Funk Music in LA – May 4, 2018
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The best funk bands in Los Angeles are coming together for one amazing night of music. Don’t miss your chance to see these talented musicians perform live on May 4, 2018.
Introduction
Funk Music in LA is a concert series that celebrates the best in funk music. The series features top funk bands from around the world and showcases the genre’s diversity.
Funk Music in LA was started by Los Angeles-based funk band, The Brand New Heavies. The Heavies are one of the most popular and successful funk bands of all time, and their goal with the concert series is to showcase the best funk music from around the world.
The first Funk Music in LA concert was held on May 4, 2018, at The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood. The concert featured performances by The Brand New Heavies, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins, and many more.
If you’re a fan of funk music, then you won’t want to miss Funk Music in LA.
The Funk Scene in Los Angeles
Funk in LA has been thriving for years, with many different venues and promoters putting on regular events. There’s a strong community of funk musicians and fans in LA, and it’s always growing. If you’re interested in funk music, LA is the place to be. Here’s a guide to the funk scene in LA.
The Music
Funk music originated in the mid-1960s as a blend of soul, R&B, and James Brown-style funk. The genre reached its height of popularity in the 1970s with bands like Parliament-Funkadelic, Ohio Players, and Kool & the Gang. In the 1980s, Prince and George Clinton continued to bring funk to the mainstream with hits like “1999” and “Atomic Dog.”
LA has always had a strong funk scene, dating back to the early days of the genre. Today, there are a number of great funk bands keeping the sound alive in LA. Here are just a few of them:
The Meters – Often cited as one of the best funk bands ever, The Meters were formed in New Orleans in 1965 by Art Neville, George Porter Jr., Leo Nocentelli, and Zigaboo Modeliste. The band relocated to LA in 1969 and released their classic album The Meters earlier that year.
War – This Long Beach-based band was formed in 1969 by Howard Scott, Harold Brown, Lee Oskar, Charles Miller, Jerry Martini, and Lonnie Jordan. War is best known for their hits “Low Rider” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” both of which became classics of the genre.
Maceo Parker – A saxophonist who rose to fame as a member of James Brown’s band in the 1960s, Maceo Parker has since gone on to have a prolific solo career. He’s collaborated with everyone from Prince to Parliament-Funkadelic to Red Hot Chili Peppers, and he continues to tour regularly.
Bootsy Collins – Another alumnus of James Brown’s band, Bootsy Collins is a legendary bassist who has also worked with Parliament-Funkadelic and George Clinton’s solo projects. He’s also had a successful solo career, releasing a number of albums over the years.
The Clubs
There are a handful of clubs in the Los Angeles area that feature funk music on a regular basis. The two most well-known are probably The Scarlet Woman in Hollywood and The Mint in West Los Angeles. Both clubs have been hosting funk nights for years and attract large crowds of dancers and music lovers alike.
The Scarlet Woman is located on the famed Sunset Strip and features a large dance floor, state-of-the-art sound system, and a stellar lineup of DJs spinning the best in classic and contemporary funk tunes. The Mint, on the other hand, is situated in a more low-key part of town but still manages to pack in the funk fans with its great sound system, intimate setting, and excellent selection of music.
Other clubs worth checking out include Little Temple in Silverlake (which recently started hosting a monthly funk night), El Cid in Hollywood (which hosts a weekly ’80s Funk Night), and The Virgil in Hollywood (which has an eclectic mix of genre nights that occasionally includes funk).
The Artists
There is a thriving funk scene in Los Angeles, with many talented artists making great music. Some of the most popular funk artists in LA include the likes of Parliament-Funkadelic, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and Snoop Dogg. These artists are all legends in the funk world, and their music has influenced many other genres of music.
If you’re looking to experience the funk scene in LA, there are many great venues to check out. The Regent Theater is a popular spot for live music, and they often host funk bands. The Echoplex is another great venue that frequently has funk bands playing. If you’re looking to catch a show by one of the bigger artists, you may need to look into ticketed events at larger venues such as the Staples Center or the Hollywood Bowl.
The Future of Funk Music in LA
Funk music has been around for decades, with its origins in the African-American community. The genre has spawned some of the most iconic musicians of our time, including James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic. In recent years, funk music has seen a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the success of bands like Bruno Mars and Pharrell Williams.With its mix of R&B, soul, and pop, funk is enjoying a new wave of popularity in LA.
The Music
When most people think of funk music, they think of the classic sounds of James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic from the 1970s. But funk is more than just a sound – it’s a feeling, an attitude, and a way of life. And in Los Angeles, there is a new generation of musicians carrying on the funk tradition.
The band Vulfpeck is at the forefront of this movement. Hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Vulfpeck is a four-piece band that specializes in what they call “friendly funk.” Their music is driving and energetic, with funky basslines and soulful horn lines. But unlike some of their predecessors, Vulfpeck is not afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles. On their latest album, Mr. Finish Line, they incorporate elements of R&B, hip-hop, and even electronic music.
Victory! by Vulfpeck
another track by Vulfpeck
While Vulfpeck may be the most well-known funk band of this new generation, they are certainly not the only one worth checking out. Other bands like Tank and the Bangas, The Suffers, Durand Jones & The Indications, and Jungle Fire are all making waves in the funk world. These bands are keeping the spirit of funk alive while also bringing their own unique perspectives to the genre.
If you’re looking for something different than your standard fare pop music, give some of these new funk bands a try. You might just find your new favorite sound.
The Clubs
While there are many different types of clubs in Los Angeles, the city is perhaps most famous for its dance clubs. If you’re a fan of funk music, then you’ll be happy to know that there are quite a few clubs that feature this genre of music. Here are some of the most popular funk clubs in LA:
The Funk Room: This club is located in Hollywood and features live funk bands every Wednesday night.
The Baked Potato: This jazz club is located in Studio City and features funk bands on occasional Sundays.
The Mint: This club is located in Hollywood and features funk bands on occasional Fridays.
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, then you might want to check out one of the city’s many wine bars or lounges that feature live music. These venues typically have a more relaxed atmosphere and typically feature jazz or blues bands, but you might be able to find a place that features funk music on occasion.
The Artists
When it comes to the future of funk music in LA, there are a few key players that come to mind. First, there’s the ever-popular Vulfpeck, who continue to bring their unique brand of funk to new audiences every day. Then there’s Dam-Funk, who is keeping the spirit of ‘80s funk alive and well in the modern era. And finally, there’s ?uestlove, whose work with The Roots has helped to keep funk music relevant for a new generation of music fans. These are just a few of the artists who are helping to keep funk alive and well in LA – and we can’t wait to see what they do next!