Being a straight up computer geek, it really does blow my mind how much Social Media has a direct influence on the physical world and visa versa. Just as with Myspace and Facebook, I have been a member of Twitter since early on in it’s conception. In terms of actually “Tweeting” though, I think I have been at it maybe a year? Who knows but it’s the wave of the future people, embrace it, or not, but never judge!! Last night, Twitter weaved its way into my nights adventure both in my physical world and my virtual world, giving me a night full of laughs! Who knew…
H. Alan Scott
For months, my friends and I have been meaning to check out our pal’s new comedy show at Comix called The Tweet Spot: A Twitter Game Show. The brain child and host of the Tweet Spot is H. Alan Scott (http://twitter.com/halanscott). I have lived in the city five, wow, 6 years now. I can honestly say I haven’t come across someone who makes me laugh as much as he does. I have attended other shows of his in the past and I advise you all to check him out either in LA or NYC where he splits his time!
This performance/act was so up my alley. It incorporated the use of social media by way of the Internet and Twitter. I was out of my apartment enjoying a live performance. They asked me to scream and shout and ENCOURAGE playing with your phone at the same time. I do that shit all day, everyday! And I am not going to lie, I learned some Twitter related guidance tips during this thing hahaha.
H. Alan breaks it down...
This is how it goes down: Popular Tweeters/Comedians read us some of their best 140 character tweets. The audience is asked to shout “Retweet” if it’s good and “Unfollow” if it stinks. There is also a portion of the game show called Hash Tag Dash, which incorporates a spinning wheel. The comedians are required to come up with tweets as fast as they can relating to the topic the spin wheel has fallen on. The audience decides the winner.
H. Alan introduces himself: “As far as we know, this is the only game show of its kind…here in Chelsea!” He lays out a case of Fresca in two rows, offering a can to those who want to come fill in the empty seats up front. As he describes the rules of the game, he asks that we “respond emotionally!” with our Retweet/Unfollows.
The Tweet Spot (04.15.10)
The first segment of the show required the audience to turn and check out a tv that was mounted on the wall streaming The Tweet Spots tweets. We ran through hash tag trends like #donttrytoroast and #Theresnothinglike. The only one being retweeted: #donttrytoroastif yo momma sells apple pie in front of the apple store on Earth Day. And the one we all cringed over, which ended up coming from one of our Tweeters of the evenings, “#Theresnothinglike my mom smelling my hair right after I get outta the bath and right before I turn around and say “Hey!” We then discussed the lovely Twitter battle currently going on between Kim Kardashian and Demi Moore over the word “pimpin'” vs. “pimping”. Both are idiots and H. Alan does a fabulous job making this battle way more entertaining then it truly is.
The Tweet Spot (04.15.10)
The time comes for the main portion of the show. It’s time for the Tweeters/Comedians to perform their tweets and either get Retweeted or Unfollowed. The lineup went as follows:
Sara Schaefer
Sara Schaefer (http://twitter.com/saraschaefer1), a Blogger for Jimmy Fallon was first. Her tweets are witty & charming and she veers off topic often. “Sorry, I am supposed to be saying my tweets, not coming up with new material,” she says!
My favorite tweet of hers went something like: I’m sorry but until they come up with an airfreshner that can go back in time and kill the mother and creator of all that is bad smells, then they all suck #airfreshner”
At this point H. Alan proceeds to show us a LOVELY Dixie Carter video that is probably the most insane, terrifying, hilarity I have seen in a while. It was in my dreams that night ahhhhhhh.
My favorite tweet of Jess: You would think that Marcia Gay Harden would consider changing her middle name from Gay considering her last name so closely resembles HARD ON!”
And “I am pretty sure Eddie Veddar’s cheek bones are made of apples.”
Derik Boik
Derik Boik (http://twitter.com/derik_boik), was our first male up for the evening. Where as the first two Tweeters had their tweets on paper, Derik was using his phone. Way to stick with the theme!! And he seems to have a very dark sense of humor.
A few of my favorites: “My granddad’s so annoying! He’s one of those people who try to save everything. What’s the word? Not pack rat…… Oh, a Christian…”
And “I’m taking my daughter to the zoo! We’re excited to see what her reaction to oppression is.”
And “I know this is dumb, but I just decided that if a girl had green genitalia, you would call it a “clitortoise.”
