Wednesday’s Nooner on April 15 in the Redwood Room hosted The Tipsy Hustlers. The band is described as funk and rock with a touch of pop, soul and blues.

Their influences range from well known artists like Kanye West and Jay Z to Van Halen, Nirvana and Prince.

Ken Rudulph, an alumnus of Sacramento State and the lead vocalist and founder of The Tipsy Hustlers, formed the band three and a half years ago after moving back to Sacramento from Los Angeles.

“Johnny and I used to be part of a band here called Mama’s Gravy 14 years ago,” Rudulph said. “I’ve always loved the local music scene.”

It hasn’t been easy for Rudulph and Johnny Mullick, the band’s bassist. They’ve been through eight drummers since their formation.

“It was tough when we lost our first drummer,” Mullick said. “I had a good vibe with him.”

For Rudulph, it was losing their seventh drummer that almost caused him to give up on releasing a CD.

“She was the perfect fit,” Rudulph said. “I quit for 6 months and it wasn’t until I saw Prince perform on Saturday Night Live that I realized I love to perform and play.”

Since then, the two began pushing forward, working hard to write and record the songs for their upcoming CD.

“We have good songs we want people to hear,” Rudulph said. “My favorite is ‘Heartbreaker’ because it was the song that help me get back into it.”

Mullick also says that “Hearbreaker” is his favorite track because of its upbeat and pop feelings.

To both members, performing and recording is a way to create a permanent form of art for the world.

“It’s really about pursuing your art,” Rudulph said. “We all have day jobs but its about creating something you can hold on to, once you have it done it’s there forever.”

Mullick also describes his favorite moment as being able to go to the recording studio and performing in front of people.

“It’s the rush of putting yourself on the spot,” Mullick said.

Feedback from the audience was positive at the Nooner.

“I liked how they’re a part of the Sacramento community and the sound of their music,” Sac State student Nicole Thurner-Glover said. “It was fun to watch.”

For Rudulph, today was a memorable one, being able to return to his alma mater.

“Other than Harlows, today was one of my favorite show, I graduated in ’94 and it was great to be invited to Sac State to perform,” Rudulph said.