Tucson Musician Spotlight: Brent Kort — Three Decades of Funk in Tucson

For more than three decades, Brent Kort has been a steady heartbeat in Tucson’s music scene—fronting Funky Bonz, championing local talent through Local Love, and showing up behind the curtain at some of the city’s most iconic stages. From his early songwriting days in Kansas City to unforgettable nights at The Rialto and beyond, Brent’s story is woven into Tucson’s musical fabric.

Thank you to Brent for taking the time to share his story and insights with us in this interview—his passion and humor remind us what makes Tucson’s music community so special.

• Local Love: Local Love promotions was established in 2013 and has produced over 100 concert events primarily at The Rialto Theatre and 191 Toole
• FunkyBonz: Tucson, AZ-based funk, rock, blues, and reggae – Shaking bootys since 1993.
• Dust is a country-western band from Tucson, AZ, mixing honky-tonk soul with modern edge. Inspired by legends and today’s stars, they deliver feel-good, boot-stompin’ sets full of heart, twang, and timeless desert spirit.
• Brent Kort on Facebook.

Congratulations on your induction to the Tucson Musicians Museum! How does it feel to be recognized for your contributions to the local music scene?

I am honored to be recognized by the Tucson Musicians Museum for all of my contributions to the local music scene.  Tucson has given me amazing opportunities as a musician and promoter.

With this induction, you’re officially part of Tucson music history. What do you hope your legacy will be in the community you’ve helped build?

I hope the name and the music of Funky Bonz will continue to be in the hearts and minds of Tucson and Local Love will continue to showcase the amazing talents of our local music scene.  

Your career in Tucson music goes back over 30 years. Can you take us back to the early days — what first drew you into music and live event production?

The 1st song I wrote was in High School with Billy Teagle and we were asked to play it at an all school assembly (My high school was HUGE) That song got radio airplay on local radio in Kansas City and I was hooked on recording and performing.  I still play the song “Cheers” to this day and will possibly even play it at the Tucson Musicians Museum induction Ceremony.  

When I got to college I collaborated with my new friend and guitarist Tim Starmer who would eventually introduce me to Demetri Enriquez, Greg Barkulis and Tom Kennedy – The 1st generation of Funky Bonz

You’ve worked at some of Tucson’s most iconic venues — The Rock, The Fox, and The Rialto/191. What are some of your favorite memories or lessons from working behind the scenes at these places?

As a manager I keep it professional – anything can happen at any time including a king snake in the pool table or an Anti Israel protest at a children’s choir recital, or a patron on bath salts destroying our offices.   As a Runner I have been given opportunities to interact with artists in amazing ways that no paid VIP experience could match.  I have gone out to dinner with Rick Springfield, Alan Parsons and Todd Rundgren to name a few.  I have partied after the show with Tedeschi Trucks, The Trailer Park Boys, Fishbone, Dr. John and many more. 

The Local Love shows at the Rialto Theatre have become a big part of your legacy. What inspired you to start Local Love, and how did it shape the local music community?

While at The Rock we didn’t want the venue dark on weekends so I came up with a battle of the bands called Battle Royale with a recording package from Allusion studios and T Shirt package from Aladdin graphics as the main prizes.  I booked 8-10 bands per event so needless to say I got to know many of the musicians in this town.  Years later I noticed Jared Kitty Kat McKinley was throwing amazing, eclectically themed parties with bands and DJs at Rialto Theatre when they had open weekends so I inquired with Rialto GM Curtis McCrary about doing something similar with local bands. Talent Buyer extraordinaire, Kris Kerry has been helping with Local Love ever since. 

You’ve been involved in organizing major events like the Tucson Jazz Festival. What do you think makes Tucson’s live music culture unique compared to other cities?

I did help jazz fest for a couple years and have been apart of many Bacon Fests, Margarita & Beer Festivals etc.  I believe our weather allows us to do more large well attended events at times of the year other states wouldn’t attempt.  We are also located between bigger markets like Phoenix & Los Angeles making Tucson a popular convenient B Market destination.

Funky Bonz has been together for over three decades — that’s rare! What’s the secret to keeping a band together and still having fun after all these years?

Probably just my stubbornness honestly.

We are fortunate to have many great venues wanting us to play regularly and audiences of all ages that enjoy our funky vibe.  Luckily we are all still friends and enjoy collaborating both musically & socially.  All of us split our time with other bands as well – making booking more challenging,  but that freedom of playing shows in other bands (other genres)  makes our Bonz shows together even more enjoyable. 

You’re also now performing with Dust as a harmonica player. How did that transition come about, and what does the harmonica bring to your creative expression?

I played harmonica on the 1st song I wrote “Cheers” and have been playing it since. We only had 1 horn for awhile so it became a much needed soloing instrument for our regular 4 hour sets to give a bit more dynamics. 

I wrote all the early Hillbilly Bo songs with an acoustic guitar & harmonica trying to bridge the gap of metal & punk with outlaw country.

I was invited to play harmonica (and percussion) on Billy Stokes album that featured some amazing talent including Marc Storace of Krokus on lead vocals.

And then finally my friend Chris Kabisch asked to be put on one of my local loves that was country themed.  I knew he was in a pop rock group called Oracle Jane Station (Saguaroville is playing with them at The Hut for Halloween Tomorrow) and I told him that band really didn’t fit with the theme.  He informed me he was putting together a country band called Dust and invited me to play harmonica. 

I can’t explain what soloing feels like vs just playing a rhythm or head but it’s the part of the song I look forward to and am nervous about at the same time. 

Your Facebook feed is full of incredible moments with big-name musicians. Is there one encounter that really stands out — someone who made a lasting impression on you?

Too many to mention – George Clinton & Bootsy Collins are my Funk heroes who I got to open for and hang out with because of Funky Bonz.

I have made lasting friendships with some of my heroes like Fishbones Angelo Moore & Norwood Fisher after opening for them multiple times and working or managing their shows when I wasn’t playing. 

Amigo the Devil has been amazing to see grow through the years. From playing on the stairs of Rialto to headlining a Local Love show for me at Rialto to selling out Rialto.  Danny has been a class act through it all, whether playing solo or bringing a full band and openers on his record label. 

Lastly Mr Danny Zilesko is one of the most amazing people I have ever met.  His generosity and his knowledge, passion and love for the touring concert music industry make him one of the greatest storytellers of all times.  Buy his book “All Excess” 

You’ve worn so many hats — performer, producer, promoter, manager. Which role feels most like “home” to you, and why?

Performing – there is no other feeling like it in the world.

Tucson’s music scene has gone through so many changes since the ’90s. How have you seen it evolve, and what advice would you give to younger musicians trying to make their mark today?

For awhile live music was limited by the emerging DJ scene.

Next came the era of Tributes for EVERY BAND IN THE WORLD (not cover bands).

I think we are getting back to creativity where Mac Sabbath, Metalachi, Yachtley Crew etc are turning the Tribute Tables.

For the up and comers – Look at what Znora has achieved by just putting a youthful spin on classic bluesy rock and roll.  You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to create a bad ass original new sound.

Tonight’s Sunshine is another example of how the charisma of singer Anastasia can turn something nostalgic into something new.

Finally — what’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or performances fans should keep an eye out for?

Saguaroville will be in the Studio Nov 15 recording a full band follow up to the Acoustic EP.

Dust has a new original single and video out.

Funky Bonz… 🤞 also has a new song I wrote that Doug Hurricane Floyd is currently putting his musical director creativity on. Hopefully we will be back at Allusion Studios (where it all started) next year.