Funk Parade is a one-of-a-kind day fair, parade, and music festival celebrating Washington D.C.'s vibrant music and arts as well as the unifying spirit of funk throughout the historic U Street neighborhood. If you're looking for a glimpse into the groups and faces who make up the music and art communities of the District, the fifth annual Funk Parade is an experience you don't want to miss.
“It’s the largest collection of local musicians playing on one day.”
Kwesi Lee of Nag Champa performing at Funk Parade 2017. Photograph by Maxwell Young
The U Street corridor has long been a cultural pulse for the nation's capital. For instance, following the armistice of World War II, the heavyweight victory of Joe Louis, and the 2008 election of President Obama, the neighborhood streets erupted in "typhoons of joy." The soul of live music resides on the sidewalks and hallmark venues as well. District-born jazz musicians Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway were staples of the defunct Bohemian Caverns, which now serves as a back-drop for local street performances. The Lincoln and Howard theaters have amplified premiere acts nationwide from genres including jazz, soul, blues, and hip hop.
Sparked by a vivid dream of musicians, marching bands, neighbors, and strangers rejoicing in the sounds of the District, founders Justin Rood and Chris Naoum have consolidated this rich tradition into a day of movement, education, and good vibrations. This year on Saturday, May 12 there will be festivities during the day and night at various stages and venues around the U Street corridor. Read on for details regarding sets, showtimes, and destinations.
Day Fair 1-7pm (see other stage info here)
DC As Funk Stage
One Love Massive
625 T St. NW
One Love Massive is an artist collective that embodies the belief that music is a unifying force that defies all classifications and can unite D.C. Its operations are actually in the U Street neighborhood where they will be hosting some of the District's most recognizable talents including Malik DOPE Drummer (3:40pm), Pinky Killacorn (3:55pm), Sir E.U (6pm), Ace Ono (2:25pm), and WInzday Love (1:50pm) throughout the day and evening.
Evening Music Festival 7pm 'til late
Funk Parade Lincoln Theater Showcase
1215 U St. NW
7:30pm showtime
Funk Parade has partnered with Trillectro--another DMV music festival--to host a night showcase at Lincoln Theater. For $15 ($20 at the door) listeners are guaranteed to be in a groovy pocket for the duration of the show. Heavy-hitters Ari Lennox, Mannywellz, and Dreamcast grace the stage. Moreover, the lovely Ayes Cold, Native Sun, and Underdog will be on the ones-and-twos--I'll vouch for them any day of the week.
Uptown Art House Experience at Flash DC
645 Florida Ave NW
7:30pm
The Art House gets back to the vibrations of live music following its audiovisual production, The Landing at the Kennedy Center. Commanding one of the grooviest joints in the District, Flash DC, Uptown Art House will be hosting the incomparable, enigmatic Nag Champa Art Ensemble. Expect to hear some new sounds from the veteran musicians as they prepare to release their debut project '68. Special guests include electronic DJs Ledroit and St. Clair Castro.
OTHERFEELS Funk Parade Showcase at Local 16
1602 U St. NW
7pm
Founded by James Scott, OTHERFEELS has created an intimate experience of bourgeoning DMV artists through carefully selected performance bills, a radio show, and most recently a cocktail bar in Adams Morgan called Loves Me Not. On Saturday, the label will host percussionist and pianist FootsXColes as well as BlaqueStone.
Funk Parade at Velvet Lounge
915 U St. NW
7pm
With music performances both downstairs and upstairs from 12pm to 3am, Velvet Lounge will be quite the gathering place. Odd Mojo returns to the venue following an epic release party for her new album Channel Yo Mojo. She is joined by R&B, neo soul group Not.Alone and PNMA.