Favorite
- Moose Nicholson
- Jun 25
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 25
Anna & The Funkle Brothers — A Debut to Remember
Last Thursday had all the markings of another weather curveball. Kenny and I had the gear loaded in, tuned up, and ready to roll. The skies were clear. Spirits were high.
Then, just as showtime neared—a soaking downpour. Quick, but heavy. The kind that makes you question everything.
That’s exactly where Anna Hudson found herself. After a week full of setbacks—her guitar broke, her car died, she borrowed a friend’s car only to get a flat on the way—she pushed through it all just to make it to her Amp the Alley debut. Drove on the rim. No excuses.
And when she finally arrived… it started raining.
All that effort. All that chaos. And now, maybe… no show?
She stood in the alley, uncertain. Frustration, fatigue, and heartbreak all boiling over. The tears came fast.
But then the clouds passed—literally and figuratively.
And in true Amp fashion, the show went on.
After the rain passed, the alley didn’t dry—it thickened. The air turned into something you could almost chew. Sticky, slow, and clinging to your clothes and your thoughts. And in that heavy stillness, Anna Hudson stepped onto the Amp the Alley stage for the very first time.
She was visibly antsy—bouncing in place, shifting her weight, full of nervous energy. The kind that says, this matters.
She’d reached out to Kenny George earlier in the week, worried about her broken guitar. He showed up with two of his own, ready for her to choose. And when the moment came, she picked one, stepped up, and made it hers.
Shock and Awe
Her entrance wasn’t loud. She approached the mic quietly—gracious, careful, maybe even stalling for a second as she gathered herself. You could feel the nerves. But you could also feel the weight of the moment—not just for her, but for everyone watching.
She thanked the crowd, sincerely. Then, almost without warning: “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac.
No hype. No buildup. Just music.
And in an instant, something changed. Conversations throughout the crowd paused. Heads turned. The shift from nervous introduction to confident, commanding vocals was so immediate it felt like a switch had been flipped. The crowd didn’t need to be convinced—they recognized it right away: this was one of those moments you don’t want to miss.
The full setlist that followed proved Anna and The Funkle Brothers had more than just one good moment in them:
“Dreams” — Fleetwood Mac — hypnotic and steady
“Linger” — The Cranberries — tender, aching
“Yellow” — Coldplay — soft and sincere
“Bennie and the Jets” — Elton John — playful and bold
“Hotel California” — Eagles — stretched and textured
“Stick Season” — Noah Kahan — stark and resonant
“Parachute” — Chris Stapleton — soulful and grounded
“Ain’t It Fun” — Paramore — sharp, energetic, and emotional
“What’s Up” — 4 Non Blondes — full-throated and defiant
“I Will Survive” — Gloria Gaynor — a finale that earned its triumph
Her uncles—Levi on bass and Mike on drums—provided the kind of rhythm that holds everything in place without needing to show off. Just solid, smooth, and sure.
And then there was Keith Petersen, whose solos didn't just elevate the songs—they added dimension. At one point, mid-set, Anna turned toward him, wide-eyed, stunned by what she was hearing. It was that real, that reactive. And it was a reminder: the best live moments are the ones no one sees coming—not even the band.
This wasn’t just a great debut. It was a band clicking into something bigger.
All Aboard The Hype Train!
There was no hype to buy into—but by the end of the first song, the crowd wasn’t just sold—they were out there selling it. Reactions rippled through the alley, and before long, strangers were nudging each other, pointing at the stage, and exchanging looks like they’d stumbled into something they didn’t expect—but knew they’d be talking about later. Check out some of the responses on Facebook:
Kristen Gordon: “You did a really great job! Thank you. It was really fun! 💕”
Ross Mal: “Excellent performance. So glad I caught you.”
Debora Ingrascioatta: “Great voice”
Terry Cole Kitchings (replying to Debora): “Debora. She was fabulous.”
Robert Heilig Jr: “Y’all better remember Anna Hudson – first time I’ve gotten this vibe since we watched Red Clay Strays here 4 summers ago.
She has IT, and will be where they are before you know it.
This was a ‘glad I was there’ night!!”
Bill Haun: “Anna Hudson heard the vibe was outstanding. Can’t wait to catch a show sometime, soon!” Even the folks who missed it were talking about it online!
Try Something New — You Might Just Find a Favorite
Anna’s debut was more than just a performance—it was a reminder.
A reminder that new is a gamble. But it’s also an opportunity. That magic sometimes happens when someone takes a risk—when they step up, nerves and all, and offer something genuine. Some of the most memorable nights don’t begin with fanfare—they begin with a little curiosity and a willingness to see what happens.
That same spirit applies to the businesses behind the music—the ones who help make this series possible.
This year, we’ve welcomed new sponsors and partners into the Amp family. Maybe you haven’t walked through their doors yet. Maybe you’ve never even heard of them. But they chose to take a chance on this community—on us—before you ever gave them your business.
What if your next favorite spot is one of theirs?
Maybe you stop in because they support live music. Maybe you walk in for the first time because you saw their name on a banner or in a post. But maybe—just maybe—you walk out surprised that you hadn’t been there all along.
That’s the real heartbeat of Amp.
Aiken is full of hidden gems—restaurants, bars, businesses—that you won’t find in every other town. And we have a responsibility, as locals, to show visitors what makes this place different. To help them discover the kind of downtown that’s built not on chains and franchises, but on ambition, creativity, and community support.
