Jungle brings dance and funk to the Santa Barbara Bowl

London-based electronic-disco band Jungle brought funk and dance to the Santa Barbara Bowl as one of the stops on their Sunshine World Tour.

Before Jungle took the stage, retro pop-rock band RIO KOSTA opened the concert — playing a few of their songs such as “Ancients,” “My Dreams” and “Follow the River.” As the sun set, RIO KOSTA captured the feeling of the perfectly warm Friday night with their groovy disco-funk music.

As more people arrived at the Bowl, it seemed as if the crowd coordinated the overall vibe of their outfits — consisting of cozy, disco-esc outfits that brought a positive and welcoming environment to the amphitheater. 

As the light began to cut out, the crowd began to yell and call out for Jungle. Then golden lights came on as the band ran in, and the crowd shouted with excitement and joy, opening the set with the song “Smile.” Their stage presence was able to get audience members up from their seats, and they began to dance and sway their hands.

The band was eccentric, and it was as if audience members could feel their aura from the light and their golden monochromatic costumes. Although each outfit had the same vibe, they all perfectly demonstrated each band member’s personality and ambience. Lead singer and guitarist Lydia Kitto wore a glittery, bell-sleeve top with matching trousers, instrumental keyboardist Tom McFarland wore a cream shirt that matched his trousers and guitarist Josh Lloyd-Watson wore a brown leather jacket.

Each song transitioned perfectly to the next one as lights flashed and changed from gold to white, embodying each melody’s vibe perfectly. Songs such as “The Heat,” “Beat 54 (All Good Now),” “Heavy, California,” and famously “Back On 74.” The band members danced to the beat and synchronized their moves. The crowd danced along; no one was found sitting down and no phones were in sight — the music was enough to get up and move along the beat.

At times, the band called out to the crowd — referring to everyone as “Barbara” — thanking the crowd and the city for being so welcoming, even congratulating a couple that recently got engaged.

Finally, Jungle perfectly concluded the warm, groovy night with the last song on their setlist, “Busy Earnin’.” 

Each band member brought their best, and so did the crowd. The night ended with a nostalgic and euphoric atmosphere. 

Jungle performing in the Bowl seems like a match made in heaven: The combination of their disco-tech music with Santa Barbara’s warm, beachy vibrancy created an unforgettable night.

This article appeared in the Oct. 15 print edition of the Daily Nexus.