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Category: Music

  • Get Ready, Buffalo: T-Pain’s TP20 Tour Hits Outer Harbor Live on October 10!

    Get Ready, Buffalo: T-Pain’s TP20 Tour Hits Outer Harbor Live on October 10!

    Get Ready, Buffalo: T-Pain’s TP20 Tour Hits Outer Harbor Live on October 10!

    Buffalo’s music scene is about to get a massive dose of nostalgia and high-energy vibes as Grammy-winning artist T-Pain rolls into town for a can’t-miss performance at Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 10, 2025—this stop on his TP20 Tour: Celebrating 20 Years of T-Pain promises to be an epic night of hits, auto-tune magic, and unbreakable party spirit. 

    For those who grew up blasting tracks like “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” or “Bartender,” T-Pain needs no introduction. The Florida-born rapper, singer, and producer revolutionized the game in the mid-2000s with his innovative use of auto-tune, turning it from a studio tool into a cultural phenomenon. Over two decades, he’s racked up collaborations with everyone from Kanye West and Lil Wayne to Taylor Swift and Flo Rida, earning two Grammys along the way for smashes like “Blame It” with Jamie Foxx and “Good Life” with Kanye. But T-Pain’s story isn’t just about the charts—it’s about resilience. After facing backlash for his signature sound, he stripped it away on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert in 2014, proving his raw vocal talent and sparking a career renaissance. Now, at 40, he’s hotter than ever, with viral TikToks, a Twitch streaming empire, and fresh music that bridges generations.

    The TP20 Tour is T-Pain’s way of saying thank you to fans who’ve stuck with him through the highs and lows. Announced earlier this year with a heartfelt video message, the tour highlights his evolution from club anthems to introspective bangers, complete with surprise guests and deep cuts.  Expect a setlist packed with classics like “I’m Sprung,” “Chopped ‘N’ Skrewed,” and “Can’t Believe It,” alongside newer gems from his 2023 album On Top of the Covers, where he reimagines hits by artists like Sam Cooke and Journey. And if his recent shows are any indication, T-Pain’s live energy is infectious—he’s known for crowd-surfing, impromptu freestyles, and turning venues into massive sing-alongs.

    Joining T-Pain on stage in Buffalo are rising stars EarthGang and Armani White, adding layers of hip-hop flair and fresh sounds to the lineup.  EarthGang, the Atlanta duo signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville, brings their eclectic mix of soulful rhymes and psychedelic beats, while Armani White’s viral hit “Billie Eilish” promises to get the crowd hyped early.

    The venue couldn’t be more perfect for a fall night out. Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B, nestled along the shores of Lake Erie at 901 Fuhrmann Boulevard, is Buffalo’s go-to spot for outdoor concerts with stunning waterfront views.  Part of the Seneca Casinos Outer Harbor Live Concert Series, this amphitheater-style setup holds thousands and has hosted big names like Wallows this summer. 

    Gates open around 6:30 PM, with the show kicking off at 8 PM—plenty of time to grab drinks, snag merch, and soak in the sunset vibes.  Pro tip: Dress in layers for that crisp October air off the lake.

    Tickets are on sale now, starting at about $55, and they’re moving fast— Whether you’re a longtime fan reliving the glory days or a newcomer discovering his catalog, this concert is set to be a highlight of Buffalo’s 2025 music calendar.

    T-Pain’s ready to turn up; are you?

  • Freddie Gibbs Brings “Alfredo: The Tour North American Edition” to Life: A Celebration of Grit and Groove this Fall

    Freddie Gibbs Brings “Alfredo: The Tour North American Edition” to Life: A Celebration of Grit and Groove this Fall

    Hip-hop fans, mark your calendars—Freddie Gibbs, the relentless storyteller from the streets of Gary, Indiana, is hitting the road with “Alfredo: The Tour North American Edition.” 

    This fall trek celebrates the release of Alfredo 2, the highly anticipated sequel to his 2020 Grammy-nominated collaboration with producer The Alchemist. Kicking off in September and winding through major cities across the U.S. and Canada, the tour promises high-energy performances blending Gibbs’ razor-sharp lyricism with The Alchemist’s soulful, sample-heavy beats. Supporting acts like Jalen Ngonda, MAVI, and Sven Wunder will join on select dates, adding layers of R&B, rap, and instrumental flair to the lineup.   