Mama Spell
At the end of his tweets, Derik showed us some of his wonderful Twitpics from his time living in Tennessee? Kentucky? I can’t remember but anyplace that sells BUTTS and other items at the same place, creepy!
I loved: “Fell asleep with my makeup on last night. This morning my pillows looked very surprised at me.“
And “I am a La La La-aholic!” ~~~~ Aren’t we all Mama, aren’t we all!! 🙂
Hal Sparks
And finally, the special guest of the evening, Hal Sparks (http://twitter.com/halsparks), as seen on VH1, MSNBC, and Showtime’s “Queer as Folk.” He had been tweeting on his Ipad the entire night, chiming in with little drops of humor throughout the performance.
Fav Tweet: “Who else has though about peeing in their Brita and seeing if it works?”
Hash Tag Dash
The last segment of the show was The Hash Tag Dash, where comics line the stage in front of microphones. They have to come up with funny tweets on the spot about a certain topic that the spinning wheel falls on. Some of the topics include #80sTweets, #thingsnottosayaftersex, etc. Mama Spells won a few, there were ties, it was all funny 🙂
Ochi's Lounge
The Tweet spot: A Twitter Game Show can be seen on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 9pm @ Comix. The show is free with a one drink minimum purchase, plus you get Fresca’s & Peep’s! (Even though I saw NO peeps this time!!)
Ochi’s Lounge
Downstairs at Comix
353 W. 14th Street
New York, NY 10014
And the most beautiful thing about Social media, you can attend the damn show from your couch!! If you can’t be there, you are able to follow along on all the night’s tweets at http://twitter.com/comixny or follow #tweetspot.
Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution @ Highline Ballroom (04.04.10)
I have come to figure out that this writing thing is time consuming. HAHA! Especially for a ADHD person like me who likes to integrate random facts into the articles and gets completely sidetracked every 10 minutes, without fail. So, I am running around a few nights ago packing for ROCK THE RESORT, trying to START and then finish up this review, clean my apartment, etc. My sister gets on my phone and says, “Ummm, all you need to say is IT WAS AWESOME…STAY RIGHTEOUS!!!” She said it with force! I loved it! Because you know what? She had a point. It was awesome! It was righteous…..in fact, that is exactly why I need to explain this Revolution more in depth…..Full Righteous Love Rage!
Easter Brunch With Bro Jo @ Highline Ballroom (04.04.10)
My girlfriend and I made our way to Highline Ballroom around noon when the doors were expected to be open. If you are ever around that venue, take a moment to walk on The Highline, the newest park addition to Manhattan’s West side. I met my sister at the door and various members of the crew began emerging. (ADHD moment: how great is it when you see that familiar face light up when you first spot each other in the mix?) Having been at Highline a few days earlier for Rebirth Brass Band and Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, it was fun to be in the same venue under completely different circumstances.
Bacon + Boa + Bro Jo = AWESOME!
As we entered the venue it was chaos as per Highline’s usual. Staff hollering at those of us in line as to where to go. There is VERY minimal space to actual accommodate people filing in for a show. Considering we had just been at a sold out show last Thursday, and this mess was still going down for an Easter Brunch? Sorry Highline, not sure where the kink in your chain is, but it’s there as far as your entrance into the venue is concerned. Other then that, I love this venue. When we finally made it through the gates of entry hell, we were seated at two lovely reserved tables right up in front of the stage. There was a little dance floor space set aside, THANK GOD! It’s not like at B.B. Kings that takes up every inch of danceable space with a table to turn a profit!
Andouille sausage grilled cheese with caramelized onions and sweet potato fries!!!
Forget the music for a minute, and lets discuss the energy of this group. First of all there is power in numbers but sometimes that can really destroy a group if it is not uniformed and cohesive. Being only 2 years old, this 23 piece Orchestra of Love is on point. But I digress…the energy…the energy. The women in the group are sexy, feisty, hyper, movers and shakers. They dance with fierceness and strength when they rage their songs. It is impossible to snap a poor picture of the ladies of this group as they are always groovin and always smiling. The Revolutionaries wear a pallet of white that allows for their beads and other righteous paraphernalia to stand out! Now with 23 people in the ranks, the Revolution’s ability to swarm the venue is possible. And that is exactly what they do.
Bro Jo Easter Day Parade @ Highline Ballroom ~ Photo by Dino Perrucci!
