She Makes White Boyz Dance

I love me some Ms. Sharon Jones.

Last night I attended the NYC River to River Festival 2007 held at historical (and hysterical thanks to Ranger Rob) Castle Clinton.

I wasn't there for the VIP seating. I was on the VIP guest list, granted.

I wasn't there for the VIP sandwiches or complimentary beer and wine. I had four beers and a glass of wine, nonetheless.

I was there to see Ms. Sharon Jones. And she brought the roof of that Revolutionary War era fort down. Granted, there's no roof, but had there been. Let me say... she's a stage presence unlike any woman before her. Even Ms. Tina Turner. I said it! Ms. Sharon gave her dues before embarking upon what Sharon called "her strut". But Sharon's strut is of a different breed. She's up there by the audience and for the audience and with the audience.

Not a show goes by that much of the audience doesn't end up on stage with her. Dancing and strutting their stuff at her invite. Last night, even a tiny, white haired granny got up there to jive with Ms. Sharon. Turns out the granny used to dance with Sister Sledge! We are family, indeed.

It's a terrific sensation to be eaten alive by the electric funk of Sharon's accompanying band, The Dap-Kings. The Dap-Kings are a mixture of now-too-cool-for-school band nerds with Jew-fros mixed with a hand full of old school Funk masters. Their sounds are out of the world, man. Dynamite.

And Ms. Sharon Jones' sassy singing wallows in that Funk to produce a sound that compels you to dance. There's no resisting it.

I'm celebrating my birthday at the Apollo Theater on October 6th when she plays her next gig here in New York. I do so hope you'll join me. And I do so hope I can get my white boy butt up there and do the funky chicken with Ms. Sharon Jones.

Find out more about Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.

Comments

[FiL]

You're back! O frabjous day, calloo, callay!!

[Kes]

I saw her at the calgary folk music festival and she even invited me to dance with her on stage. Derfinitely one of my best concert expereinces ever!

[Tony]

Thank you for the heads up! I gave a listen on iTunes and will be downloading and album or 2. Have you listened to the fab Francine Reed? Give her a listen, it's worth it just for "Love Without Mercy."