So whether it’s a new band or a new bar, a new business or a new vibe—take the gamble.
It might just turn into something unforgettable.
Woodchuckers: Where Axe Throwing Meets Tail Wagging
There’s trying something new… and then there’s throwing an axe and falling in love with a dog on the same afternoon.
That’s exactly the kind of surprise waiting at Woodchuckers on July 12th from 12–2 PM during Chucks for Pups—a special adoption event in partnership with FOTAS (Friends of the Animal Shelter).
Known for bringing people together around targets and cold drinks, Woodchuckers is the kind of place that doesn’t just embrace fun—it throws it, with both hands. And this time, they’re channeling that energy into something bigger: helping local shelter dogs find forever homes.
Even if you’re not ready to adopt, there’s still a reason to stop by:
🎯 Throw a few axes.
🐶 Pet a few pups.
✨ And maybe leave with a new appreciation for how much one afternoon can offer.
This is what community support looks like when it’s done Aiken-style: unexpected, a little rowdy, and 100% heartfelt.
So mark your calendar. Tell your dog-loving friends. And if you’ve never been to Woodchuckers before—this is the day to change that.
📅 July 12 | 12–2 PM | Woodchuckers
🐾 Come for the fun. Stay for the fur.
Downtown Hydration: Choose the New You Today!
There’s something powerful about choosing to feel better. Not in a loud, life-overhaul kind of way—but in the quiet decision to say, “Today, I show up for me.”
That’s the philosophy behind Downtown Hydration & Wellness—one of Amp the Alley’s newest partners and a rising cornerstone in Aiken’s holistic health scene. Tasha and her team don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. They believe in partnered care—in meeting you exactly where you are and helping you move, one personalized step at a time, toward something better.
Whether it’s a quick IV hydration session or vitamin injection to get you through the week, or a longer wellness journey that includes hormone support, gut resets, or medically managed weight loss, every service begins the same way: with a real conversation.
Because showing up for your health shouldn’t feel like an overhaul—it should feel like care.
So if you’ve been thinking about making a change, or even just about having more energy for the things you love (like outdoor concerts on Thursday nights), maybe this is your sign. The first step doesn’t have to be dramatic. It just has to be yours.
✨ New to wellness? Book a “Welcome to Wellness” session to get started with labs and a tailored plan.
💧 Need a boost? Choose from hydration and vitamin options right from the booking link.
Taste of Aiken: Chef Chad Takes the Spotlight
We talk a lot about how Amp the Alley brings the best of Aiken together—and our sponsors are proof that what happens on Thursdays is just one part of a much bigger story.
Coming up on Saturday, July 12, Chef Chad Jajczyk—the creative force behind Whiskey Alley and Prime Steakhouse—will headline Taste of Aiken: Live, a one-night-only cooking show hosted by The Aiken Standard and sponsored by The Aiken Dining Group.
This isn’t your average demo. It’s an evening of fire, finesse, and full-flavored storytelling set on stage at Aiken High School’s Performing and Visual Arts Auditorium.
Whether you’ve carved into a bone-in ribeye at Prime or navigated the ever-evolving printed menu of scratch-made dishes at Whiskey Alley, this is your chance to see the chef behind it all—live, unfiltered, and right in the heart of Aiken.
📍 Aiken High School
🗓 Saturday, July 12 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🎟 Ticket Options:
– Savor Pass (General Admission): $12
– VIP Front Row Seat: $25
– Chef’s Table Experience (Includes Meet & Greet): $55
👉 Get your tickets here: Eventbrite Link
Presented by The Aiken Standard
Sponsored by The Aiken Dining Group: Whiskey Alley, Prime Steakhouse, and The Alley Downtown Taproom
Rhumba’s Holiday Hours
Reft Equipment: Big Power, Local Support — and 0% Financing to Get You Started
Looking for something new that pays off season after season? How about a brand-new Yanmar tractor with 0% financing—and the peace of mind that comes from buying local?
Whether you’re managing land, clearing space, or just ready to stop borrowing your neighbor’s rig, Reft Equipment is Aiken’s hometown source for equipment sales, rentals, and service. They don’t just sell machinery—they stand behind it.
Their current 0% financing offer on Yanmar tractors makes now one of the smartest times to buy. Reliable, powerful, and built to last—these aren’t toys. They’re tools that work as hard as you do.
And if you’ve never been out to Reft? Maybe this is your Amp moment. One of those “I didn’t expect to leave with that much peace of mind” kind of visits. New sponsors mean new opportunities—and this one might just be sitting on four wheels with your name on it.
Cast Your Votes
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Vote now through JULY 18th.
Tomorrow: Whiskey Business
Whiskey Business took The Alley by storm last year. Immediately after winning the Battle in The Alley, the took to the Bud Light Stage to continuing to blow the minds of Aikenites and visitors alike. This is one of those "They've got it all" bands. If you don't believe me, check out the video below! Give them a follow on Facebook!
Next Next Week: MMS TRIO
Check out the MMS trio - featuring Kenny George's bassist for a fun night of indie grooves! ***DON'T FORGET - we will be taking off next week for the 4th of July, just like we do every year. So MMS Trio will be taking the Bud Light Stage on the next week JULY 10th***
Moose, loved the blog you nailed it !