Calling it the Easter Day Parade, but a signature move for the group at all their shows, the horn section and vocalists with their parasols came out from the side of the venue and paraded around through the tables blowing, singing and dancing. The event had barely begun but this is the moment of the entire event that I was waiting for so I could see all my friends faces light up with a smile. And that is EXACTLY what happened. The friends that were helping me celebrate my birthday that day were not your typical music going friends. This is not something that they would have ever chose to take themselves to and if it were not for being my birthday, they never would have come. So, to see their faces light up and their heads start bouncing was magical for me. Once on the stage, they came out guns blazing….
Brothers @ Bro JO @ Highline Ballroom
A Child Shall Lead The Way brought us into a vocally charged rush of words that brought gospel right to the stage. Can I get an Amen? As the song played, the dance floor FILLED with tiny little people of all shapes and sizes. My friend leans over and says, “Now, please don’t go hip checking all the kids cause you want the front.” Dean blows the whistle and we are transported to church! Amen! Tambourines, choir, Easter, gospel, horns, birthday Bloody Marys….A Child Shall Lead the Way is one of my favorites. Because a child WILL lead the way….You know it’s true. Whitney schooled yall on that years ago right? The children are the future, Amen! Now, yall know I don’t care too much for lyrics, but the lyrics are one of the MAJOR draws of this band for me. I am biased with nostalgia due to an insatiable love for peace and happiness but…”Before wretched times start creepin’ in/Don’t try to tell me that she’s born with sin/Her smile could teach this world how to love again/and a child shall lead the way!!” Watching the children dance up there, the last thing I wanted to do was hip check them. I wanted to join them and smile with them as a tear came to my eye thinking about all the grand adventures they would all have one day and I hoped that music would be involved!
Me and Bro Jo @ Highline Ballroom (04.04.10)
Another original, Bon Temps Roulez, followed. Straight from church, we were transported to New Orleans with this jumpy, feisty tune. Love the ohhh la la la la la’s. This song has a great hook that forces you to shake your hips. You know, Brother Jo’s voice is reminiscent of J. J. Grey’s; full-bodied, scratchy, southern. Love it!
So, they have opened the show with two originals and are gearing up for another song when Brother Joe picks up the microphone and announces that it’s somebody’s birthday. Awesome! A funky, New Orlean’s-tinged Happy Birthday was sung in honor of my 30th birthday. After the first few measures, that was it. Samia beckoned me to join the dance floor. I was up in a flash rockin’ the boa my Aunt had sent me days earlier and in all smiles. Samia jumped off the stage and shook a little with me before gathering my friends on the dance floor. The dance party had officially begun! My girl would later tell me that tears came to her eyes during this song. It was the first dance of the day and I was surrounded by all my beautiful friends who were beaming smiles. The rest of the venue had risen and joined in. She couldn’t help feel the power of it all. She wasn’t alone. By the end of the song, everyone was on their feet, everyone was on the dance floor, everyone was up, up, up! Isn’t that what music is meant to do? Raise you so high that you can’t see the ground and your dancing on air? And it happened during a version of Happy Birthday sung for me. I had turned 30 years old surrounded by my best friends, feeling younger then ever, raging with a band that preaches love and compassion and strength. Who could ask for more? As my sister, put her arm around me and I realize even my biggest problems don’t compare to how hugely wonderful my life is during the good times. What a great thing to be able to say and feel. That was my happiest moment of the entire weekend.
Brother Joscephus @ Highline Ballroom (04.04.10)
After Happy Birthday, we had big fun on the bayou with a Hank William’s cover of Jambalaya and another original titled Strollin’. I love when Bro Jo pauses during their song to have dialogue. In the background sparatically come the responses from the rest of the Revolutionaries. It’s witty and always garnered laughs. Midnight Moon, another Bro Jo original, was next; a bluesy song, reminiscent of the 20’s. I especially love the keys & whistling intro to the tune. After Olden Days, it was time for a beloved kids song that had all the darling children jumping up and down. Shhh, don’t tell but it had a few of us big kids jumping as well. Bro Jo fell joyfully into “I Wanna Be Like You! Who doesn’t love the JUNGLE BOOK!!! It was upbeat, it was familiar, and it spoke to the child in all of us! Good Times, a beloved TV theme, followed, which spoke to the adults in MOST of us. Man, what a great song for this band to cover. With all the voices singing the chorus, there is room for all vocal ranges to be met.
