FUNKY EVENTS

*ALL NEW* WEB SHOW SERIES: The Groove Design Radio Show debuts this season beginning Tuesday, February 11, 2025 on Funky People Radio.net ! Join resident host, Jerry Cunningham aka Jay Goodwill, along with invited guests as he cultivates a harmonious connection between Techno Music and its Soulful elements, ensuring a smooth sonic wave that feels natural and engaging.

The Groove Design Radio Show will broadcast 3 times weekly with new episodes bi-weekly. Check the FP web radio schedule for new broadcasts every other Tuesday at 7:00 – 8:00 pm ET (with encore replays on Wed at 3am ET, Fri at 3pm ET). Ask a friend to drop by and groove with the JJC Media & Music family online in the Funk Lounge!

Bookmark/Follow the Groove Design radio show podcasts and media contact details online at https://hearthis.at/jaygoodwill/ and for other featured sets use www.twitch.tv/jaygoodwill !

Thursday Feb 27th – Thursday Mar 6th, 2025

The Music Equals Life Show enters it’s 6th year on Funky People Radio.net ! Join resident mixer, Cash Ellis aka Big Dinero, for a music journey to move your Mind, Body, and Soul with Funk, Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop and House Dance music blends!

The Music=Life podcast is a recent feature addition to the FP web radio schedule and new shows broadcast every other Monday at 8pm ET (with weekly encore replays on Weds at 10am, Sats at 6pm ET). Join the crew in the Funk Lounge – let’s vibe!

Follow Cash & the Music=Life shows online at: Mixcloud: https://Mixcloud.com/cmoney2 and Facebook at: DJ Big Dinero’s Beat Page Group!

The Funkiest Show on Radio continues into this new year at a new time starting on February 4th – TUESDAYS at 2pm ET ~ Skip “The Funktologist” Reeves hosts A Funk Above The Rest on FunkyPeopleRadio.net, AFATR is the most unique radio show broadcasting in the 21st century! Its’ 2-hour format is like no other in that it features the productions of both major & independent artists, from all over the world, side by side in a mixture of funk and soul music, with so much of it never heard across an international platform !!

One of our station mainstays and an audience favorite over the years, AFATR keeps the funk groovy for 2025 with new weekly broadcasts every Tuesday at 2pm ET (beginning Feb. 4, 2025 and with replays on Thurs 1am, Saturdays at 8am). Follow Skip and all the activities of his production and music event team via www.afunkabovetherest.com.

Streaming weekly on WEDNESDAYS at 1pm ET on FP Radio.net, VibeMistress Stephanie Renee hosts a sermon of soul, r&b, hip-hop, jazz & spoken word selections. Since 2007, weekly SSR podcasts have aired on this web radio station every Wednesday at 1pm ET (with replays on Thurs 8am, Sats at 12noon). Follow Stef and all the activities of her non-profit arts & media culture foundation, Soul Sanctuary, Inc., via their Facebook group at Soul Sanctuary Radio Congregation.

START OF THE NEW YEAR DC SHOW: Throughout a career that dates back to the early ’80s, Will Downing has been among the steadiest and most productive artists in R&B. Not cut out to hop aboard commercial production trends for the sake of attaining mainstream success, he has tended to stick resolutely to a sophisticated and modern sound based in soul and jazz. He mixes refined originals with spirited covers, and combines his deep and rich voice with a restrained “song first” approach. A native of Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, Downing began his recorded professional career as a background vocalist during sessions for several acts, including Jennifer Holliday, Nona Hendryx, and Rose Royce. After he was part of Arthur Baker‘s one-album group Wally Jump Jr. & the Criminal Element, he signed a solo deal with Island and debuted with a cover of Deniece Williams‘ “Free”. His first three albums include “Will Downing” (1988), “Come Together as One” (1989) and “A Dream Fulfilled” (1991). The latter, featuring “I Try” (Top 20 Billboard R&B Hit) and a version of Paul Davis‘ “I Go Crazy,” significantly increased his fan base of listeners who craved mature R&B and vocal jazz unaffected by hip-hop. With six of his albums reaching the R&B Top 20, he continues to work, delivering Lust, Love & Lies: An Audio Novel in 2010, after which he released a handful of albums on his Sophisticated Soul label. He moved to Shanachie for Black Pearls (2016), on which he paid tribute to Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carn, and Randy Crawford, among other women who have inspired him. In 2017 he delivered the studio album Soul Survivor, featuring the single “Feeling the Love” with vocalist Avery Sunshine.

