Tuesday at Rehearsal
Private location, Hyattsville, MD

I talked with Doc outside before going in with him and Donnell. Everyone but Smoke and Jacques was present. Jauhar came with his son and Donnell was trying to convince Jauhar's son that Kobe was better than Allen Iverson.

They discussed Sunday's show. I had noticed Donnell's soprano Sax fall, he said it broke into four pieces.

They also discussed about the unexpectedly late (they were expected to be late, but not as late as they were) arrivals of the guys from Heaven Sent on Friday. They rehearsed a new Jennifer Lopez song Get Right that samples Maceo & the Mack's Soul Power '74 (the song's listed co-writers are James Brown, Rich Harrison and Usher Raymond). Donnell particularly rehearsed the solo sax play, wiggling his body as he played. They laughed and said he should do that when he performs it in public, he said he planned to. Dwayne said Donnell was "Born to do that 'Bama sh*t."

Donnell told everyone the ski trip was cancelled. He then brought up a funny story that he wanted me to take down (mentally): Rare Essence went on a trip and Mike volunteered to go waterskiing first. The guy driving the boat told Mike to signal when he was ready. Mike raised his hand to ask a question and the guy started, dragging Mike for half a mile because the guys were laughing too hard to tell him to stop. DP then told a story about skiing where he thought the ski lift would have give like a rope, he didn't realize he was supposed to just let go, and it took him up the entire mountain with a number of people laughing. He was so embarrassed; he took off his skis and walked down the mountain.

L!ssen Album Release Party at Kili's Kafe & Lounge
Kili's Kafe & Lounge, 2009 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

I decided to go to this event so that I could check out FF when performing in the same show as Soundproof Band and L!ssen Band. Unfortunately, I decided to take to buy a ticket, so I had to pay the whopping $45 at the door. It started raining while I waited in line. When I got in, I walked upstairs and there were already a number of people there. DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) was the DJ, using a laptop to do so. They were selling copies of L!ssen's album: "L!SSEN L!VE VOLUME 1" at a table by the entrance to the dance floor. It is very odd, the album is almost completely covers, I read the tracklist online: (I am not positive all of the covers are correct.)
Disc I
1) Intro
2) John Legend's Ordinary People
3) Maze's Can't Get Over You
4) Teddy Pendergrass' Close The Door
5) Prince's Purple Rain
6) Lil Jon's Lovers and Friends
7) Erykah Badu's Cleva
8) Cheryl Lynn's Encore
9) Destiny's Child's Soldier
10) Erykah Badu's Danger
11) The GAP Band's Outstanding
12) Kwick Drum Clinic
13) Peany's Percussion Lesson
14) Earth Wind & Fire's Let Me Love You
Disc II
1) Fabolous' Breathe
2) The Whole City's Behind Us
3) Whole City....Reprise
4) B2K's Bump Bump Bump
5) Its LISSEN man
6) Deville's Twerk It
7) Toto's Georgy Porgy
8) Jay-Z's Dirt Off Your Shoulder

Jacques and the guest singer James were the first two guys from FF to arrive. I went and talked to Godfather and Doc when they arrived.

I looked on the stage, and I guessed correctly that Soundproof would be performing first, since clearly none of the equipment was FF's. I was glad to hear that when Soundproof Band came on, they didn't have the sound problems they had the first time I saw them. The female singer has a very nice voice. The band's sound was good, but didn't really crank. Their first song they performed was Destiny's Child's Soldier - I immediately thought about how bad it is to hear multiple GoGo groups cover the same songs in the same show. They also performed Snoop's Drop It Like It's Hot - but that clearly was nowhere near as good as FF's version. They sounded nice, but didn't really move me or the crowd. Also, their lead talker had a visually distracting and annoying habit of moving his right hand up and down as if he were playing air guitar or... This venue is huge, probably the largest venue I've seen GoGo other than Mayo Island.

Familiar Faces
FF used the same drums and congas as Soundproof. Unfortunately, as they were setting up, Donnell accidentally knocked over his soprano Saxophone - he immediately put it away in his case and did not play it that night. FF really cranked in their set - and definitely got the audience response. Among the songs they performed were: Toto's Georgy Porgy, Marvin Gaye's I Want You, Donnell's three song Medley - Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love / Rare Essence's Spotlight / Rare Essence's Get on the Wagon? / Vinnie D's $55 Motel. They immediately afterward performed Rare Essence's Marinda. They also performed Rare Essence's What N*gga What? They closed with, like Friday, Sly & the Family Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). I was actually a little surprised that they didn't perform one of their own originals from Evolution as competition for L!ssen's new album. There was a young girl (whom I later discovered was named Britney) with dyed red hair and a pink jumper who danced hyperactively by Donnell; he moved away from her. Donnell supported L!ssen with his statements on the mic, saying that he knew how difficult it was to put an album together and put it in stores. He also told the crowd to make sure they bought store copies, not bootlegs.

While they didn't perform any of their originals live, GoGo Rudy did during the break, starting off with Lap Dance and also a slow song from Evolution as well. (I don't remember the title, but I recognized it as a song that I sat in on Mike's studio session for).

L!ssen Band
L!ssen led off with Ray Charles' Night Time Is the Right Time, then Prince's Purple Rain, a third song led by Yannie I didn't recognize, and Destiny's Child's Soldier. All four of these songs, while the conga player played, were Soul not GoGo, and quite frankly I found them really boring, but the crowd liked them. Fortunately, from the next song on they performed GoGo and did crank a bit, but not as much as FF. That next song was their original on their album Whole City's Behind Us. They followed up with Rufus' Ain't Nobody, then Party With L!ssen?, then I either a song or a jam, then Erykah Badu's Danger, then another song/jam, then Toto's Georgy Porgy, and Lil Jon/DJ Flexx's Aw Skeet Skeet (which is also a chant of George Clinton's I don't know which of them originated it). Kelvin Robinson, Y2K's assistant manager, came by and said hello to me and Dwayne. Dwayne left before the set was over. They finished several minutes after 3 AM. I did think it was kind of silly that the front line players passed around a WWE championship belt. Michael Thompson was wearing an eye patch, I wonder if that was because his car crash this summer?

Definitely both FF and L!ssen really got a crowd response. People danced hard to FF, but that is a reflection of their harder style. I honestly don't know who the crowd liked more.

Friday at Safari
Safari Steakhouse, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706

I arrived a little earlier than normal because last week, there were very few parking spaces available and I was early then! A white guy was playing pool with a woman in the lounge. He said, "I glad to see you, that I am not the only one. I won't get dirty looks." Since I've never gotten dirty looks that I know of, I thought his comments were silly, but I didn't say anything.

BJ & Dwayne were performing at another gig at a nearby Best Western with their Gospel GoGo group Heaven Sent, which includes Pooh and a different bassist nicknamed Doc. Jammin' Jeff was also played drums for Kraisy Praise, which went on after Heaven Sent. Heaven Sent's show went over, so Familiar Faces went most of the first set without them and all of the set without Jammin' Jeff and Mike Muse.

Familiar Faces
The opening line up was: Adia, Donnell, Doc, Godfather, Smoke, Jacques, and James. DP arrived a little late - while the rest of FF was performed, he tuned up. Pooh offered to play on the drums, but Donnell decided to just go without drums for the first set. Donnell did a shout out to Go-Go Mickey in the audience.

During the break, I discussed Gospel GoGo with Dwayne. Watching Go-Go Mickey play pool with the cop was funny, he would scream and/or curse when he missed shots (reminds me of me). Packy looked over a t-shirt that Smoke had hung on a hanger by the congas - it was a custom black t-shirt with two congas and the word "Smoke" printed on it. In the second set, everyone was there, including Mike. He sang Marvin Gaye's I Want You. To be honest, I got into the music so much that I zoned out at times. During the set, Donnell made fun of the real names of people known by their nicknames: "Smoke" - Sammy Dews, "Tasty" - Cherone (spelling?), and "Go-Go Mickey" Milton. Tasty was there with Nita. Kato, Blak and DeeDee were there. Los was onstage, not sure if he rapped or not.