Rev. Dean Dawg & Pastuh Peace @ Highline Ballroom (04.04.10)
Burbon Street, a jazzy tune written by Paul Barbarin, kept the dance party going until Bro Jo slowed it down with the lovely Don’t Give Up On Love! The female Revolutionaries start ooooh-ing and ahhhh-ing as they head into Don’t Give Up On Love. This is my favorite slow song of theirs. It’s Easter and we are surrounded by people who love each other, friends who are really family, family who are best friends! When I feel music I let it take me over as best I can. I drop tears in the middle of concerts all the freaking time. Feelings from realizing how far I had come since last year plus a combination of my lack of sleep from the days prior and the joy I felt in the moment prompted tears that went down hard during that song. My sister put her arm around me and we swayed to the lovely radio worthy melody. The song also knocks out a full horn jam that never fails to please. “Sometimes a melody is all you got/don’t you see?/A melody is made to stand alone/magics in the harmony” A perfect song for some Aretha type vocals. Not sure about the horns at the end though, they could use a fat guitar solo right there. With that kind of beautiful arrangement there could be massive play with each instruments against the melody.
Samia @ Highline Ball Room (04.04.10)
Samia Mounts must be mentioned as she has a fabulous voice and knows how to throw it. I have heard her sing Freddie Mercury’s Somebody to Love at a few other shows. Every time, it sounds better and she brings a dancing venue to a halt as they stare with their jaw wide and on the ground. Hardly a dry eye in the house, everyone has to catch their breath when she closes the song. She belongs on Broadway, straight up.
Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution @ Highline Ballroom (04.04.10)
Mighty, Mighty Chain of Love, another original, got us back up, up, up with horns a blowin’ and Rev. Dean Dawg blasting away on the keys. A traditional New Orleans favorite, When the Saints Go Marching In, brought the venue to it’s highest that point of the afternoon. Another familiar song, it’s fun when everyone in the venue can join in on the singing and enjoy the tune as one. The horns threw it out during this song. The three original members on stage happened to make up the horn section. Each one gave us a gorgeous solo on their respective instruments before Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra reprised A Child Shall Lead where they invited all of the children on stage to dance amongst the instruments. Seeing all the children up there, at first being a little shy and then just ripping into whatever kind of dance style that would be, you couldn’t help but feel your heart melting.
If you take nothing away from anything, just know that this group comes out blasting and doesn’t stop for anything. They leave dripping in sweat as we all do!! Forget the little kids loving this, this 30 year old big kid LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The greatest part of this entire day was when I was home relaxing. Throughout the night, my friends texted “I love you”, “Thanks for introducing me to that music”, “Thanks for a great day”. I had introduced new music to great friends and they left with a light and happy heart that stayed with them throughout the day and into the night. That was the best present of all, besides the amazing Jam Cruise photo album my sister got me…friggen awesome!! At the end of the day, I’ve always known that my life is going to be a wild ride, but this whole 30 thing…watch out life, it’s on!!!! Because with great music continually being played out there, there is no way I am slowing down.
Thank you my beautiful friends. You make life worth living!
I have found if you love life, life will love you back. – Arthur Rubinstein, Musician
Even though Ivan Neville‘s Dumpstaphunk and Rebirth Brass Band were playing another show, this time at Sullivan Hall, I chose to attend Pimps of Joytime at The Brooklyn Bowl with my friends on April 2. The choice was based on the atmosphere over the music this time. After Rebirth and Dumpstaphunk’s sold out show at Highline Ballroom the night before, I knew that tonight’s show at Sullivan Hall was going to be beyond packed, hot and gross. So, Pimps of Joytime it was for the second night of my raging 30th Birthday weekend!!!!
If I have never seen a band before, I am not the kind of person who will research the band before going to see them. I need to be grabbed by their pure energy & sound without having my opinions take charge of my brain prior to seeing/hearing them. During the first few songs, I knew I couldn’t write about the this group as I was finding myself wanting more out of them. I believe it is in direct relation to the fact that I knew I was missing hella good talent at Sullivan Hall because Pimps are talented and actually really did bring us a great dance party at The Brooklyn Bowl that night!!! I promise I am not a hater, I just had a disconnect that night!