    Born Fredrick Jamel Tipton on June 14, 1982, in Gary, Indiana, Freddie Gibbs grew up on the city’s east side amid challenging circumstances. He briefly attended Ball State University on a football scholarship but was expelled, leading him to enlist in the U.S. Army at age 19 as part of a pre-trial diversion for theft and gun charges—only to be dishonorably discharged after eight months for marijuana use. Turning to music, Gibbs connected with local producer Finger Roll and joined the No Tamin Entertainment crew, releasing his first mixtape, Full Metal Jackit, in 2004. A short-lived deal with Interscope Records in 2006 ended without an album due to label shakeups, but Gibbs persevered independently.

    His breakthrough came in the 2010s with mixtapes like Cold Day in Hell (2011) and Baby Face Killa (2012) during a stint with Young Jeezy’s CTE World. After parting ways in 2013, he founded his own label, ESGN, and dropped his debut album of the same name. Gibbs’ solo discography shines with projects like Shadow of a Doubt (2015), You Only Live 2wice (2017), Freddie (2018), Soul Sold Separately (2022)—which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200—and You Only Die 1nce (2024). His collaborative work stands out, including three with The Alchemist (Fetti with Currensy in 2018, Alfredo in 2020, and Alfredo 2 in 2025). Alfredo earned a Grammy nod for Best Rap Album, while Gibbs’ uncredited feature on Ye’s “Back to Me” (2024) hit No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. Beyond music, he’s ventured into acting with roles in Power Book IV: Force (2022), Bust Down (2022), and the film Down with the King (2021). 

    “Alfredo: The Tour” draws from the raw, introspective vibes of the Alfredo series, where Gibbs grapples with personal growth, street life, and moral ambiguities over The Alchemist’s intricate production. Expect sets heavy on tracks from both albums, plus fan favorites from Gibbs’ catalog. The tour spans from Philadelphia on September 20 to San Francisco on November 10, hitting theaters, ballrooms, and iconic spots like Red Rocks Amphitheatre.  

    For fans in and around Rochester, New York, the nearest stops offer prime opportunities to catch Gibbs live without a long haul:

    The closest is Toronto, Ontario, on October 19 at History, just about 160 miles away—a quick drive across the border. Tickets start at around $75.   

    Next up is Cleveland, Ohio, on October 17 at Agora Theatre, roughly 220 miles from Rochester, with tickets also starting near $75.   

    Detroit, Michigan, follows on October 18 at the Masonic Jack White Theatre, about 330 miles away, where prices begin at $79.

    If you’re up for a bit more travel, the Brooklyn, New York, shows on September 21 and 22 at Brooklyn Paramount (around 340 miles) have tickets starting at $75.  

    With Gibbs’ reputation for electrifying live shows—fueled by his unfiltered delivery and crowd command—this tour is a must-see for anyone craving authentic hip-hop. Tickets are available now via major outlets like Ticketmaster, but act fast as high-demand stops could sell out. Whether you’re drawn by the beats, the bars, or the backstory, “Alfredo: The Tour” is set to serve up a feast of hip-hop excellence.  

  • Rascal Flatts to Ignite Buffalo with 2026 Life Is a Highway Tour Finale

    Rascal Flatts to Ignite Buffalo with 2026 Life Is a Highway Tour Finale

    Buffalo Country music fans in Western New York are gearing up for an unforgettable night as Rascal Flatts brings their “Life Is a Highway Tour” to the KeyBank Center on February 28, 2026, marking the grand finale of their 21-city trek. The iconic trio—Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney—will cap off their much-anticipated 2026 tour with a high-energy performance, joined by special guests Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane, promising a night of nostalgic hits and heartfelt harmonies.

    Following a sold-out 2025 tour celebrating their 25th anniversary, Rascal Flatts is back to “keep the party going,” as DeMarcus enthused, with a setlist packed with fan favorites like “What Hurts the Most,” “Bless the Broken Road,” and, of course, their anthemic “Life Is a Highway.” The tour, named after their 2006 hit and recent Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets album, showcases the trio’s signature blend of soaring vocals and arena-ready energy, reimagined with collaborations from artists like Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. 

    Fans in Buffalo can expect a nostalgic yet fresh performance, with Alaina and Lane adding their own chart-topping flair to the evening.