During the second break, I talked with Doc and Dwayne about Funk, and GoGo. A girl passed by with tremendously endowed buttocks. Both Doc and Dwayne said "Wow!" The woman who had said last week that "Donnell was her husband," Netty, said of the woman immediately after: "Anything that looks that good can't be good."

During the third set, Donnell did his usual Medley: the first song is Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love with Donnell orally doing the keyboard sound effects that distinguish the song, the second song is Rare Essence's Spotlight, and the third is Vinnie D's $55 Motel. Go-Go Mickey came in and sat in on congas - with all respect to Smoke, Mickey is the top conga player. I'll freely admit that my favorite FF shows are those where Go-Go Mickey sits in. Go-Go Mickey started off playing the congas and timbales with sticks, and then switched to playing by hand. Smoke gave him respect, even leaving the stage for a while, dancing in front of me. RE Angie, Nita and Tasty danced onstage. I think that Catch-22, the guest rapper from last week rapped during this set as well. The well-endowed girl mentioned above talked to a friend of hers over by me; her name is Monica. I also thought I saw Soldierette, but was unsure - I emailed her later and confirmed it. Go-Go Mickey played the rest of the set, except for a break when Smoke took over during Lap Dance. They closed with Sly & the Family Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).

On Wednesday, I had teased Jeff about how he should wear a darker shirt, since it was so obvious he sweated through his shirt. Tonight it was Mike who did that, but he was smart and changed his shirt after he finished performing. He went up to Monica, talking with her about working with him and his website. Soldierette was with a guy who I later determined was Big Jim, a percussionist and a poster on Soldierette's board. He was friendly to me, but neither of us recognized the other. Blak was at the door - I said good bye and headed home.

Wednesday at Takoma Station
Takoma Station, 6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012

Familiar Faces
This became quite an evening. The line up at the start of the first set was: Mike, Adia, Donnell, DP, Dwayne, Doc, BJ, Jammin' Jeff, Smoke, and Jacques. Godfather came in later in the set. During the first song, which was much extended, Jacques played roto-toms and timbales - pretty rare for a first set. He traded solos with Smoke, but the true highlight of the song and even the night was Jammin' Jeff's solo. Not only did he crank on the drums, but stood up and used his drum sticks on the signs behind him, Godfather's stool, the speakers, the mic stands, the congas, timbales, then put the sticks down and beat on the neck of Doc's bass with his bare hands as a percussion instrument. He then hit on the signs and the heating duct above before going back to his drum kit. Mike's highlight was O'Bryan's Lady I Love You. The first set was longer than usual, and definitely crankin. Many members of the usual crowd were there, plus Sharmba Mitchell and Big Don Pimp.

During the second set, the performance of Terror Squad's Lean Back featured at least three of the same four guest rappers as last week - Ebony and the other two girls. I didn't see the male guest rapper last week well enough to know if it was the same guy this week. The other Ebony was there as well. The set cranked in the way that happens to me - it is so great that it seems like more time has passed than is really the case. They closed with Lap Dance. Donnell did shout outs to people for coming, including Michon (Jacques' girlfriend) and me.

Tuesday at Rehearsal
Private location, Hyattsville, MD

Familiar Faces
There is now a plaque for "Studio 54" above the outside door and a red 54 (painted with stencils) in front of the door at the top of the stairs. Donnell was there, but was negotiating with a promoter, so I let him be and went to the rehearsal area and talked with his son Donte. Nephew arrived after a while and eventually Dwayne, Doc, BJ, DP, Godfather, Adia, Duane Face, Mike, and Jacques arrived.

They discussed a lot, particularly about the incidents of violence on Saturday at Club U that cost them their liquor license on Monday. Donnell discussed how in DC Councilmen Jim Graham's press conference, Graham aimed to close all the GoGo venues in his ward. Most of the rehearsal was spent discussing this as well as performance strategies and what their audience aim was.

Nephew, Duane and I had a discussion. Nephew told me that Polo is his brother-in-law and their soundman, Al Winkler, was FF's soundman before they hired Googie.

At the end, Donnell, Nephew, and I had a basketball discussion where Nephew said that the Wizards don't play enough defense. He also said that the Wizards gave up more points than they scored, and they asked me to look it up. It is not true: after 51 games, they have averaged 101.7, their opponents 101.1.

Friday at Safari
Safari Steakhouse, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706

Since Monday, they finally repainted the very faded traffic lines on Annapolis road. When I walked in, DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) stood by the entrance and greeted me. In the lounge, a couple of guys played with women beginners, patiently teaching them how to play pool. After Doc arrived, I talked with him a little. A woman next to me said that "That's my baby daddy". I asked which one, she said, "Doc and Packy. Packy's my husband." The woman next to her, (I later learned her name is Netty), said, "Donnell's my husband." I asked, "Do they know that?" I then went to the bar and ate.

Familiar Faces
I missed the very opening - as I went to where I normally stand, I noticed Pooh sat in the lounge next to Packy. I told Packy what the girl said, he said he isn't even married, which Pooh said wasn't true. I sat down and talked with Pooh for a while. He told me he was looking for a new gig and he had been working in Atlanta all last month. He also said that his cousin had picked up PA's of Familiar Faces that they had not released. He didn't know where his cousin got them. I asked him about the nickname D-Train in Evolution, he said that Donnell called him that a couple of times. Mike came in; I asked him why he didn't sing on Wednesday. He said he was sick. When Pooh and I finished talking, I went to the side where I normally watch them perform (they had a full line up, with Jacques arriving during the first set, and Charlie not coming tonight). Donnell Jr. was there, along with Footz's daughter, who said hello. I asked her what her first name since I didn't hear it on Sunday - Renee (spelling?). For many parts of this show, I got so into the music that I zoned out.

I talked with Dwayne during the break for a bit. We talked about his producing/engineering work coming up, including Y2K. Actually, Dollar Bill and manager Kelvin Robinson of Y2K were there and said hello to both of us. They told Dwayne that on Fridays, China Boogie's wife won't even let him answer the phone, much less go out. I also talked with him about a PFunk video from their performance at the Capital Centre on February 1, 1979 and PFunk's influence on GoGo. I talked about the use of congas and roto-toms by PFunk in the concert. He talked about how congas were prevalent in major Funk bands at the time and influenced GoGo, but that GoGo has its own beat to it. He said that Chuck Brown's early albums don't sound like GoGo, more like regular Funk. He would have the percussion section play during the breaks and he would talk to the audience. He discovered they liked that more than the songs themselves. Dwayne also talked about how at the time of GoGo's formation, that the bands would be like L!ssen, trying to perform the hits they way they sound on the radio. We also discussed the joking in rehearsals of him versus Donnell. He said that when he first joined the band, the band played a little tense. He lets Donnell know he has more GoGo experience, he starting playing in 1981, Donnell in 1983. The other band members thought their arguments were serious at first, but they are just kidding.

I talked with BJ about how until I actually got Evolution, I didn't recognize the picture of him from the photo session as being him.

During the second set, they did many of their regular set, including Snoop's Drop It Like It's Hot. James guest sang. There were also three guest rappers during Terror Squad's Lean Back: Catch-22 (I caught her name when Donnell said goodbye to her at the end of the performance), Kay Kay (Chuck Brown's daughter) who wore a bright red wig, and Jay Gotti. Mike also sang John Legend's Ordinary People.

The third set as usual was the best. There was a birthday party, and Kato and other people wore party hats. Kay Kay guest rapped in this set as well. Donnell did his three song medley. A group of guys cheered on Smoke, yelling "Go-Go Smoke-Ay". Godfather asked if he provided me with a camera that I would take pictures.