Show Dates: Thursday & Friday January 31 & February 1, 2025, 7:30pm show

Location: The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22305

For General admission tickets, go to this link: https://www.birchmere.com/calendar/

FEBRUARY 2025 LIVE MUSIC SHOWCASE in NEW YORK:

Louie Vega & the Elements of Life Band with special invited guests Moody Man, Dee Dee Bridgewater ~ Check the dates and times for invited guest dates over the February weekend. Full Bar & Dinner Menu. All seating is first come, first serve. Doors open at 6pm & 10pm for each set respectively. Parking is close by.

Location/Date: Blue Note Jazz Club, 8pm & 10:30pm set for 4 Nights – Thursday to Sunday, February 13, 14, 15 16, 2025
Address: 131 E. 3rd Street, New York, NY 10012 USA

Cost: Buy tickets online at https://www.bluenotejazz.com/nyc/shows/?calendar_view.  There are on-line fees for tickets.

WINTER 2025 LIVE SERIES: City Winery Presents: Jeff Bradshaw on February 14, 2025. Funky, soulful, jazzy and fearless when he takes the stage, Jeff Bradshaw has turned the lowly trombone into a powerhouse of sound. Jeff has brought his unique trombone stylings to the music of Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild, Floetry, Darius Rucker, Mary J. Blige, Kirk Franklin, Dave Chapelle, Jay Z, The Roots, Jill Scott, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and others.

Many think of the trumpet or saxophone as the only possible front-runners with which to lead a jazz band. Jeff Bradshaw turned that notion on its head when he signed with Hidden Beach Recordings as a solo act. This North Philly showman can do things with a trombone that many trumpet and saxophone players can barely approach. Simply put, Jeff is otherworldly when he takes centerstage to wow an audience––and he does it all with the traditional underdog of the brass horn family.

Jeff started his musical journey from a dilapidated North Philadelphia church where brass horns were regularly celebrated and used in praise music. The lively horn section was reportedly the main attraction to the church. Exposed to this horn playing culture at an early age, Bradshaw originally chose baritone horn and sousaphone as instruments of study. However, fate was calling Jeff to a different direction.

In high school band, Bradshaw noticed how students enthusiastically flocked to the “sexier” instruments––like drums, trumpet and sax––while completely ignoring the lonely stack of trombones. Something told Jeff to go to the stack of neglected instruments to find his unique voice. That’s exactly what he did. Bradshaw began a decades long quest to show the world how powerful, moving and sexy the trombone could be when handled by a maestro. The rest is history.

Date:  Friday February 14th, 2025 – 2 shows at 6:00pm & 8:30pm, City Winery, 990 Filbert St, Phila, PA 19107

For General admission tickets, go to this link: https://citywinery.com/philadelphia

WINTER 2025 LIVE SERIES: City Winery Presents: Avery Sunshine on March 11-12, 2025. Denise Nicole White known professionally as Avery Sunshine (sometimes stylized as Avery*Sunshine, is an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, to Ruth Eleanor White and Irving Cyril White, she began playing piano at 8, after she saw a classmate perform, and learned to read hymns before beginning to study classical music at 11. At 13, she expanded her repertoire to include jazz and had her first recital. Three years later, her aunt, a church choir director, asked Sunshine to fill in for her during a Sunday service at a Catholic church; she was subsequently hired by churches of all denominations, including the AME Church, where she performed with the award-winning Wilmington/Chester Mass Choir.

In college, White met Maia Nkenge Wilson, a vocal major, and together they formed a gospel and R&B singing duo, DaisyRew. In addition to performing in Africa, DaisyRew performed at churches in the area and at clubs, including the Apache Café, which was noted for launching the careers of several prominent artists, including India.Arie. Wilson was cast in a Broadway role following college, and Sunshine was hired as the Minister of Music at the St. Paul AME Church in Atlanta. DaisyRew continued to perform when Wilson, on breaks from her theatrical career in New York, returned to Atlanta.

While working at the St. Paul AME Church, White met Dana Johnson, a guitarist, producer and songwriter who had previously worked with India.Arie. White, Johnson and Wilson began working together in 2003 with Johnson writing and producing the music, in addition to managing DaisyRew’s career. Soon after, Wilson was again cast in a Broadway production and she left for New York. White then adopted the name AverySunshine.

In 2005, White and Johnson recorded “Stalker”, a neo soul song, which a friend, Chris Brann, set to a house beat. The track became a dance hit on a Japanese record label, which led to a series of live dates in Japan.