    The KeyBank Center show, set to kick off at 7:00 PM, is already generating buzz, with tickets starting at $39 on Ticketmaster and VIP packages offering premium seats, exclusive merchandise, and access to the Rascal Flatts VIP Lounge. After a five-year hiatus, the trio’s return has been met with overwhelming fan enthusiasm, and Buffalo’s passionate country music scene is ready to deliver a raucous sing-along to close out the tour.

    Don’t miss your chance to see Rascal Flatts light up Buffalo on February 28, 2026. Tickets are on sale now at RascalFlatts.com and VIPNation.com. With a limited run of shows, this is one highway you’ll want to ride to the very end.

  • JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” North American Leg Preview

    JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” North American Leg Preview

    Atlanta rapper JID, born Destin Choice Route, is set to ignite stages across North America with his “God Does Like Paradise Tour,” the North American leg of his expansive “God Does Like World Tours.” This blockbuster run, supporting his critically acclaimed fourth studio album God Does Like Ugly (released August 8, 2025, via Dreamville/Interscope), kicks off October 15, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA, and wraps with a two-night finale at Brooklyn’s Paramount on December 15 and 16. With fellow Atlanta native Young Nudy as a special guest for most U.S. dates, alongside additional acts like Baby Kia, DC The Don, and Kai Ca$h, JID is poised to deliver a high-energy celebration of hip-hop that showcases his lyrical dexterity and electrifying stage presence. For fans in and around Rochester, NY, the tour offers several nearby shows to catch this rising star in action.

    JID’s Background: From East Atlanta to Global Stages

    Born on October 31, 1990, in East Atlanta, JID grew up immersed in his parents’ collection of classic funk and soul LPs, which shaped his eclectic musical palette. Influences like OutKast, Goodie Mob, Lil Wayne, and Wu-Tang Clan fueled his passion for hip-hop, while his fluent rapping style and intricate wordplay have earned him widespread critical acclaim. JID first gained recognition with independent projects like Route of Evil (2012), Para Tu (2013), and DiCaprio (2015). His big break came in 2017 when he signed with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records, releasing his debut album The Never Story, which featured the standout single “Never.” Subsequent projects, including DiCaprio 2 (2018) and The Forever Story (2022), solidified his reputation as a lyrical powerhouse. His 2021 single “Enemy” with Imagine Dragons, the theme for Netflix’s Arcane, became his highest-charting hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.

    JID’s latest album, God Does Like Ugly, has been hailed as one of 2025’s strongest hip-hop releases, with critics praising its ambitious production and introspective storytelling. Featuring heavyweights like Clipse, Vince Staples, Ciara, and Westside Gunn, the album reflects JID’s evolution as an artist who carries “the weight of Atlanta’s past, present, and future” on his shoulders. The tour’s title, God Does Like Paradise, nods to the album’s themes of resilience and redemption, promising fans a live experience that’s both raw and reflective.

    Tour Highlights and Rochester, NY Proximity

    The North American leg of the “God Does Like Paradise Tour” spans 31 shows across major cities, with Young Nudy bringing his signature trap energy to all U.S. dates (except Canadian stops). The tour’s itinerary includes stops in Chicago, Seattle, Miami, and more, but for Rochester, NY, fans, three nearby shows stand out:

    •  October 22, 2025 – Toronto, ON @ REBEL: Just a three-hour drive from Rochester, this show at the 2,500-capacity REBEL nightclub offers an intimate setting to experience JID’s dynamic performance. Note that Young Nudy will not appear at this Canadian date, but JID’s solo set, likely featuring tracks like “WRK” and “Surround Sound,” will keep the energy high.

    •  October 24, 2025 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS: A four-hour drive from Rochester, this stop at the 2,300-capacity MTELUS venue promises a vibrant atmosphere. Like the Toronto show, it’s a Young Nudy-free performance, but JID’s reputation as a “notorious live performer” ensures a memorable night.

    •  December 15-16, 2025 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount: Approximately a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Rochester, these back-to-back shows mark the tour’s grand finale. The 2,700-capacity Brooklyn Paramount will host JID and Young Nudy, delivering a high-octane close to the North American leg.

    What to Expect from the Tour

    JID’s live shows are known for their raw, unfiltered energy, transforming venues into “high-octane, crowd-shaking celebrations.”. Additional acts like Baby Kia and DC The Don will bring fresh voices to the stage, amplifying the tour’s appeal. JID’s promise of a special Atlanta hometown show (date TBD) underscores his commitment to his roots, but for now, Rochester fans can plan road trips to Toronto, Montreal, or Brooklyn to catch him live.