Wednesday at Takoma Station
Takoma Station, 6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012

Familiar Faces
Mike was not at this show, Donny Ray filled in for him a little. Everyone else was there in the opening line up. They did perform John Legend's Prelude / Let's Get Lifted, and after performing it a bit instrumentally, Donny Ray sang it (they normally only perform it instrumentally). Donnell introduced him as from EU, Donny Ray Valentine. I saw that E from L!ssen was there again. The line between the Jazz and second set was very blurred tonight, with heavy playing in the first set. A woman danced with her husband and daughter (who appeared to be in her 20s). Nece, the promoter, showed up (smoking a stinky fat cigar), with 2 other women. Donny Ray also sang John Legend's Ordinary People. At the end of the first set, the woman I mentioned went up to Donnell and he made some announcements: "It's Laura's birthday, she doesn't want anyone to know 50 Cent's her N...", she went back up to him, "She's forty years old, she doesn't look forty, security we have announcements, she doesn't want anyone to know 50 Cent's her nephew, she is upset because she lost her wig." Actually she didn't lose her wig, but it was quite amusing. She danced with a guy who is a regular and it fell off when she dipped. Plenty of regulars were there, including Ebony, Tracy, Angie, RE Angie, and Tim (LJ).

During the break, RE Angie played on the congas until Packy chased her off. She wasn't bad.

During the second set, they performed Snoop's Drop It Like It's Hot and Terror Squad's Lean Back immediately after - both quite extended and percussion heavy. During Lean Back they had 4 guest rappers from the audience: 2 unidentified girls, Ebony, and a guy. They also performed Miss Keta Will You Dance for Me with Donnell changing the name of the woman in the song to women in the audience, including Tasty. They closed with Lap Dance which was much extended with percussion solos as the highlight.

It was raining when it ended.

Tuesday at Rehearsal
Private location, Hyattsville, MD

Familiar Faces
I was the first to arrive tonight. I waited inside for a while (P-Funk was being played inside) and I was about to go to the gas station to call Donnell when Doc pulled in. At rehearsal, were Doc, Donnell, Donte, DP, Godfather, Duane Face, Dwayne, Jammin' Jeff, Adia, and Jacques. I told Doc and Donnell how I had seen Jacques on TV last week.

Donnell wanted to work on his solo for John Legend's Prelude / Let's Get Lifted. They continued to have their jokes about who is more of a musical authority - Donnell called Dwayne "Hoffa" and the people in the band who follow him are "the union", the others are "management" or "white shirts". They discussed Donnell's resume with Rare Essence. Donnell said that Body Moves was their only hit prior to him, and they discussed what defines a hit. They did agree that the simple locked groove of Lock It was the best despite the fact that Go-Go Mickey is the best conga player in GoGo.

Nece, a promoter, came to go over the flyer for a show that Familiar Faces will be doing for L!ssen's album release party, along with Soundproof and L!ssen.

They also rehearsed Tyra's Country Boy.

Adia's hair was curly, RE Angie did her hair. Duane and I discussed what GoGo he and I like and PA Palace, and GoGo DVDs.

Y2K at Reggie's
Reggie's Sports Kafe, 4881 Glen Dale Rd, Bowie, MD 20720


Blue, Dollar Bill, Pooh, Scuba Steve, Doug Gilcrest, Mike Fitzhugh, Eric Marner
Picture taken by and Copyright Jordan Rich

Last week Y2K was not able to get a good soundman in time for the show, so they didn't perform then. This time, China Boogie told me they had Googie (Familiar Faces' regular soundman, also works with Rare Essence, etc.).

For the first set, they opened with just keyboards, drum, bass and horns. Their first set, their "Jazz" set, consisted of extended versions of Miles Davis' Tutu and Earth, Wind & Fire's Can't Hide Love.

They then took a five minute break and then moved into their full line up and regular GoGo set. The highlight of the set and the night was their performance of Al Green's Let's Stay Together. Also, right after that song they cranked it up a notch, with Scuba Steve leading the way.

During the break after they finished the set, Sharmba Mitchell and Big Don Pimp came in with some more people.

Their third set was the most crankin' - among the covers they performed were Destiny's Child's Soldier, Snoop's Drop It Like It's Hot, and Terror Squad's Lean Back. They also performed a chorus from KC & the Sunshine Band's That's The Way (I Like It). They also performed what I assume is an original "Y2K, time to party" and Young Groovers' Buddy?, "You get a freak, I'll get a ho, and meet you at tomorrow's show." It was definitely a good show.

Both Blue and Dollar Bill's vocals sound better to me than the last time I saw them perform. They didn't have a set cowbell player - I saw Dollar Bill, Scuba Steve and Mike Fitzhugh all play cowbell at different times. Also, they didn't have any improvised instrumental solos really. While the horns give them a defining sound, they still could add a couple notches to the crank. However, while the throwdown crank style is my favorite, that may not be what they are aiming for. The bar crowd was middle aged people, the table crowd, who were clearly here to see Y2K, consisted of people in their 20s and 30s.

After the set was over, Dwayne Lee of Familiar Faces came in. I talked with China Boogie; he said that Dwayne was going to be producing their album. It makes sense, since he and China Boogie are very good friends.

Wednesday at Takoma Station
Takoma Station, 6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012

It was warmer than last week. I talked a little with Doc and Dwayne.

Familiar Faces
The first set had the complete line up. E of L!ssen was in attendance - Donnell did shout outs to him. They performed John Legend's Prelude / Let's Get Lifted. They also performed Been So Long off their album Evolution, the first time I've heard it live. Donnell called Tamara up to sing, she asked if they knew a song. Godfather said he did, to which Donnell said, "Godfather never says he doesn't know a song." They performed it and Donnell said, "Godfather wasn't lying, he did know that song." Tracy, Angie, RE Angie, Tim (LJ), Ray and a lot of other regulars were there. Jammin' Jeff had an awesome solo. James was on backup vocals both sets. Donnell asked E how they were doing (performing), he said "Jammin' Jeff is the only one playing good", to which Donnell said, "Security!" E replied with "BJ is playing alright..."

RE Angie played Dwayne's guitar during the break.

In the second set, they performed the Medley they had rehearsed, and it flowed into "Roll Call", during which E got up and performed. Throughout the second set, Donnell showed how he likes lengthening names: "on behalf of Raymond, we'd like to thank Takoma Station for the Long Island ice teas - Angelica is inebriated (to which Tracy held up 3 fingers)". Mike offered up to the ladies about how he didn't have a date for February 18th at Constitution Hall to see The Stylistics, The Chi-Lites, and The Delfonics. They closed wirh Lapdance with the full lyrics. E performed with them for that too. Donnell talked about "Good Luck Road", Ray was offended. Donnell said, "I've been to your house. You asked me to pick you up, I said, meet me at the police station."

Aside - Thursday night on the 6 PM News on CBS, I saw Jacques Vaughan and his signifcant other Michon. He was listed as a teen counselor (I didn't know that before), criticizing the video game Grand Theft Auto as promoting violence.

Tuesday at Rehearsal
Private location, Hyattsville, MD

Familiar Faces
At rehearsal tonight, were Donnell, Nephew, Doc, Dwayne, DP, BJ, Duane Face, Godfather, Adia, Mike, and Jeff.

They spent a while going over John Legend's Prelude / Let's Get Lifted. Then they worked on a three song melody: Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love, Rare Essence's Spotlight and Vinnie D's $55 Motel. After that, Jeff asked to go over the "choo choo song". They laughed and asked for more details - it turned out to be Rare Essence's What N*gga What?. Adia told him not to worry, the rest of them don't know what Donnell is saying anyway. They practiced that and they were done.

