Documentary filmmaker Bobby Pitts, of Worth It Films, recently shot a mini doc about my debut DJ sets at CrossroadsKC at Grinders:
Posts Tagged ‘funk’
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic Live at Boulevardia 2017
June 22, 2017
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at Boulevardia 2017, 6/16/17
The legendary George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic recently crushed a set at Boulevardia 2017. The band played six songs during their hour-long set. It was the best show I saw all weekend. Check out these gloriously funky vibes.
Galactic Funks Up The Madrid Theatre
February 7, 2017
Galactic at the Madrid Theatre, 2/3/17
New Orleans funk powerhouse Galactic recently smashed the Madrid Theatre with their hard-hitting grooves. They are also past interview subjects of mine. The hour and 45 minute set featured songs and covers from throughout the NOLA band’s career. They were joined by trumpeter Shamarr Allen and vocalist Erica Falls. Check out these live videos from their show here in KC.
McClain and Stanton Moore, drummer for Galactic, 2/3/17
The Phantastics “Protein” Live at the Riot Room
January 10, 2017
The Phantastics at the Riot Room, 1/6/17
Kansas City-based band the Phantastics recently celebrated their fifth anniversary at a sold out Riot Room. Check out the soulful, funky grooves of “Protein.”
The Floozies and Jason Hann (The String Cheese Incident/EOTO) Jam at the Midland
December 29, 2016
The Floozies and Jason Hann at the Midland, 12/23/16
Lawrence-based duo the Floozies recently smashed the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland with a set of future electronic funk. Near the end of the show, the past interview subjects were joined by special guest percussionist Jason Hann (The String Cheese Incident/EOTO) for some blazing jams. Check out this video of some of the action.
The Inspirational Soul of Charles Bradley at Middle of the Map Fest 2016.
May 10, 2016
Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at the Midland 5/7/16
I consider myself to be a funk evangelist. It’s one of my many missions in life. I truly believe in the importance of spreading the good word of funk to the world. A lot of people are funk deficient and they don’t even know it. The wonderful and soul enriching power of music is so beautiful. No matter how funky you are, you could always be funkier. It is a never-ending, joyous journey. Charles Bradley’s set in Kansas City Saturday night reaffirmed my dedication to bring the funk to the people.
Charles Bradley is an underrated soul singer. Bradley overcame a rough childhood and homelessness to pursue his love of music. Known as the Screaming Eagle of Soul, he is signed to the excellent funk and soul label Daptone Records. The 67-year-old Bradley began his career as a James Brown impersonator, but has carved out his own path. He is not an artist just mining nostalgic ideas. Bradley is honest, real and in the now.
Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at the Midland 5/7/16
Over 500 people came out to the Midland to see his set as a part of Middle of the Map Fest 2016. Bradley and his tight band, the Extraordinaires, burned through an hour of simmering ballads and uplifting soul. It was one of the funkiest shows I’ve seen in years.
Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires at the Midland 5/7/16
Live, the songs took on even more emotion and energy than the recorded versions. Bradley left so much of himself on that stage. The passion he has for his music is infectious.
I was fortunate to briefly meet Charles before his set. I told him about my funk deficiency theory and said he is a catalyst for positive change in funk. “I’ve paid my dues,” he said in a gravelly voice. Charles Bradley’s humility, positive outlook and his love of music is inspiring.
Be Funkier Today!
April 23, 2016Just a friendly reminder that funk isn’t just a genre of music, it is a lifestyle decision. Funk can be the way you carry yourself through life. Being square is for, well, squares. Dig within and tap into the trippy joy within you. Every day, it can be helpful to ask yourself, “What can I do to be funkier today?” Listen to that internal voice and let it guide you to a different view of yourself.
Udder Mayhem at the Floozies.
February 14, 2016
Holy cow! It was udder mayhem at the Floozies Kansas City show last night. This raving cow milked the show for all it was worth. It was a high steaks night. Some of the crowd had some beef with him. However, no fights broke out. It was an act of bovine intervention.
It was a real zoo at the show. The penguins at the zoo recently started walking outside. This chill bro made an epic trek to go raving. It’s great to see the penguins beasting hardcore. I also had a friend of mine come up and greet me with a “suh dude” in public. This was a first for me and terrified me to the very core of my being. It made my soul cry. Quality rave funk jams last night. I learned a lot about my culture and white people.
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