    Tickets for North American shows are available through Ticketmaster.

    His journey from East Atlanta to global stages mirrors the hustle and heart of his music, making these shows a must-see for fans of lyrical precision and authentic storytelling. Whether you’re vibing to “151 Rum” or reflecting on the personal narratives of God Does Like Ugly, JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” is set to be a defining moment in his career—and a thrilling experience for North America

    For more details and tickets, visit www.jidsv.com.

  • Joey Bada$$ Announces Dark Aura Tour w/ Rapsody & Ab-Soul, Bringing Lyrical Fire to North America

    Joey Bada$$ Announces Dark Aura Tour w/ Rapsody & Ab-Soul, Bringing Lyrical Fire to North America

    #UPDATE

    Joey Bada$$ has canceled his Dark Aura Tour

    In a sudden and disappointing turn, Joey Bada$$‘ highly anticipated “Dark Aura Tour,” has been reportedly cancelled.

    New York’s own Joey Bada$$ is set to ignite stages across North America with his Dark Aura Tour, a 25-date run kicking off October 16, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, and wrapping up November 21, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The tour, named after his latest single “Dark Aura,” features hip-hop heavyweights Ab-Soul and Rapsody as special guests, promising a night of introspective lyricism and high-energy performances. With his forthcoming album Lonely at the Top dropping August 29, 2025, Joey is poised to make 2025 a defining year. Fans near Rochester, New York, will have several opportunities to catch this powerhouse trio at nearby stops.

    Joey Bada$$: From Pro Era Prodigy to Hip-Hop Luminary

    Born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, Joey Bada$$ emerged in 2012 with his debut mixtape 1999, a nod to East Coast rap’s golden era that showcased his lyrical skill at age 17. As a co-founder of the Pro Era collective, he blended raw storytelling with boom-bap beats. His albums B4.DA.$$ (2015) and 2000 (2022) cemented his status as a voice for conscious rap. Beyond music, Joey’s acting roles in Mr. Robot and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, along with his entrepreneurial and activist work, highlight his versatility. His upcoming album Lonely at the Top explores fame, isolation, and resilience, with singles like “Dark Aura” and “The Ruler’s Back” setting the tone. The Dark Aura Tour marks his first headlining run since 2022, joined by Ab-Soul’s cerebral rhymes and Rapsody’s poetic flow.

    Tour Highlights and Rochester-Area Shows

    The Dark Aura Tour hits major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Brooklyn, but fans in Rochester, New York, can catch the show at several nearby venues. The closest stops include:

    •  October 20, 2025 – Toronto, ON @ REBEL (approximately 85 miles from Rochester, a 1.5-hour drive across the border). This show at the vibrant REBEL venue brings Joey, Ab-Soul, and Rapsody to Canada’s hip-hop scene, making it the most accessible option for Rochester fans.

    •  October 21, 2025 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland (approximately 225 miles from Rochester, a 3.5-hour drive). The intimate House of Blues will amplify the trio’s lyrical intensity, perfect for a road trip.

    •  October 22, 2025 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore (approximately 300 miles from Rochester, a 4.5-hour drive). This stop at the historic Fillmore Detroit offers a high-energy night for fans up for a longer drive.

    The Toronto show is the closest and most convenient for Rochester fans, though a valid passport is required for Canada.

    What to Expect

    The Dark Aura Tour promises a showcase of hip-hop’s lyrical core. Joey will likely perform tracks from Lonely at the Top alongside classics from 1999 and 2000. Ab-Soul, fresh off his 2022 album Herbert, brings philosophical depth, while Rapsody, a Grammy-winning lyricist, delivers poetic flows from works like Eve. This trio’s commitment to substance over flash makes the tour unmissable for hip-hop purists.

    Ticket Information

    Tickets are live via www.joeybadass.com or platforms like Ticketmaster. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so Rochester fans should act quickly, especially for Toronto and Cleveland.