I talked with Duane Face about a book called Bass Grooves by Ed Friedland that has a section on playing GoGo.

Interview of Y2K at Reggie's
Reggie's Sports Kafe, 4881 Glen Dale Rd, Bowie, MD 20720


Front L to R: Eric "Black" Lee (Congas), Miriam "Blue" Boston (Vocalist), and Ronnie Lindsey (Bass)
Second Row: Ken "El" Robinson (Keyboards), and Dollar Bill Mason (Lead vocalist and bandleader) (there's a server sitting a table behind the band)
Standing: Derrick "China Boogie" Davis (Manager)
Picture taken by and Copyright Jordan Rich

I had been meaning to interview Y2K for a while. I finally was able to do this on Monday. However, unfortunately, their sound man had problems and they were unable to get a replacement in time to go on with their scheduled performance. I talked with Derrick "China Boogie" Davis for a while while I was setting up, including talking about future Ayre Rayde reunions. He said that they are talking about performing again in late March, but that he didn't think of it as another reunion, but rather a nostalgia show, reflecting people's preference for older GoGo. Co-manager Kelvin Robinson, El's brother was there as well. He graduated a year ahead of me at Maryland. We talked about school, China Boogie's political run, the book "The Beat", and other things. When China Boogie introduced El to me, he joked that he's the reason we (he & Kelvin) are stuck managing Y2K. He also said that Y2K will be working on their first album next month at Cue Studios. He mentioned a time when he was in EU and they got a call at 2 AM to let them know the studio was available. He also talked about how they play in Philadelphia every month and the club they play at is state of the art. The videotaped interview went really well - I am very thankful they were willing to do it.

FF Family Affair, Sunday at Mo's
Mo's Crab & Pasta Factory. 502 Albemarle St Baltimore, MD 21202

Familiar Faces
Unfortunately, due to Saturday's snowfall, the turnout was much smaller, including fewer fans and band members both. Still, it was a good time. In attendance were Donnell, Jacques & his girlfriend Michon, Nephew, Jauhar, Tracy, Angie, Mara, Renee, two more women, and myself. Jauhar spent a lot of time away from the table talking on his cell phone - Jacques had to call him to tell him it was time to order. The food was excellent, but expensive - the crab cake was the best I've had in a long time. Donnell talked about my paper, including a few things he agreed with and disagreed with. He pointed out that his "date" is Footz's daughter, Renee. They also discussed Friday's show at Safari. There was also a lot of time spent talking about Jauhar's basketball exploits; Donnell said that Jacques and Jauhar were covering each other's lies.

Another group of four ladies arrived after we finished eating.

Friday at Safari
Safari Steakhouse, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706

It was very cold - I got gas on the way.

When I arrived, Packy and the other equipment guys were there, but none of the band members was there. I hung out in the lounge. The guys playing pool were really friendly. After a bit, the manager came and turned the fireplace on. Godfather was the first band member to arrive. I talked with Godfather; he talked about how Jacques would now be playing a number of instruments that he had been producing with his keyboard. He also talked about how he learned to play, he mentioned one of his friends - will have to ask his name again. He also talked about a riot that occurred because a policeman on horseback got too close to someone during "Human Kindness Day".

Jacques ate with his girlfriend, Michon, in the lounge.

Familiar Faces
It has become the norm for me to watch the band perform from the side of the stage, since the large crowds make it harder to see otherwise. The opening line up for the first set was: Mike, Adia, Donnell, DP, Dwayne, Doc, Godfather, Jammin' Jeff and Smoke.
1) Miles Davis' Tutu
2) Instrumental
Jacques was not ready to play; he got some stuff from Jeff to play. BJ arrived during the set.
3) Alicia Keys' Diary
4) Adia-led ?
5) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Golden Lady
6) Doc then complained that he couldn't hear, so they adjusted Mike's mic. While testing it, Mike did a riff from Gene Chandler's Duke of Earl.
7) Mike-led John Legend's ?
8) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You
9) Mike-led O'Bryan's Lady, I Love You
Mike than joked with a female fan in a low voice, saying "Thank You, Baby!"

During the break, Jacques said he wasn't supposed to play, that he was just there to watch, Friday is Charlie's night. I talked with Godfather about how Charlie plays for free; Godfather said that shows that Charlie is dedicated. I teased Teago about his shirts and asked if he and Kato were interviewing Jacques, he said, "No, just rapping."

In the second set, Charlie came in as the second percussionist. They performed Snoop's Drop It Like It's Hot and Rare Essence's Body Moves. The set cranked.

During the second break, I talked with Danielle (Wellfhed), a female friend of Kato's, about teasing Teago. She talked about why Teago was such a big fan of Jimi Hendrix. I told them about Greg Tate's book, "Midnight Lightning: Jimi Hendrix and the Black Experience" - that talks about Hendrix as more than just a musician. I also told them about Tate's band, Burnt Sugar, and how they could watch a DC performance online. Jacques talked with Charlie.

When the break was over, Kato told Dwayne, "To get in there" and Dwayne responded "Thanks, boss!" In just the time I talked with Kato, they already started playing.

In the third set, they performed Rare Essence's Work the Walls and Donnell followed it with a medley, again including Rick James' Mary Jane and Donna Summer's Love to Love You Baby among the songs. There was definitely a time I zoned out to the music. Packy, who played a tambourine, tried to convince Jacques to come up and take if from it him to no avail. Jay Gotti guest rapped as did DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy), rapping. "Put your hands in the air and shake your derriere!" I believe I saw Scuba Steve rapping as well, but I'm not sure. DeeDee and Michelle arrived during the set. Los danced, and some of the people laughed at how fast his moves were. Donnell mentioned the upcoming FF family dinner on Sunday. Mike and Kato joned on each other after the set was over.

Wednesday at Takoma Station
Takoma Station, 6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012


Smoke, Jacques, Doc, Mike, Jeff, and Donnell


Jeff, Donnell, BJ, Dwayne


Jacques, Mike, Doc, Donnell, Jeff, Donnie Ray, Godfather


Ebony, DP, Donnell
All pictures taken by and Copyright Jordan Rich

Wow, it was cold, walking from my car to Takoma Station. The Maryland-Duke game was on a little TV by the bar, I would occasionally turn around to look at it. This was my first time seeing Jacques perform with the band. When I saw Smoke, I asked him about Mambo Sauce, another GoGo band he is a part of that is apparently only a studio band presently. Given William "Malachai" Johns' (CEO of the label Red C Records, which has signed Mambo Sauce) statements about the plans on PA Palace, I wanted to ask Smoke about it.

Whassup Everybody,

My name is Malachai "Redds" Johns and I'm the founder of Red C Records. I want to thank everyone for their positive and even critical comments. It means something to us that you took the time to respond, even if you don't think the plan will work. I want to thank "Gee's" for his confidence in the project and we hope to make you all proud. We are not necessarily relying on this one song to be the ticket to national fame, it is just the beginning. We plan to follow the path that national artists take on their road to success as opposed to the strategies used by local go - go bands. This is not to knock go - go, because we wouldn't even be doing this if we didn't love it, but the reason go - go hasn't made it out of the area is because there are no hit songs and no real diversity of the sound (See "About Us" page on site for further reasons). All the young bands sound like Back and all the older bands want to be Lissen. We like those bands, but want to do something different, and our music and our business will get better as time goes on. We don't have the intention for Mambo Sauce to play weekly shows at this point. When you depend on packing the same club week after week to pay your bills, then you are almost forced to play cover songs to keep your set fresh. We won't never play cover songs, they will just be a small percentage of the set as opposed to the majority. We at Red C Records hope to do for go - go/pocket music, what Def Jam did for hip-hop. They didn't invent it, they just packaged it in a way that the rest of the world could understand. If they had decided that hip - hop was better left to New York, I think the world would be a very different place. Thanks everyone.

