tear the roof off the sucker

I like to think I have my finger on the pulse of the music scene here in Minneapolis. I have been to hundreds of shows in the last few years... all over the city... I've heard rock, punk, soul, country, jazz, folk, electronica, djs, rockabilly, surf guitar, hip hop, shoe gaze... the list goes on and on and on... but Minneapolis... you've surprised me once again... there's a straight up funk scene going on here. When did that happen? Again? I mean... I thought prince was all we had left... looks like I was wrong. Last night I danced to 3 awesome Funk bands in the 7th St. Entry... This isn't your father's funk. These bands are filled with 20 somethings and talent. They do jazzy mashed up hip-hop-funk versions of new and old stuff all twisted with a bit of soul. McNasty Brass Band infused the night with some classic brass band music... They dance their way on and off the stage... and all of these guys are friends. It's refreshing to see so many people having so much fun making music. I've been to so many rock shows where it looks like everyone is on the verge of tears... you know... because it's cool to look depressed.

After the first band ended the lead singer came down on the floor to dance... by the time the last band went on the saxophonist was shaking it too. It reminded me of the time I saw George Clinton and Parliament at First Ave a few years ago... a feel good party... and you're all invited.

Don't take my word for it though... dust off your dancing shoes and get to a show... For more information check them out here:

PHO    www.phofunk.bandcamp.com
McNasty Brass Band    http://mcnastybrassband.com/
The Tasty Tones     https://www.facebook.com/TheTastyTones

Get some brass in your diet. It'll help fend off the cold.

And here's a bunch of black and whites... because I couldn't decide which I liked better...