    Why This Tour Matters

    The Dark Aura Tour follows Joey’s struggles with label delays at Columbia Records, which pushed Lonely at the Top from its original August 1 release. His defiance shines in “Dark Aura,” produced by Chuck Strangers, with lines like, “Independent mindset, we ain’t f**kin’ with the majors.” Paired with Ab-Soul and Rapsody, this tour celebrates hip-hop’s authenticity. Rochester fans, grab tickets early for a night of raw lyricism—whether in Toronto, Cleveland, or Detroit. Follow @joeybadass on Instagram and X for updates.

  • The Wrecks open up for New Politics Lost in Translation Tour (review, photos, video)

    Only Black Kid stops by The Fillmore Silver Spring to watch New Politics, The Wrecks and The Dreamers walk on top of crowd, backflip off drumsets and more at the “Lost in Translation” tour.

    New Politics has devoted fans that hold them up literally.

    Covering two concerts in two days in Silver Spring, Maryland; Monday night, we found ourselves, Only Black Kid – amongst an audience of 600 headbangers as Danish rock band New Politics played The Fillmore Silver Spring – which has a 3,000 max capacity – in part of their “Lost In Translation” tour which is to promote their latest album release of the same title.

    New Politics lead vocalist and frontman David Boyd was in peak performer mode. Whether Boyd was backflipping off bandmates Louis Vecchio’s drumset, walking on top of the crowd’s hands while singing “Everywhere I go,” or break dancing during band’s guitarist Søren Hansen guitar instrumental; the content crowd remained focused on living in the moment and focusing on who was there with them and not who wasn’t.

    A lineup that continued to build from the opening act to the headliner; alternative bands The Wrecks and The Dreamers got the party going early.

    The Wrecks were the first act to take the stage and their energetic opening performance set the tone for the night. Eccentric frontman and lead singer, Nick Anderson, bounced on and off the stage to perform with the fans on the barriers as the five-piece band performed tracks from their “Panic Vertigo – EP.” Despite being the first act on the bill, The Wrecks received a positive crowd reaction during their set, getting the audience to sing  during songs “Favorite Liar,” “James Dean” and “Turn it Up.”

    An energy you can not re-live unless you were there to witness it for yourself; the three bands remained enthusiastic and never failed to bring energy to the stage. What opening acts The Wreckers and The Dream lacked in stage design and lights compared to New Politics, they attempted to make up in energy and spirit. However, when you have a 40-year-old Boyd moving the way he did without breaking a hip, all the rising artist could do is sit back and enjoy New Politics as they progress through their touring circuit.

    By OBK

  • Walk of the Earth ends US leg of 2018 tour with sold out family affair at Fillmore Silver Spring (review,photos)

    Canadian rock band Walk off the Earth close out their first headlining US tour in three-years with a sold out show at The Fillmore Silver Spring.

    While Canadian rock band Walk off the Earth has built their name thanks to viral videos of them remixing popular songs on their 2.9 million subscribers’ YouTube channel, the group’s ability to produce music videos and bring them to life while on tour has helped set them apart from your typical cover band.

    Ending the US leg of their 2018 tour with a sold-out show at The Fillmore Silver Spring, I found myself – The Only Black Kid – partying with a majority-white all-age 3000-person audience, as Walk off the Earth made their way back to Silver Spring, Maryland for the first time in three years.

    A venue special to the group; members Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Luminati informed me during an interview, prior to the show, that in 2014 the venue was their first-ever sold-out headlining show in America.

    Taking a risk in an uncontrolled environment – built around bringing their corky yet creative D.I.Y. videos, which have garnered multi-million views on YouTube, to a live show – Walk off the Earth’s stage set is one giant circus. Whether there was 5 peeps playing 1 guitar at the same time during the cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Use To Know,” plastic pipes slamming against a table to create a baseline during their cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” or giants balloons floating on top of the crowd as wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube men blew erratically on both sides of the stages during Outkast’s “Hey Ya!,” Walk of the Earth kept the audience on their toes, blending genres to fit their custom sound.

    Walk of the Earth does an impressive job at multitasking and allowing each member to have their own shine while still keeping the best interest of the band. During performances of original songs – “Taekwondo” and “Nomad,” – the band cuts back on visual effects, allowing the crowd to focus on their singing and harmonizing skills.

    Meet and greet ticket holders had the opportunity to witness a raw, stripped down version of the band prior to the show. Gathering around the five-piece band to participate in a campfire type singalong, Walk of the Earth performed an acoustic pre-show jam session before having an intimate Q&A session with the audience; all while Blackwood and Luminati’s seven-month-old infant played peacefully on daddy’s lap as strangers stared at him and took pictures.

