A spoonful of the brownie waffle makes the funk go down.
Mike Heagerty makes no excuses when it comes to hospitality as he shares a James Brownie Waffle Sundae with musicians at the tribute to James Brown “Doin’ It to Death” (DITD) last week.
Emanuel Washington gets a taste of the James Brown Waffle Sundae during the second set.
Gregory Collins: The Mr. Please, Please, Please of the local Funk Scene
We wish you knew what it was like to experience something this funky. We’re not talking uptown, but strictly some downtown, alleyway, outside of Armory Square, dumpster funk. Emanuel “never miss a beat” Washington organized “Doin It to Death,” a tribute to James Brown and the show had people nearly climbing the walls inside Funk-n-Waffles (downtown) on Thursday. We don’t know if the band (including a killer horn section) rehearsed or had a previous gig, but on this night the force (of funk) was with them indeed. The only thing that would have made this a better outing is if they had been scheduled during the NCAA Regional Finals weekend.
Making short cameo appearances during the two-hour plus show were Washington’s band mates from Sophistafunk, Adam Gold and Jack Brown.
Mike Spadaro: All about the bass
E. Washington, drummer, and a crowd jammin’ on the one.
The multi-generational crowd also roared when Washington announced that he would be putting together a Beastie Boys Tribute in June.
This was a first show at the new Funk-n-Waffles location and the place definitely has the potential to make some noise on the Downtown music scene.
The tight horn section was a Fields sandwich (Dan on trumpet and Nick on tenor sax) punctuated by the book ends of Melissa Gardiner (trombone) and 17-year old Dunham Hall (alto sax).
Anjela Lynn, ladies first
When it comes to bringing the crowd to the Sitrus Lounge, and making them get off their feet and dance, or in some cases sing, nobody does it like Michael & Anjela Lynn. Their second show for the season at the Sheraton Hotel was a perfect celebration of the roots of smooth R&B and the gift of musical enjoyment on Friday. They were backed up superbly by the next generation, aka the Talented Ones.
Deyquan Bowens
John Buda Bowens
Michael Houston
Al Cutri
Anjela gets some help on vocals during the second set
They even had on green tennis shoes (not pictured).
Piece of the Pi, Jefferson Street
Gregory Collins captured the energy, moves and mannerisms of Mr. Please, Please, Please, Mr. Dynamite and the Hardest Working Man in Show Business at the Tribute to James Brown at Funk-n-Waffles (Downtown) last night.
Warren-Moore, Johnson and Popoff shared their work at the Atrium at Clinton Square on Thursday.
Dwele at Awful Al’s Cigar Bar (circa 2003)
Free event + Premium content=Freemium.
Bravo to Frank Malfitano for putting together what sounds like another great line up for Syracuse Jazz Fest. This year’s festival features Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, and Lake Street Drive.
Once again the festival is free.
The Friday night shows at Jazz Fest have become legendary (Trombone Shorty, Gregory Porter, Preservation Hall Jazz Band), and this year we are particularly interested in seeing the evening sizzle with a combination of Marsalis and Buckwheat Zydeco.
To see Buckwheat Zydeco at a New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest back in the day check this out:
To get some background on Creole music and the culture of SW Louisiana, listen to one of our favorite DJ’s, historian Cowboy Texas Fred:
Last week USA Today highlighted several towns to experience public art and Syracuse was not on the list. Hopefully that will change because at last week’s outreach meeting the Connective Corridor staff reported that nearly 300 artists submitted proposals to enhance the cultural and business district. Also, more facade and lighting projects are coming.
And while we look forward to the aesthetic possibilities, we know it’s the day-to-day work that makes a difference. We caught up with construction manager Gregory Miller at the outreach meeting to talk about his role.