Thanks to E.S. for catching this Tiny Rager in the front @ Pimps of Joy Time @ The Brooklyn Bowl (04.01.10)
Over the course of their performance, Pimps of Joytime brought it harder and harder. By the end of the evening, the energy and music had escalated exponentially and I danced my tiny little ass off! I can honestly say that they rock. They really do. And it’s always great to see a female raging amongst the men on stage! ~~ Uh, oh! I am finding memories flooding back and wanting to start writing but NO!…I didn’t take notes! Ironically, I got the set list so…if I had focused, this would have made for an interesting review being that I knew nothing of them until that night.
Pimps of Joytime Ragers!! @ Brooklyn Bowl (04.02.10)
My beautiful kindred musical spirit, Meredith Berke, writes a blog called Views Skewed. You can check out her review of the show here: Pimps of Joy Time!! Luckily, this group plays in NYC numerous time throughout the year. I look forward to seeing them again, fully focusing on them and writing up the next show 🙂
“Dumpstaphunk is the best funk band from New Orleans right now.”
~New York Times~
The Show Karma continued as 3/4 of the venue stepped outside during intermission for their various smokey treats. When we went back in, it was clear that 1/2 the venue had left for good. Giving us PLENTY of room to dance, but seriously confusing me. Prior to the show that night, while standing in the Will Call line, I overheard a clearly misguided music lover state: “I don’t even know what this Dumpsta stuff is!” Yall think I held my tongue? Those who know me well know I did not. He was schooled real quick…
Nick Daniels III & Tony Hall @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
What was wrong with these people? I mean come on!! It was a sold out show, so they spent $35.00 and left after the first band? Granted, Rebirth Brass Band was an amazing show by itself but…HELLO!! Add in Dumpstaphunk and you got gold baby!! What was going on? Those of us smart enough to stick around claimed our rightful place back up front!
Dumpstaphunk was founded by members of the legendary Neville family, Ivan and Ian. Seriously, if you ever see a band containing a member or special guest with the last name Neville, you know it’s worth seeing! Go see it! Completing this amazing group is Tony Hall, Raymond Weber and Nick Daniels III. A stage dripping in pure talent. Perhaps if you didn’t understand before, now you may understand my jaw dropping astonishment that people left the venue.
The line up on stage went:
Ivan Neville – Keys
Tony Hall – Bass & vocals
Nick Daniels III – Bass
Raymond Weber – Drums
Ian Neville – Guitar
Ian Neville & Raymond Weber @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
First of all, I don’t think I can ever meet Ian Neville without drooling all over him. HOT DAMN! He is 2 years younger then me and he is dangerously good looking. That smile is infectious and made me all tingly inside 🙂 On the other hand, Tony Hall, probably 20 years my senior, was dripping with stage presence and sexual energy. He just entered my Sean Connery category. Those older men who you just can’t say “NO” to if ever they were to approach you. Flirting with those of us in the front row, with our cameras, with our videos, Tony is a giver and receiver of energy and we fed off each other all night.
Set List:
Ian Neville, Ivan Neville & Tony Hall @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
Shake it Off
Neutra Rat
No More Okey Doke
Lt. Dan
Just the Two of Us
Everybody Wants Somebody
Meanwhile…
Jam
She’s Music
Deeper
Put It In The Dumpsta
Gasman
Nick Daniels Bass Solo
Standing in Yo Stuff (Girls on stage)
Unknown Song with Nikki Glaspie on Drums & Maurice Brown on trumpet
Shake It Off started us off with a bass heavy beginning bringing forth some uplifting lyrics where each member sang a portion of the song telling us to shake off all our worries in various ways. “Don’t waste your time and energy. What will be will be.” So we did what they said. We shook them out right then and there all over the dance floor. Ps…love the bass in this song. 🙂
Tony Hall @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
So, in parts of America there are these semi aquatic rat/beaver hybrid looking things that apparently sparks creativity in Dumpstaphunk because their next song was Nuetra-Rat. It’s here I begin to notice Tony Hall’s energy play with the crowd. I just LOVED him. Many times, some of the greatest parts of a live show experience isn’t the music at all. I heard every note he played but I focused more on him. That smile, that flirty energy! Tony Hall is super fun and proves that live music is so worth paying to see and going up front to watch.
