DJ’s are a dime a dozen in downtown Wilmington, but few and far between are the live bands with enough funk to keep you moving well after the alcohol wears off.

Junk in the Trunk keeps alive the tradition started by James Brown and Parliament with a tight set of funk classics, such as “Jungle Boogie” and “Car Wash,” as well as original tunes from their upcoming CD. Backed by the thick grooves of drummer Iajhi Hampden, the band brings with them a witty sense of fun wrapped up in the innate desire to dance the night away: Imagine the toga scene of “Animal House” with a 10-piece funk band.

First time “junkies” were in for a treat this Saturday at the Marrz. Guys and girls accustomed to bobbing their heads in the corner soon found themselves squeezing onto the dance floor. The party vibe spread easily throughout the crowd as the animated horn line put a grin on everyone’s face. Even older jams like “Sex Machine” can teach a hip-hop generation how to start moving.

The reliable highlight of this and every Junk in the Trunk show was the Junk In The Trunk Contest, an on-stage dance-off involving local female fans. With a mob of sexy Norwegian contestants in second place, the winner was serenaded with a truly inspired cover of The Commodores’ “Brick House.”

Far from rock stars, these guys are honest, music-loving college kids like the rest of us. In fact, several are music majors at North Carolina Central University. This is the group that rushes off stage so they can talk to their fans by the door. This is the group that is used to packing intimate spots such as the Paleo Sun, where they played earlier this summer. Never ones to leave their fans less than satisfied, Junk in the Trunk have built a sizable following across the state by consistently delivering the goods: a sexy, high-energy party with plenty of “booty-in-motion.”