Kung Fu Shake-up!Kung Fu

Band announces the departure of Todd Stoops

A familiar name is taking his place.

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In a surprise announcement, national jam rockers Kung Fu have announced the replacement of founding member Todd Stoops on keyboards.  The band’s announcement came on facebook, and even more surprising is their announced replacement on keys, Beau Sasser.

Change is exciting, challenging, and a constant part of life. It is the process of evolution and growth. We do our best to embrace change in our lives and the music we play, and it is in this spirit that we announce that Kung Fu and Todd Stoops are parting ways.

Todd is our brother, a brilliant musician, and composer. This decision has been difficult for everyone involved. We wish Todd nothing but the very best for his family, his musical endeavors, and we are grateful for everything he has contributed as a founding member of Kung Fu.
We would like to give a gigantic welcome to Beau Sasser as our new keyboardist. Beau is most notable for his work with Alan Evans Trio, Melvin Sparks, Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan, The Z3, Uncle Sammy, Ryan Montbleau and more. He is a beast of a different flavor on keys, with incredible song writing skills, and we are very excited to have him on the Kung Fu team. With Beau on board, we know that Kung Fu will continue to be one of the best live bands on the scene.todd stoops

We would like to thank you, our loyal and dedicated fans, for your continued support! We can’t wait to see you this summer!
Peace, Love and Music- The Ninjas

Check out the review by Phil Poggi on the Kung Fu show at the Stone Church in Newmarket NH.

It seems as if the surprise was shared by Todd Stoops himself, who also wrote on facebook:

It has been the utmost honor to have performed for all of you with Kung Fu for the past 5+ years. I have experienced some of the greatest highs of my life onstage with the band that I co-founded, and I consider myself one of the luckiest humans alive to have been able to share that energy with all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you… After an incredible run out to the midwest for sets at SummerCamp and Revival, I came home to an email Tuesday from the rest of the band informing me that I was being replaced. Effective immediately.

Needless to say, it was as shocking to me Tuesday afternoon as it must be to all of you reading this now… I can only wish the best for the remaining members of Kung Fu as they continue their journey. They are good musicians. With only two original members remaining, I’m excited to hear the evolution of that collective.

Moving forward….. I have always kept a commitment to myself to perform with as many different artists and projects as possible. Always with the intent of broadening my musical vocabulary, personal growth, and most importantly, learning from everyone I have had the opportunity of performing with.

I fully intend on continuing this mission. Much love!! Todd Stoopsbeau ae3

Beau Sasser is well known to LMNR, from his days as the keys man with historic Boston jam band Uncle Sammy, to his proprietorship of funk nights in Northampton and his stint with Alan Evans Trio, to his newly developed mission with Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan.  Along with Tim Palmieri he is in the band The Z3 who also have a busy summer planned.  (Check out the article on the release of their tour dates here.)  We have long felt that he is one of the most talented players on the planet, so it will be exciting to see what happens to this most progressive band.  Kung Fu has been in the midst of a meteoric but measured rise to national status.

Social media response has been swift and filled with dismay.  Most folks are expressing their support for Todd, understandably, their love for his music and that of Kung Fu, and a curiosity about the future with Sasser.  Before working with Kung Fu fans got to know Stoops from his stint in the band RAQ.  Perhaps more RAQ dates are in the offing for the future.

 

 

To Submit a review for consideration hit us at [email protected]

Check out the Live Music News and Review.com Facebook page for updates and announcements.

Check out the article on the release of the Z3 tour dates here.

Check out the review by Phil Poggi on the Kung Fu show at the Stone Church in Newmarket NH.