The Funky Knuckles emerged in the early 2010s out of the same Texas scene that birthed fusion-jam institution Snarky Puppy, and the two groups clearly share an aesthetic and philosophical world view.

Since debuting on Snarky Puppy bassist Michael League’s GroundUP label in 2012, The Funky Knuckles has grown into a six-piece instrumental powerhouse on the cutting edge of Texas’ soul and funk scene, culminating in its sophomore album “Meta Musica” topping the iTunes jazz chart upon its release in 2014. But this band has musical pedigree all its own to spare, with members having served as sidemen for Beyonce, Erykah Badu, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke and more. The band is currently working on music for its fourth album and follow-up to 2016’s “New Birth,” according to its bio page on its website; you can grab a taste at Volcanic Theatre Pub on Thursday. Keyboard prodigy and Hammond artist Maxwell Friedman will open the show with his eponymous group.

The Funky Knuckles, with Maxwell Friedman Group: 9 p.m. Thursday; $12 plus fees in advance, $15 at the door; Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend; volcanictheatre.com or 541-323-1881.