No More Okey Doke, a Meter’s cover, raged next! This song gets everyone moving. It’s one of the songs that mostly everyone knows as it is covered so often. It’s a crowd pleasure for sure. Half way into the song, Tony Hall gave us a funky charged bass rage! (I was lucky enough to capture a little bit on video & 35 seconds in he notices!)
Nick Daniels III @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
Lt. Dan, a Dumpstaphunk staple, brought us into Everybody Needs Somebody. Ivan mentioned the Super Bowl win, stating that “we still aren’t over it.” And the Who Dat chants being. However, a certain member of the audience didn’t feel the chant needed to end when Ivan did. Rolling up to the front in a Saints tee shirt, a big drunk tank of a man screamed The “Who Dat” chant probably 8-10 times until his voice died forcing him to stop. That man LOVED his Saints and Ivan’s smile was appreciative. The venue laughed as one and Ivan took back control of the performance.
Into the funky bass heavy jam, Meanwhile.., Ivan’s signature deep, growly voice delivers us another song asserting that it’s best to just relax and let loose. “Meanwhile…Go and have yourself a good time. Go shake your pretty booty baby! Because there might not be a next time….” The vocals on this song are repetitive but allow for a lot of solos and rages! I missed the horns from the studio album but it still rocked as Ivan was off the keys and onto his guitar slamming out a jam that wouldn’t quit for a good 5 minutes. Enjoy Raymon Webber’s full drum solo!
Ivan Neville & Nick Daniels III @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
Now, in the funk world there are romantic songs also: deep, heavy and full of love! She’s Music! is one of those songs! Without ever hearing the song, lyrics or anything, I can imagine such beautiful things with a title like that. I imagine a sick love song about a old lover or possibly a new infatuation. Coming from a musician and having them tell you you are music? I would melt. It might just be my favorite song title right now! “She’s funky like the Family Stone, smooth like Marvin Gay,” sings Nick Daniels III as Ian Neville grabs a funky guitar solo. The whole time, I am drippin’ in sweat as the venue is so hot and I am just laughing at the people who left this amazing performance. DAMN! Dumpstaphunk delivers.
Tony Hall is total hotness. Always going to be here to see us through, his love for his audience goes…Deeper! Ok, yes that was cheesy but I know I am right! Tony got the vocal party started as Ivan threw his voice into the mix with the smooth backup of the other members. Ian’s guitar strumming in the lighter tunes and Ivan slams down onto his keys given us a solo! This song was a little too slow for the moment…we slowed down the energy a little bit with this one. However, it was perfect for the build up into the next song….they knew what they were doing!
Ivan Neville @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
Put It In The Dumpsta, a personal favorite, a majorly funk heavy tune introduced with Ivan talkin’, “We need to get rid of the bullshit that we walk around carrying on a day to day basis“And he is right. It’s apparent these guys have a theme through their lyrics. Basically they are saying RAGE FULLY and dump the CRAP out your life! I can handle that vibe! I can totally hook into that method of living! I do it everyday! So, they got a nice jam going during this song. Great excitement! Basically just hollering Put It in a Dumpsta and the crowd joins in. What you gonna do???
Eric Krano w/ Dumpstaphunk @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
Ivan’s nose gets all scrunched up and he says, “Smells like somebody farted.” Of course, I giggle and write it in my notes. My buddy leans over and says, “That’s a segway into the next song, silly.” Gasman was next on the lineup and quickly became my favorite song and it’s very clear in 5…4….3….2….Eric Krasno stepped out on to stage with his guitar! Oh yes sir! He didn’t even have to play for it to be my favorite. Just stand there and look awesome. Eric ripped through his solo, bringing his signature sound and crying guitar to the fold that evening. Special guests are always a welcomed part of any show! It’s when the history gets made! When the magic moments happen!
Tiny Rager dancing with Dumpstaphunk @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
As Nick Daniels III gave us a tasty bass solo, you hear Tony say: Ok, Security. Now don’t get excited but we need to add a few more people to this stage!” A tradition when the song is played, during “Standing in Yo Stuff,” girls are asked to join the stage and shake their groove thang. After the play between Tony and I the whole night he pointed at me to join the stage. I shook my head. There was no way, NO WAY, I was going on that stage. After a few measures of the song, he practically demanded it by leaning over and stinking his yummy strummin’ finger in my face haha. SCREW IT! They had just sung an entire night of uplifting songs telling us to relax and life life to the fullest!!!!