White and Johnson began work on what became AverySunshine’s self-titled first album, released in 2010 on their own label, BigShine. Recorded mainly at White’s home with ProTools, the record included guest appearances by the pianist Takana Miyamoto, the vibraphone player Roy Ayers and Christian McBride. The record was praised by the media, with USA Today calling it “refreshingly original” and The Washington Post describing it as “a radiant brand of soul”. White — a single mother of two – focused on AverySunshine, but also accepted jobs as a keyboard player with artists including Tyler Perry and Jennifer Holiday and worked as a choral director for Atlanta performances by artists such as Michael Bublé, Anthony Hamilton and David Foster. Since 2010, Avery Sunshine has toured consistently, and developed a following throughout the United States, the UK, Europe and Africa.

Date: Tuesday & Wednesday March 11-12th, 2025 at 7:30pm, City Winery, 990 Filbert St, Phila, PA 19107

For General admission tickets, go to this link: https://citywinery.com/philadelphia

WINTER 2025 LIVE SERIES: City Winery Presents: Loose Ends on March 11, 2025. Loose Ends is a successful British R&B band formed in 1980 and signed to Virgin Records in 1981. Many urban contemporary hits followed, such as: “Hanging on a string” reaching no.1 in the U.S charts and no.13 in the U.K charts, and “Slow Down” reaching no.27 in the U.K charts and no.1 in the U.S charts. Loose Ends are the first British R&B band to have a no.1 gold selling Album in the U.S going on to sell millions. After Jane Eugene and Steve Nichol left the group, Carl McIntosh went on to create and produce the “Look How Long” album released in 1990, with the hit single “Don’t be a fool” reaching no.13 in the U.K charts and no.10 in the U.S charts. Laying to rest the assumption that the group had broken up.

The album features many of the UK’s top vocalists, Laurneá Wilkerson, Linda Carriere, Christine Levin, and Sunay Suleyman. Carl McIntosh’s musicianship, singing, songwriting & production can also be heard on songs by Caron Wheeler, Ruth Joy, 5-Star, Phylis Hyman, D’angello, Angie Stone and Leon Ware to name a few. Carl’s work can be heard throughout early releases prior to 1980 right up to the present. And he is currently in the studio writing new songs for the new singles and album to follow with his current band members, Linda Carriere, and Christine Levin. And Loose Ends will be touring the USA soon

Accept no imitators! When you see Loose Ends, you’ll experience something far better from the source….

Date: Thursday March 13th, 2025 at 7:30pm, City Winery, 990 Filbert St, Phila, PA 19107

For General admission tickets, go to this link: https://citywinery.com/philadelphia

SPRING CONCERT SHOWS IN DC: WAR is one of music’s defining and most enduring soul/funk groups, was founded in Long Beach, California, in 1962. In 1970, producer Jerry Goldstein united the seven-piece band with former Animals lead singer Eric Burdon; the alliance produced the No. 1 worldwide hit “Spill the Wine.” Stepping out on their own in 1971, they launched a fruitful career with a dynamic sound that fused R&B, rock, Latin music, jazz, and blues. In 1973, their smash album The World is a Ghetto vaulted to No. 1 on Billboard’s pop and R&B charts behind the crossover success of two top-10 singles, the album’s socially conscious title song and its rollicking follow-up “The Cisco Kid.” Over a long and glittering career, WAR has rung up more than 20 multi-platinum, platinum and gold albums and singles. in 2023, fronted by co-founding member Lonnie Jordan, the group celebrated 50 years of 1973’s #1 Billboard top-selling album, The World is a Ghetto, with a 50-date summer tour, remixes, new releases and more. Join us for a weekend of great sounds from this legendary band!

Show Dates: Friday & Saturday April 11 & 12, 2025, 7:30pm show

Location: The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22305

For General admission tickets, go to this link: https://www.birchmere.com/calendar/

HEAVEN ON EARTH TOUR 2025: Check out Katt Williams‘ current tour as it comes to Washington this Spring 2025! Katt, born Micah Sierra Williams on September 2, 1971, is a renowned American stand-up comedian, actor, rapper, and voice actor. Known for his wild hair and penetrating comedic insight, Williams has made a name for himself as one of the most distinctive voices in modern comedy. Williams was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but he made the bold decision to emancipate himself at the age of 13. He moved to Florida and supported himself with odd jobs while exploring his passion for stand-up comedy. His unique perspective and sharp wit quickly won him attention and acclaim. He made his comedy club debut in the late 1990s and gained recognition with high-profile performances in comedy festivals. His stand-up specials, such as “Katt Williams: Live: Let a Playa Play” and “It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin'”, have been praised for their energetic performances and incisive social commentary.