QUOTE(JusKeepingItReal @ Jan 20 2005, 6:55 PM) well that single has a gogo beat so u will have to educate people in Arizona about what gogo really is, i mean if you go national you have to include all states, so what's your plans to introduce and educate people in Iowa about gogo music?

You have a valid point and it will definitely not be easy. If it was, then everyone would be doing it. To answer your question, we will educate other markets the same way that other national artists do. Street promotion, web promotion, radio, press, performances, etc. The advantage that other artists have over go - go is that they have songs. Every popular song from country to rock to r&b is formatted in a certain way. Verse-Chorus-Bridge in some combination. The song communicates a message (not always positive) or tells a story that somehow relates to the listener. Go - go is not structured like other forms of popular music and the lyrical content is not designed to relate to the listener in the same way. I'm not saying this is bad, it's just true. It is also the underlying reason that people outside of the area don't understand go - go. So the first step is to create original go - go songs that someone not from here would understand and then market it to them the same way music from every other area is marketed to you. Jill Scott, Beyonce, Usher, Amerie etc. have proven that other markets are receptive to the sound if it is packaged correctly. Why do we go and hit their song (that has a style that they got from us) to make $200 a night while they get fat on the beach and drive Bentleys? Are people in D.C. not talented enough? I don't think so, I just think the city's musicians have become complacent because playing cover songs is an easy way to make quick money. Step back and take a look at who's making the real money though and I think you'll find that it's not the go - go cover bands of D.C. It's not something that will happen overnight and success in the music, or any other business is never guaranteed. But if you don't put your best foot forward and try then you will surely fail.

Smoke said that it is studio only, that if big money is involved they would perform, but they would definitely not be performing on a weekly basis - he is committed to Familiar Faces, and does not want to compete with them. I also asked him he if was still with Nu Styles when Familiar Faces hired him (they were the band he was with when he guest performed with Familiar Faces, see here). He said, no, he had been playing with What? Band for a few weeks before coming to Familiar Faces.

Familiar Faces
I went over and introduced myself to Jacques. His girlfriend, Michon, was there. The first set opened with a line up of: Mike, Adia, Donnell, DP, Dwayne, Doc, BJ, Jammin' Jeff, Smoke and Jacques. They performed the John Legend songs they rehearsed the night before. Donnell gave shout outs to guests in the audience, Sharmba Mitchell, boxer, Ghengis "The Ghetto Prince", JuJu and E of L!ssen. Jammin' Jeff had a particularly good drum solo at one point. I missed a good photo opportunity of the whole front line up together while I ate. At one point Sharmba went up to Jeff to tell him how he wanted him to play. I went over to the bar to watch the final minutes of Maryland's 75-66 victory. Donny Ray came up and guest sang (probably Atlantic Starr's Send for Me). When they finished, Donnell said, "Don't take the shine off me. You know I'm petty, don't take the shine off me." He then said Donny Ray had said, "Man, Mike Muse can sing, but he looks so old." Donnell then said, "Maybe we should record it." He then said, "Mike said they would probably play it in the wrong key." Donnell said to Sharmba thatm "He should be grateful to Donnell for what happened at the Overlook and the little boy even looks like me". Sharmba laughed. Donnell discussed their planned Miami video shoot, he asked where Darrell (spelling?) was and they performed Lap Dance.

As usual, the second set was even more cranking. DeeDee was there. Ebony guest rapped a couple of times. Donnell talked about the ski trip and mentioned that Big Don Pimp, or "Donald" said there are only women sign up right now. Don mentioned as usual, his name is Don, not Donald. Donnell did a three song medley, including Rick James' Mary Jane and Donna Summer's Love to Love You Baby. There was a girl who was not only physically attractive, but seemed nice who danced and clearly was dancing right over by me late in the set - I really think she wanted to dance with me. Maybe I am being too conservative - worrying about going after girls while doing academic work at the GoGo. They closed with DIP. Ray and Tim (LJ) were trying to get me to dip at the proper time. I talked with James for a little bit.

Tuesday at Rehearsal
Private location, Hyattsville, MD

Familiar Faces
I attended practice today. When I first arrived, Donnell and Jammin' Jeff were there. Shortly after, Nephew arrived. He and Donnell had a discussion about cell phone capabilities. Later, Duane Face, Dwayne, Smoke, BJ, DP, Donte, Jacques, Doc, and DeeDee arrived. They spent some time working on some John Legend songs. They discussed which key it was in. They joked: Donnell always insisted he was right, everyone else insisted he was wrong. DP and Nephew discussed how 6'9 kept dancing with a girl while she puked. DP also talked about how Game allegedly beat up Xzulu from WKYS 93.9. They also worked on Destiny's Child's Soldier. Godfather and Mike arrived and they continued working. The space has changed quite a bit; there is now a recording studio space now. Donnell joked with DeeDee about his selling tickets for their upcoming Super Bowl show.

Ras Lidj at Zigs
Zig's, 4531 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22304

I went to see Ras Lidj's performance of Reggae-GoGo at Zig's. I arrived at about 9:15 PM and the early act, John Stone Band with DC Reggae was still performing. They were a four person Reggae act - African American singer/guitar player, the rest Caucasian: bass player, keyboard player, and drummer. To be honest, they were pretty bland. I ate while waiting for Ras Lidj and his band. They came on a little after 10 PM with a sound check to start.

I used to just be the type of Reggae fan who had a copy of Bob Marley's "Legend" and was satisfied with that. That all changed when I attended a Reggae Sunsplash concert at the Universal Amphitheatre in LA in 2000. That's when I saw Toots & the Maytals perform - Toots is essentially a Stax Funk artist set within Reggae. I became an instant fan. I also realized that Reggae and GoGo could mix.

Ras Lidj's band is reflective of that. His band (which is all male) is set up like other GoGo bands: Ras Lidj is the lead talker, there is a lead singer, a guitar/flute player (Caucasian dude), a bass player, a keyboard player, a drummer, and a conga/cowbell player. The percussionist's cowbell was fixed to the conga kit, not hand held. The first two songs were sung and Ras Lidj was not on stage, they he came on and took over lead vocals. The first song was about Washington DC as a place to live. He also performed the title song of his album, Son of a One Night Stand. He had a guest singer come up as well. He said the next set would be even better, but there was no second set as they had to finish (per Zig's) by Midnight. I wasn't surprised (given that the act on at 8 PM only had two hours to perform as well), but was a little disappointed. The place was pretty full, but not everyone was focused on the music. However, they had a camera focus on the stage with the image projected onto at least seven TVs that I saw. It would be a good venue for a band to video record a performance. I did talk a little with Ras Lidj, asked him how he picked up Patois. He said one side of his family is Trinidadian. I also copped a copy of his album. I definitely enjoyed his set and will see them again...

Also: Per Ras Lidj:
the band which i would have introduced in the second set is Joe Strauss of bass-original bass player from midnite band currently plays with DKGB reggae band as well as Ras Lidj
Mataeo Monk on lead guitar and flute (he has a website I'll get it to you funkmasterj)
Sean "Izreal" Wright on keyboards he's the co song writer and normally on guitar. since we are still putting permanent personnel in place he had to play keyboards
Paul was on drums - freelance drummer
Julien - singer sing with DKGB band originally
Marvo- Guest appearance singer sang in my band back in the day
Craig Clipper "clip" on congos not only is he my friend for more than 20 years now we played in PHYSICAL WUNDORS together (along with Doc from Familiar Faces) "Clip" currently plays with EXQUISITE BAND

I got a live Cd and video from the show. I had a lot of fun although I didn't get to get off like I really wanted to. kinda like having sex but not getting to cum. Funkmasterj will attest to the fact that my music is for everyone no matter what nationality or color you are. but just let me put it out there Zig's is a racist ass place expecially the management. I don't care if I never play there again. he got my people in there sitting down eating his food and drinking then he abruptly stops the show. he's lucky that as a Rasta I'm humble now cause if I was anything i us to be when I played GoGo expecially in the Cherries days, he and the sound man would have got beat down and their equiptment would have been mine.