Tiny Rager dancing with Dumpstaphunk @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
I made my way over to the side stage and Security wouldn’t let me in. Pointing to Tony, the security guy follows my finger to see the funky bassist on stage hollering at him over the mic. Classic! An image I will never forget. But Securities hands were tied. Show Karma strikes again as at that moment three girls walked off the stage. And there I was standing on a stage for the first time in my life shaking like a leaf, looking Ivan Neville in the eye and trying not to throw up!
Ian Neville, Nikie Glaspie, Maurice Brown @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
All I can remember while I was up there was that I was supposed to be dancing so DON’T STOP MOVING! Hahah! I caught myself standing still, jaw open as a horn finally made its way on stage. I was missing the horns the whole set! I was very surprised that members of Rebirth Brass Band hadn’t flooded the stage much earlier. That would have been AWESOME! I kept getting lost in Maurice’s sound, his hair and his blazer. Handsome + Horn = Awesome!
And I got to be honest with you, I have NO CLUE about the last song. I was so hyped up on energy and excitement from doing what I had just done that it took me quite some time to even realize another song was even playing let alone that Nikki Glaspie was now on drums while Raymond stood behind her singing and Maurice Brown was on trumpet.
I left the venue that night energized beyond belief. The Members of the NYC Funk Live group had raged so hard that night. So proud! Some of us got up on stage! Some of us got their wish for more space when the venue cleared out at intermission…ALL of us were up front raging! And we couldn’t have chosen a better show to see. In hindsight, I have little pangs of regret for having missed the South Memphis String Band with Luther Dickinson show but in all honesty, nothing tops funk (except fusion) and nothing could top this night!
NYC Funk Live Meetup Group = Full Rage!
All I can say is this: NEVER EVER MISS A CHANCE TO SEE DUMPTAPHUNK!!!
Show Karma. That is what it is was all about. Show Karma. And by god, we got it!!!
Rebirth Brass Band @ Highline Ballroom (04.10.10)
With $30 left in my music budget until midnight, I spent all day Thursday in an intense internal struggle over seeing Rebirth Brass Band & Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk for $35 or seeing South Memphis String Band for $15. Seriously, it is a beautiful thing not having credit cards but sometimes you’re forced on a budget and have to make choices. I know it would have made for a very mellow evening seeing SMSB vs. the boys from NOLA, but I do love Luther Dickinson, so the struggle ensued. However, after being called out by one of my favorite drummers on Facebook: “dump or a string band..um, hello?” I figured the funky drummer had a point.
Vincent Broussard @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
As I arrived at Highline Ballroom a little before 9pm thinking we were missing the beginning of the show, I see members of the NYC Funk Live group scattered around outside! “Are they playing yet?” “No!” Show Karma 🙂 If that wasn’t good enough, while waiting in line for will call with $30 in my pocket for a $35 show, the gentlemen standing behind me says that he has two tickets for the $30 price. Cash exchange, transaction complete….SHOW KARMAAAA!!!!!! Let the show begin!
Formed in New Orleans in 1983 by the Frazier brothers, The Rebirth Brass Band (RBB) has been a staple on the NY scene for years. More of “an institution,” one friend said, as they had been playing here for over 13 years. Waiting for my beverage, RBB came out singing Ronnie Laws’ “Always There,” as they set themselves up on stage!
As they played Duke Ellington’s “Caravan,” a jazz standard, I made my way through the crowd to my favorite spot up front and took a moment to look around and admire the view. Everyone was smiling, everyone was dancing. New Orleans is an infectious feeling, not just a location on a map. When I got to my magic spot, the rest of the NYC Funk Live crew was already gathered there waiting! “OMG, how did you find us?” shouts Meredith. Show Karma 🙂 Hugs and kisses abound, new friends were introduced and the dance party for me finally commenced. (Did you know Rap musicians Redman and Busta Rhymes sampled “Carvan” song heavily in their 1998 song “Da Goodness?” Now you know!)
Derrick Shezbie @ Highline Ballroom (04.10.10)
Trumpeter, Derrick Shezbie, is a fun one to watch. Or should I say interesting? Or possibly, scary? I am terrified his cheeks are going to pop. As he plays, his cheeks puff up to the size of a grapefruit and he holds down his right cheek with his free hand. Apparently, he is afraid it’s going to pop as well.