In addition to stand-up, Williams made a splash in the film and television industry. He landed roles in films like “Friday After Next” and TV series such as “My Wife and Kids” and “The Boondocks”. His distinctive voice was also used in animated series like “American Dad!”. Katt Williams continues to be a powerful force in the comedy world, using his platform to both entertain and enlighten, leaving his audiences laughing while also provoking thought about societal issues. His career, marked by resilience and unabashed authenticity, continues to be a testament to his talent and passion for comedy.

Show Date: Sunday May 11, 2025, 8:00pm show

Location: DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street, NW Washington, DC 20006

For General admission tickets, go to this link: https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall/schedule

Get ready to join us in Detroit, Michigan for the annual Movement Festival. This three-day event electronic music event will take place during Memorial Day Weekend – Saturday – Monday, May 24-26, 2025!

Get ticket admission & party event details at: https://movementfestival.com/

WE RECOMMEND THIS EVENT: The 32nd Annual Capitol Jazz Festival returns to the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland on June 6-8, 2025.

The World’s biggest house music dance party returns to Chicago USA the week of July 4-6, 2025. Get all the details about the 41st Anniversary Festival & July Weekender at: http://CHOSENFEWDJS.COM !

Started in 1990 as a small gathering of friends behind the Museum of Science & Industry, the Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival is the world’s longest-running event dedicated to House Music. Nicknamed the “Woodstock of House Music” for its family-reunion vibe, the Picnic & Festival attracts more than 40,000 fans to Chicago’s Jackson Park each year, and counts among its supporters former United States President Barack Obama.

About the Chosen Few DJs:

Founded in 1977 by Wayne Williams, the Chosen Few DJs is a music collective that was among the first wave of DJs and producers in Chicago who created what became known as House Music. Since 1990, the Chosen Few DJs – Williams, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter, and Mike Dunn – along with childhood friend Kim Parham – have organized the Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival, drawing more than 40,000 fans each year. The collective hosts events in cities across the United States and perform at festivals around the globe, including Amsterdam Dance Event, Winter Music Conference, Tribe Tambor Cruise, and Suncébeat. They also produce hit music, from Terry Hunter’s and Wayne Williams’ GRAMMY-nominated “It’s Your World” by Jennifer Hudson and NAACP Image Award-winning production on “Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics” to Mike Dunn’s critically acclaimed, “My House from All Angles”, the smash “In The Beginning (There Was Jack)”, an update of the classic House track featuring Chuck Roberts and Monique Bingham, and Jesse Saunder’s 2019 Billboard chart-topping “Higher”. More info: chosenfewdjs.com; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram.

Bookmark the official website for updates, announcements, event details at: http://CHOSENFEWDJS.COM/

WE RECOMMEND THIS EVENT: Atlanta’s House in the Park is a musical exploration of the soul and a vision to see House Music become a unifying movement, transcending every strata of society – ethnic identification, race classification, age and lifestyle. DJ Ramon “Rawsoul” Guyton, the visionary behind Rawsoul Entertainment, and Kai Alce, the man behind record label NDATL, launched House in the Park in 2005, as a gift to the city and the community that supports the monthly music-social offering “The Gathering”. HITP adds much needed variety to the Atlanta music scene and features a range of House Music’s emerging local, regional, and international talents. DJ Ramon Rawsoul orchestrates this effort simply for the joy of bringing his favorite music genre to life in a tangible, meaningful way.

Start your planning soon for Atlanta’s 21st annual #HouseInThePark Weekender – August 28, – September 1, 2025! Check the official website for updates, announcements, ticket sales to enter, the 2024 park location & more at: www.houseinthepark.org

WE RECOMMEND THIS MUSIC VACATION EVENT: Mark your calendars to join friends back in Negril, Jamaica for the 4th Annual House Music on the Beach – September 11-15, 2025!

House music is a spiritual experience. Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica is a manifestation of the Divine gifts that are all around us . Combining the two creates a synergy that releases love, peace and happiness among house music lovers from around the world. House Music on the Beach Negril is an event held at The Negril Treehouse with hand selected talent composed of phenomenal DJs and a headlining performance.

House Music on the Beach promises to deliver a transformative weekend experience for all who attend. Share the link for this year’s Negril weekender dates and announcements and to inquire about travel booking packages. Ask for Michelle or Vernon Freeland at Random Access Entertainment (908.296.1870) or go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1104524627123345