Tuesday at Rehearsal
Private location, Hyattsville, MD

Familiar Faces
I attended rehearsal today, arriving at the same time as BJ and Godfather. The area had changed: the actual rehearsal space had moved from the main room into a smaller room. Doc and others joked about what would happen if there was a fire. Donnell was not there yet, but they started anyway. At the time, Mike, PD, Dwayne, Doc, BJ, Godfather, and Jammin' Jeff were there. I talked with Dwayne about Redds, he said he has two daughters who would be in their 20s now, but he hasn't seen them since they were babies. After Donnell arrived, they traded jabs about attending public vs. private high schools (Donnell went to Duke Ellington School of the Arts). Donnell introduced Jacques Vaughan and said he would be playing percussion with them starting tomorrow (in addition to Smoke). They also teased me about wearing shorts in the cold. I talked with Nephew about how many and whose shows he attended to pass out flyers for FF. I also saw a marker board marked "Studio 54" that showed that FF (actually marked as 911) was not the only group that rehearsed there. What? Band and Mad Collision were also listed on different days.

Martin Luther King's Birthday Celebration: Sunday at Bud's
Bud's 501 Club, 501 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002

I was early; I arrived a little before 10 PM. I met Bobbie Westmoreland from the TMOTT board; she's one of the bartenders at Bud's. Packy was the only one from the band there at the time. He said he hated the long weekend because it meant he had to work five nights in a row. He joked that "I think Donnell is trying to kill me." I told him about Friday's show, he had heard about it from Vincent who did the sound (Vincent was the guy I talked with working at the monitors soundboard at Safari the Friday before. I recognized him at the Chuck Brown show, but didn't know his name). I ate dinner and waited as a crowd started to form.

Familiar Faces
BJ was a little late, but aside from him everyone was in the opening line up. There was no happy hour set; they proceeded almost immediately into the throw down crank. The second song performed was Destiny's Child's Soldier. They also did Snoop's Drop It Like It's Hot, and DIP. A number of regulars were in attendance, including Ytee and Kato from TMOTT, Tamara, Ray, Don and Mama Chelle. Donnell had a couple of girls, whom he referred to as "Alicia Keys" and "Tina Turner" dance with regulars who danced by themselves. However, he joked with the one he called "Alicia Keys": "I told you to dance with him, not make babies with him." Little Benny was in attendance and they got him to perform with them on vocals. They performed a couple more songs before going into the break.

I talked with Dwayne during the break. We heard the original Snoop version in the DJ music, which is almost nothing compared to their cover. We discussed the Chuck Brown/PFunk show - Dwayne said the Soul Searchers didn't have much time to rehearse Cosmic Slop to make it fully tight. We heard in the DJ music, Lil Jon & East Side Boyz's Aww Skeet Skeet featuring DJ Flexx - I recognized the lyrics as a chant that George Clinton had performed on Friday and at the September 2004 performance I attended. Dwayne said "That's old." Dwayne then talked with RE Angie.

The second set was even more crankin. Donnell mentioned celebrating Godfather's birthday, someone joked that it was his "69th birthday". The highlights of the second set, again with Little Benny performing with them were Rare Essence's Work the Walls and 911. They had some really crankin' percussion this set. Little Benny went over and danced for a while but re-joined them for the final song: Lap Dance. They stopped after a while, then Donnell said, "Let's do it again while Little Benny is still talking." Little Benny walked off the stage, Donnell said, "He's still talking". Little Benny said, "Hey Donnell, I'm still talking motherf*cker." Then they finished and most of the crowd cleared out, security ushered them out. Donnell joked "The 501 security is furious!" A bunch of girls hung out up front still; he asked them "What are you going to show?" When I walked out, there was a thin level of snow over all of the cars including mine.

Chuck Brown & PFunk at the 930 Club
9:30 Club, 815 V St NW, Washington DC 20001

I approached the 9:30 Club at about 8 PM. I parked nearby in the neighborhood - the parking lots I had parked in years prior were now Howard University parking lots. I picked up my ticket and stood by the front for a while until people started treating a group of people together as "the line". While outside, I saw Steve Boyd walk in, followed by Belita Woods, who wore a camouflage outfit, and I saw the Caucasian keyboard player smoking on the corner (I should have asked him his name). Unfortunately, I was in line behind a couple of yuppies whose asinine conversation was more annoying than the cold. I later saw P-Nut as well. When I got in, I went up to the left balcony, and then briefly went down to cop the 420 Funk Mob's latest release "Live in Spain." (It's good, I've listened to it.)

Chuck Brown
Chuck Brown's Soul Searchers opening line up was: Chuck Brown on vocals and guitar, 1 saxophone player, 1 trumpet player, 1 trombone player, a bass player, a keyboard player, a drummer, a conga player, and a cowbell player. Another saxophone player came in during the set. They performed: Wind Me Up Chuck, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Don't Have That GoGo Swing), Moody's Mood for Love, Woody Woodpecker, I Need Money, Run Joe and a song starting with "Say what". Then Chuck invited Little Benny to come out. He performed on vocals and on trumpet. I didn't recognize all he performed, but did do: a chant "Do you feel alright", "Hold Up, Wait a Minute" and Cat in the Hat. Chuck Brown's grand daughter, whose name I didn't catch, came out and danced and played the tambourine. She wore a short black dress. Chuck held her as she danced for a little. Little Benny then lead Back It on Up. Chuck then called on Paul Reed Smith, the guitar manufacturer, to perform on guitar with him. They played a tune I didn't recognize with the lyrics "Fiesta, the Capitol, and Uptown People": I now know it is Fiesta. He then brought out Sugar Bear from EU. Sugar Bear lead a chant "Party People", and then they performed Da Butt with Chuck's grand daughter doing the dance next to Sugar Bear with her butt to the audience. Then they performed Cosmic Slop, with Gary Shider coming out to sing after a few verses. Gary was not wearing his trademark diaper yet; he was wearing a regular shirt and slacks with a leather trench coat. There were some solos, then Kay Kay came out and rapped about "Keeping it real". Chuck asked "Y'all ready?" He then said, "That's the man, not me", but I wasn't sure who he referred to. He also told the crowd out to "Give yourself a hand". He called his daughter Kay Kay and grand daughter to him. He then delivered a rhyme about his grand daughter a couple of times: "She's a smidget from a midget, if she was frigid, she might have been named Gigit." Their performance lasted about an hour. It was a good performance, but could have been tighter.