Birthday girl w/ The Rebirth Brass Band @ Highline Ballroom (04.10.10)
At this point, Stafford Agee says “Happy Birthday” to someone on the right of the stage. Little did he know he was really talking to me, as this was the beginning of a weekend long celebration of me turning 30 years old!!! As my friends grinned at the irony and hugged away, a group of 4 lovely woman came up on stage and danced as RBB played “Happy Birthday.”
Derrick Tabb @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
The Rebirth Brass Band is as well known for keeping with the ways of a traditional brass band as they are for absorbing modern music into their performances. As they rear into a heavy funky cover of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop,” a dancing neighbor leans over and says, “I bet you never have a problem getting up front do you?” HAHA! The Saxophone solo commences! Filling it with their signature brand of heavy funk, RBB also covered Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean.” Listening to these song without lyrics being played by horns and drums was awesome.
Rebirth Brass Band @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
Now it was time for a little Drum Line rage. Both drummers, standing on the back line. I LOVED drum lines performances/competitions in high school. My favorite person on stage, the person who my eyes and ears always went back to was Derrick Tabb on the snare drum and cymbals. A massively tall guy, compared to this tiny rager. Standing, with the snare strapped over his shoulder, he beat the hell out of the drum like it was nobody’s business. His face would scrunch up and your insides felt like they should explode when he released his energy on that drum. He slammed away on the cymbals and just enticed me!
Stafford Agee @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
It was time to “Shake Your Booty,” a track off on their “Here To Stay” album, which brought everyone to their feet. I look to my right and Ivan Neville is admiring the band as we all are. It’s fun to remember that musicians are fans just as much as we are! “Shake your booty, Shake your booty…” The ladies from the dance party before return to the stage to shake theirs.
At this point, we had pretty much sucked in those around us into our dance party and had made some new friends. Stevie Wonder’s “Just the Two of Us” begins to unfold. It was perfect timing as Meredith was beginning to hand out her NYC Funk Live cards to our new front row friends! Now, this whole time, the venue feels like it is getting hotter and hotter. Over the course of the night, Stafford Agee had unbuttoned a button here and there until the entire shirt was practically ripped open at one point. It was hot! Or they were on fire…you decide 🙂 Towards the end of “Just the Two of Us,” Stafford turned to his left and it completely looked like he was meditating, haha, and he stays like that for a good minute. Stafford, what was that?
Glen Andrews @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
This is the time in the night I remember being VERY HAPPY!!! I start getting text messages from my friends scattered around the venue: Kraz just walked in with his guitar. Oh, it’s ON!!!! Eric Krasno of Soulive has entered the building!! It would have been pretty rad to hear his guitar amongst the drums and horns on stage that night, but alas…there were other plans in the works which you will have to read in the next post!!
Phil Frazier @ Highline Ballroom (04.01.10)
“All the fine women put your hands up!!!” screams Stafford! “Casanova,” a sexy, seductive song, came blasting out of the horns and pounding out of the drums. I do not think I shall repeat the lyrics! You can look those up yourself! HAHA! Vincent Broussard gave us a solid solo and each horn followed in turn. When Broussard needs to sing, the poor dear has to bend over 2 feet to reach his microphone which is a little lower then most because of his saxophone placement. I can only imagine what his back must feel like after each show! Heating pad please…..
Rebirth Brass Band caped off their night with “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.” YES!!! A song made for horns to play! A song that forces you to lift your feet and clap your hands. I need YOU…YOU…YOU!!!! It was originally popularized by Solomon Burke but it became a favorite of mine when The Blue Brother’s covered it!! There is a great live version of it on The Rolling Stones’ “Live Licks” album.
I NEED YOU..YOU…YOU……but what I really needed was Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk…and that was coming up after break……STAY TUNED!
Being a straight up computer geek, it really does blow my mind how much Social Media has a direct influence on the physical world and visa versa. Just as with Myspace and Facebook, I have been a member of Twitter since early on in it’s conception. In terms of actually “Tweeting” though, I think I have been at it maybe a year? Who knows but it’s the wave of the future people, embrace it, or not, but never judge!! Last night, Twitter weaved its way into my nights adventure both in my physical world and my virtual world, giving me a night full of laughs! Who knew…
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 