It's been a good year but like all goods things they must come to an end, and we now stand before the final weekend of 2011. There are many different ways to celebrate the coming of the new year and bid farewell to to the old one with music events in Denver, and tonight I'll be checking out what's going on at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom. I am a big fan of funk music, and over the past year, Cervantes' has kept me coming back by bringing in big names in the funk/funk revival scene, and this weekend they be closing out the year with some of the best funk out there right now. It'll be a two-day event, both tonight and New Year's Eve - so if you love funk you can check out either or both nights. Although I've seen these acts before and know it should be a good time, I'll be checking out tonight's show and giving a report for funk lovers still contemplating what to do on New Year's Eve tomorrow.
The headliner is Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk from New Orleans. As I mentioned before, Ivan Neville has music in his blood, being the son of R&B singer Aaron Neville and related to The Neville Brothers. That gave Ivan the benefit of being involved with music for much of his life, and he used those experiences to create a group of his own called Dumpstaphunk in 2003. Dumpstaphunk plays music with a '70s influence and southern swagger, making hard-hitting funk music that has a dose of New Orleans jazz. Their stage presence is so infectious you won't want to leave the dance floor. Check out "Meanwhile..."
Meanwhile... by Dumpstaphunk
Orgone will join the lineup, a phenomenal funk revival group from Los Angeles. Orgone started out as backing band for hip-hop musicians but became their own standalone band in 1999. They began mostly as an instrumental band and most of their released material features instrumental tracks. However, the band recruited singer Nikki J. Crawford and she ended becoming a permanent member of the band. For the live experience, the combination of Orgone's '60s & '70s inspired funk-meets-soul-meets-afrobeat instrumentals with Nikki J. Crawford 's extremely powerful voice and presence make for an astounding funk music experience. There are much more vocals featured in the live show, and Nikki J. Crawford 's voice is unforgettable. Check out "Who Knows Who".
Orgone Who Knows Who by Orgone
DJ Loadie Loaded is a local DJ that spins classic and nu funk. He's got a lot delicious funk in his crates wherever he goes, and he should do well to get everyone in the funky mood with an opening funk music set. He will also keep the party going during set changes, making for a non-stop music experience.
That party at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom is a two-night, all ages affair. The doors open at 8:00PM and the music starts at 9:00PM on both Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are $25 day of show for Friday and $30 advance/$40 day of show for New Years Eve. Two night passes are also available tonight if you want to go to both shows and save.