Steve Boyd, George Clinton, fans and Kendra Foster
Picture is Copyright Washington Post

George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars
P-Funk's line up was:
Vocals - Steve Boyd
Vocals - Gene "Poo Poo Man" Anderson
Vocals - George Clinton
Vocals - Shondra "Sativa" Clinton
Vocals - Kendra Foster, looking beautiful as always in a short silver dress
Vocals - Robert "P-Nut" Johnson
Vocals - Kim Manning, wearing an orange and black patterned shirt and matching tutu-like skirt with fur boots
Vocals - Belita Woods
Vocals, Keyboard - Michael "Clip" Payne
Bass, Vocals - Lige Curry
Drums - Frank "Kash" Waddy
Drums - Rico Lewis, African-American guy - young (late 20s, early 30s) wearing a white headband. He would switch off with Kash
Guitar - Michael Hampton
Guitar - John Hickey
Guitar - DeWayne "Blackbyrd" McKnight
Guitar & Vocals - Gary Shider
Guitar & brief Vocals - Jeff Fogerty, sang backup vocals only very briefly in the middle and played guitar at the very end
Guitar or Bass - Cordell "Boogie" Mosson, an old African-American - short (shorter than Poo Poo Man) with a gray beard
Bass - RonKat Spearman, at the very end of the show
Keyboards - Caucasian dude (late 30s) with a full beard and thick dark hair
Keyboards - Bernie Worrell
Keyboards - Jerome Rodgers
Percussionist - Caucasian/Hispanic guy in his 40s, heavy set
Saxophone - Greg Thomas
Saxophone - Caucasian guy in his 30s, curly brown hair
Theremin - Lili Hayden, a light-skinned young girl (20s), wearing a blue tutu, beehive hat and pumps with a dark jacket
Trumpet - Bennie Cowan
Dancer - Carlos "Sir Nose" McMurray

They started off by performing the "We want the funk" chant, and then performed Funkentelechy, Bop Gun, Gamin' on Ya, Undisco Kidd, and a chant "Holla for me". Then John Hickey and shortly after, George Clinton, came out, wearing a multicolored striped shirt, sweat pants and an overcoat. George did his "Aww Skeet Skeet" chant (probably originated by Lil Jon - it is on his album Crunk Juice, which they followed up by performing Get Off Your Ass & Jam, then Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker) choruses, and then they followed with a reprise of Get off Your Ass and Jam. They next performed "Wind me up" choruses from Funkentelechy, and Get Up for the Downstroke. After that, Rico Lewis took over playing drums from Kash. They then performed Sexy Ways. Belita Woods sang Jimmy G & the Tackheads' Slingshot and Poo Poo Man sang James Brown's Payback.

They went to break, with Kash playing drums again, then Kim Manning led singing I'm Never Gonna Tell It - there were some nice guitar solos within. George did his "Ludicrous" chant, which was very long. The people in the audience by me shouted "Play some music", so when Sir Nose held up a sign with the words "F*ck George" written on it, they cheered. George kept on, hilariously chanting "Girl cootie, girls gone wild", which led into a "Funk that Shit" chant. One of the guys from the right side of the stage sprayed Silly String. Kendra Foster led Bounce to This with some more nice guitar solos. I noticed at this point someone in the backstage area on the left balcony filming the performance with a professional camera. Maybe we'll see this in a future release? Clip briefly played on percussion with the other percussionist, and then ran off the stage. Then they chanted, "F*ck that sh*t". Then Michael Hampton came out. He experienced some technical difficulties and played Maggot Brain, then left the stage again. Rico took over playing drums again, and then they performed Dog Star (Fly On). This led into a chant "Plop plop phiz phizz", followed by Clip talking lines from Promentalshitbackwashpsychosisenemasquad (The Doo-Doo Chasers). This led into a couple of chants by Gary: "Can you feel that" and "Can I get a witness". Then they performed One Nation Under a Groove. Chuck's grand daughter came out on stage and danced with them while playing the tambourine. George came back on stage from the left side, spraying Silly String as he did so. He wore a jersey that said 34 East. This led into a "Funk ain't going nowhere" chant. Kash took over playing drums. They performed Flashlight, then Jerome Rogers came on the main part of the stage with a mobile keyboard on a strap like a guitar (prior to this, I could only see his hands as he was sitting behind the speakers). Sativa came out and performed Some Stank and Hard as Steel. They went back into performing Flashlight and the Caucasian saxophone player came out (I had not seen him previously in the performance). I noticed there was a pre-teen African American girl dancing on the right side of the stage. Next they performed "How's your funk" choruses from Funkentelechy with some nice guitar solos and then "We want the funk" chants. Kash was back playing drums. Next they performed "Ain't no party like a Pfunk party, 'cause a Pfunk party don't stop" choruses, followed by Atomic Dog. At this point, they brought female fans on stage; there was no drummer for a bit. Jeff Fogerty and RonKat came out to play. They closed with Jerry Lee Lewis' Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On. At the end, P-Nut came out of the backstage area and was dancing behind me. I was surprised that they were allowed to perform until 2:30 AM, since the lights came on at 1:45 AM.

I have enclosed three other people's descriptions and then at the bottom, so you can compare, I have enclosed the setlist from the September 23, 2004 PFunk performance at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC I attended so you can compare.

Here is a second description, from George Darden.

The show sold out Thursday afternoon so I was on the scramble for a ticket to the hottest show in town (DC). The show was not to start until 9 PM but I was at the 9:30 Club at 6:30 looking for tickets. I was not alone. Several cats were there early looking for tickets. You could hear the funk oozing from the walls as band members were warming up. At one point one of Chuck's musicians was in the alley bringing in his equipment. I went old school and helped with his equipment and got inside the backdoor. I was in! I have done this many times over the years sneaking in to see the Ohio Players, New Birth, Tower of Power and even War and Yes in Atlanta. But it ain't like it used to be, I had no credentials and eventually got kicked out. So I'm back outside in the cold at a sold out show. Next I run into Chuck's grand daughter who I've known over the years as Gidget (cause she's short like a midget). I have nothing against short people, honest. She promised me her ticket if she could find Chuck and get in free. I never hooked back up with her so I ended up buying a ticket from a brother who had an extra one. The music before the show sounded like one of my tapes. Mandrill, JB, Curtis, Jimi and Slave funked up the joint before Chuck came out. Nice! I could tell we were in for a special nite. The sound was crisp and clear and the bass was booming. The crowd started crooning "Wind Me Up Chuck" so I knew it was time to start the jam. My boy Brian spotted me down front. He's my boy (sax for Chuck) but he couldn't get me in. It was tight and packed up in there all night. Chuck did all the standards like Run Joe, GoGo Swing and Money. Little Benny came out and did some Cat in the Hat and next thing I knew Sugarbear was on stage singing Da Butt! Chuck had the crowd in the palm of his hand although I have heard him tighter. Sounded almost like a pick up band to me. But even still he had the crowd and he was crankin'. He's really looking old these days, but got more energy than InnerG! I went to get a drink and I heard Cosmic Slop blazing from afar. I rushed back to my spot and there's Gary Shider and a few other Funkateers jamming with Chuck, Bear, Benny and the boys. There's also Gidget and Kay-Kay, Chuck's rapping daughter. Kay is the truth. She can out rap Kim (formerly) from Rare Essence any day. Badder than George's grand daughter also (didn't see her last night).

The Pfunk set was awesome also. Started off like the show I saw last summer with Funkentelechy and Bop Gun but then it was all Funkadelic for the next 2 hours. Lots of Mike Hampton and Blackbyrd was the best I've ever seen him. He was on fire! Boogie was there but not sure if I saw Billy Bass. My favorites were Dog Star and the James Brown tribute that they have been doing the last few shows. This time though was the best. Dude (Poo Poo Man) was dressed in a JB like suit with a big hat and was doing the James Brown while screaming like JB. He was sliding and the band was crankin'. Blackbyrd sounded like Prince doing Jimmy Nolen. Crisp clear guitar chicken scratching for days. Unbelievable sound all night. Especially during this JB extended jam. BTW, the audience was probably 75% black! Blackest Pfunk show I have seen in many years. It was a black show and it was sold out because Chuck was on the bill. He brings his crowd whereever he plays around DC. He probably left there and jammed at an after party somewhere. He's the 2nd hardest working Brown in show business. He's to DC what the Nevilles are to NO and what Wayne Newton is to Vegas.

During Maggot Brain I went outside to catch some air. Guess who I see in the alley behind the club? F*cking Wizard of Woo! The Insurance Man for the Funk! I hadn't noticed him all night. He was not introduced like the summer show where he was introduced and advertised. I talked to him for a bit and he said he was only playing a few minutes here and there. He didn't seem to be feeling well (and was quite out of it), but he was Bernie and he IS the man! When we both returned to the room, he looked over at me and played a little Insurance Man. He knows that's my jam. I always threaten not to show up at these shows but when I go I'm so pleased and funktified. I only went this summer cause Bernie was advertised and I only went last might cause Brian Mills was on sax. But I just gotta go. Since 1972 I've only missed a handful of DC Pfunk shows. This one was special for several reasons. The sound was awesome and my boy was jamming keyboards and sax for the Godfather of GoGo.

