Folk Hogan is a local folk-punk favorite

The banjo rock and belly kisses return for St. Patrick’s Day in Ogden

REVIEW

Folk Hogan performs on stage at Funk ‘n Dive on Feb. 6. Deann Armes

February 6 at Funk ‘n Dive was a night of rock ‘n’ roll. Belle and The Blackbird opened for local favorite Folk Hogan. Folks ordered their drinks and food in eager anticipation, a blend of old fans and new ready for some killer tunes. 

Belle and The Blackbird, a band from the Salt Lake Valley, opened up the late-night show to a large Friday night bar crowd. They kicked things off with some classic Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. After a lot of head banging and a few nice words about the Prince of Darkness and his influence on the band, they launched into original music, which held the same energy as the metal gods they had just covered. Belle and the Blackbird brought fantastic music, great energy, and unquestioningly good vibes to the Funk ‘n Dive. 

Folk Hogan, a staple of the Ogden music scene, followed this new favorite, bringing their fun folk punk vibes to an energized crowd. Up front people danced throughout their set and even in the back at the tables people stomped and clapped along, belting out the words they knew. Mixing their signature sense of humor mixed with their punk rock politics, the band delivered a night full of great music which started with some fast banjo rock fun and winding down a bit near the end of the evening with a song for everyone’s ex. 

The crowd sang along, with phones and maybe even a lighter made an appearance. Everyone joined in being loud enough that the lead singer's ex could hear it. After the moment of shared heartbreak over music, the band wrapped up with a fast-paced drinking song and an offer of belly kisses from each member. It is unclear if anyone took them up on this offer, but many laughs were shared and a good time was had down on The Vard.  

Folk Hogan returns to Funk ‘n Dive for St. Patrick’s Day along with Sean Baker’s Recycled Stardust on Tuesday.