    Blackwood, Luminati, Marshall, Cassidy, and Taylor are a gang of rhythm. More than 2,500 people – ranging from toddlers to elderly – gathered as the Canadian band provided great music over festive effects to end the US leg of their 2018 tour. Walk off the Earth does not come around here very often, but it is a treat when they do.

    By OBK

  • Rhye brings their spin of R&B to soldout 9:30 Club in Washington DC (review)

    When it comes to the popular R&B artists out of Canada, Toronto’s Milosh may not be high on the popularity radar however with his vocal abilities he should not be left of the most talented list.

    Monday night I found myself – Only Black Kid – in 9:30 Club with a largely white audience as Milosh’s R&B musical project, Rhye, made their way to Washington D.C. in part of their three-country tour.

    A visual that Rhye keep mysterious throughout the show, the group opened up their set performing an interpolation of debut LP record “3 Days.” Forcing the music out in front of the six-piece band’s physical presence, Rhye hid behind a gloomy purple lighted shadow, that remained dark during the group’s hour-long setlist.

    Rhye’s setlist included a balance of slow-tempo records – “Major Minor Love,” “Stay Safe” and “Waste” – that allowed couples to get mushy and be romantic in the packed crowd, and with a few key upbeat records – “Open” and “Last Dance.- the band provided the ambience for patrons to hold hands and dance the night away.

    Milosh’s vocal ability was at peak during Rhye’s acoustic guitar performance of “Song For You.” With the band giving Milosh space to shine, one could hear the surge of emotion in the singer’s voice, resembling an energy and sound to Sade’s “Love Deluxe.”

    The balance of uptempo and slow-tempo records allowed Rhye to keep control of the audience, however Milosh’s subtle acknowledgment of the crowd made the show very impersonal; hearing only from Milosh when he requested for two photographers to stop their conversation in the photo pit and when he gave a very bland story of the last time he performed in the city and how it was cold outside midwinter.

    While we should not attempt to box ideas into a single category, and rather enjoy them at face value, it is difficult not to consider the majority of what Rhye was performing as soft rock. At times, paying no homage to the general conscious of the R&B genre and its originators, Rhye’s sound during cuts from their latest album “Blood” lacked substance, and exemplified an artist attempting to remain safe while gentrifying sexy soulful singing and a strong backbeat to fit a fanbase moved by internet-driven trends. An artist attempting to recreate black music for people who shop at Whole Foods.

    By OBK

  • JID, EARTHGANG WASHINGTON, DC (VIDEO)

  • George Clinton, The Parliament Funkadelic at Howard Theatre (review, photos)

    Accompanied by the Parliament Funkadelic, George Clinton made his way to The Howard Theatre for a mature party that the old-school music crowd truly enjoyed.

    While George Clinton is old enough to be my grandfather, I don’t think I would be safe leaving my girlfriend around the spirited 76-year-old at the family picnic.

    At least not if I expected her to feel about me the same way and not be drawn to him.

    Accompanied by the Parliament Funkadelic, George Clinton made his way to The Howard Theatre for a mature party that the old-school music crowd truly enjoyed.

    Performing for more than two hours, Mr. Clinton used his legacy and his household name to help introduce a new era of talent and sound.

    Hip to what’s going on today, Mr. Clinton took the time out during his show to pay homage to today’s hip-hop culture, covering Big Sean’s “IDFWU” and Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow.” Moving with rhythm to the beat alongside the younger generation members of the Parliament Funkadelic, Mr. Clinton went deep into his dance bag, showing he was still very agile and broke out into the “Swag Surfin’” dance move.

    Serving as a coach, Mr. Clinton allowed the members of the Parliament Funkadelic to run the show as he played hyped man.

    While the newer generation members in the group got the party going, the elder estates provided the highlights of the night. 

    Greg Thomas provided the night with multiple saxophone solos, including a rendition of  “The Pink Panther Theme Song.” Guitarist Dewayne “Blackbyrd” Knight proved to be the real MVP. Through his multiple solos, Mr. Knight helped show that while Parliament Funkadelic is evolving with the times and looking to stay relevant in a new cultural climate, the classical funk vibes will not die in the process. A great illustration of what the night had to offer.

    By OBK