"G"

Here is a third description, from David Fleiss.
I have to agree with Dr. G: it was a great show.

Biggest disappointment: Let me get this out of the way up front. Bernie was in the house, but (a) his keyboards were all the way in the back of the stage, (b) if his keys were amplified at all, they were buried in the mix, (c) Bernie didn't get any solos, (d) Bernie stood at his keys most of the night but didn't seem to playing much, and (e) George never acknowledged Bernie. If G is right, and Bernie wasn't feeling too well, that explains some of these problems.

In no particular order, here are my comments:

- Chuck Brown is incredible. I have heard several of his CD's but I had never seen him live before. Next time I see that he's playing, I'm gonna make a point to get a ticket. Ironically, this evening my wife and I saw Chuck in a commercial for The Washington Post, wearing the same shirt, tie, and vest he wore last night. "It's a Washington institution, just like me." The fact that he closed his set with "Cosmic Slop" -- he was making fun of the high notes, which seemed to have prompted Garry Shider to come out and sing them -- was also very cool.

- Michael Hampton came on-stage about half-way through the show, played Maggot Brain, and left, never to return. At the beginning of Maggot Brain, it sounded like he was having a lot of trouble getting the right sound from his guitar, but he eventually straightened it out.

- Blackbyrd carried most of the guitar duties last night. I think he was on stage for 85-90% of the show.

- I've read that they've been singing "I'm Never Gonna Tell It" lately. Last night was the first time I've heard it. I like the fact that they're dipping into some obscure of the more songs.

- I think it was during "I'm Never Gonna Tell It" -- or maybe the next song there was a woman who came out and played the theremin. I've read about the theremin and seen pictures, but I had never seen one being played before. I'm not sure whether it was good or bad, but it was interesting.

- They omitted my two least favorite parts of the show -- Belita Woods solo numbers (I know a lot of people like it, but her voice just grates on my nerves) and Trey Lewd raps.

- Shondra (a/k/a Sativa) came out and did "Something Stank" and "Hard as Steel." Kendra Foster (I think that's her name) sang "Bounce to This." (She also sang along, or sang parts of, several other songs.) There was a white girl wearing a ridiculous tutu who sang something (note: he's referring to Kim Manning - Jordan), but I didn't care much for her.

- In one of those "you had to be there" moments, the woman in front of me (we were right up by the stage) lifted her shirt and flashed her breasts at George and Garry. Later, during "Atomic Dog," George brought her up on stage. He tried to get her to flash the crowd -- which she didn't -- and then he walked up behind her while she was dancing and held his wireless mike in his crotch and tried to hump her.

- At the end of the show, which lasted about 3-1/2 hours (that's just the P-Funk segment), the band continued to play as the singers and roadies were packing up the mikes. Garry came to the front of the stage and started waving everybody away, saying "Go home!" Fortunately the band continued playing for another 5 minutes or so.

- As G mentioned, the crowd was Blacker than most of the P-Funk shows I've been to (even DC shows). Maybe it was because Chuck Brown was on the bill.

- Interestingly, there were at least 3 or 4 white musicians playing at different times with P-Funk. One of them was John Hickey, a member of Bernie's Woo Warriors. I didn't recognize any of the others.

All in all, a great show!

Here's a fourth description from Robert Ward:

SOLD OUT! Posted clearly at the front of the 9:30 and with a landing p-party of four destined to get our funk on.We weathered the chilly January D.C. night with an eager but confident stance. For we never have tickets in advance. We just do the old Richard Pryor"What the fu** you mean you don't have no tickets?I'M DRESSED!"

So we got our tickets. By the time we got in, Chuck already was groovin'. Real clean sound and they were sounding as tight as a record. He did some classics like 'Back It Up','We Need Some Money',and of course 'Bustin' Loose',all extended jams with some jazzy solos, rocked out guitar and funky horns. Some serious rap was spit by Chuck's daughter Kay. Chuck kept saying of Paul Reed Smith, as they played some funky guitar solos "he makes these things", "the number two guitar manufacturer." He was playing like he made 'em too. Then Li'l Benny came on stage and supplied some of that R.E. style rap leading to a go-go united nation as Sugar Bear of E.U. joined them for a performance of 'The Butt'.

The P-Funk horns Bennie Cowen and Greg Thomas also sat in with Chuck's group. Then the drum roll intro for Cosmic Slop sounded off and Chuck dropped a nice guitar solo in there and was soon joined by none other than the original vocalist for 'Cosmic Slop' Garry Shider. The backing vocals by Sugar Bear and Benny were right on time too,as they did the "EW AHH EW EW AHH EW" that hasn't really been sang to Cosmic Slop' since the studio version as well as the use of the congos.

Great opening act for the 'P'.It was historically and biologically correct. It's well known that the original Funkadelic drummer Tiki Fullwood and other band members of Funkadelic made DC there home for a while and it's been reported that Tiki and Chuck actually invented go-go while jamming at some point. (Note: Kip Lornell recently spoke with me about how thinks that P-Funk has a powerful influence on GoGo - Jordan) The P-Funk Horns jam with Chuck's group from time to time these days. But,for the real hardcore mugs you still only want hear but so much pre-p preparation! I mean,Dickhead was solid. I looked to my right and all the way across the floor and saw one STILL CONDOM HAT appeared to be unmoved in a sea of local go-go motion. I told my brother ,"look he must be saying "the funk only!", and I had to laugh as I maintained my step to that funky-ass go-go beat.

The 'P' took the stage after a real brief break in the action with 'FUNKENTELECHY'with Lige droppin' dat nastified bass guitar. Never will that cut be anything but exciting. Steve Boyd did some serious vocals on that and all night,Boogie strapped up and got into the rhythm. Right off the top Billy "Bass" was m.i.a. The 'UP FOR THE DOWNSTROKE' medley 'Slingshot' was a serious jam that mutated into everything from 'The Big Payback' to Kendra's 'Bounce to This'. BLACKBYRD MCKNIGHT was cold in effect and on some sho nuff fiyah! His rhythm guitar was right on point and so funky that you had JUST KIND OF SAY THIS GUY HAS GOT IT. George was in good form and energy all about it all night. He broke out some silly string and it was live Droski graphics as it ooozed from Kendra's hair. At some point in the show I noticed Bernie Worrell behind the keys. Very unanimated but I still heard his wizardry coloring between the lines of that which was already being played. Mike "Kidd Funkadelic" Hampton did his DC appearance as he did upon his very first back during Capitol Center days,with 'Maggot Brain' only. Sounding good. Next Byrd took us straight to outerspace with the DOGSTAR featuring another young drummer, who I believe was Benny Cowen with a slight age progression that made him unrecognizable to me. Rico and Frankie were the other drummers. Although I couldn't really see behind the kit from my left side of the stage.

They went on to do 'NEVER GONNA TELL IT' and that was the tune that had it feeling crazy as '71 in there. George and Garry got hyped and made it psychedelic with the vocal doings. Can't forget about Clip who was looking like a mad scientist funk boxing and keepin' the crowd on their toes. After all that excitement the start of 'Flashlight' began and I saw one of the faithful almost stomp and complain enough to go right through the floor like rumpofsteelskin! I mean this mug was like "WHY?" like he just lost the lottery. But,they had spoiled us with the rare stuff, then we got One Nation, Atomic Dog....the us-u-al. The horns and thangs were tight on that standard stuff too though, with some great solos and 'Freedom Jazz Dance.'

They closed it out with a rock and roll medley ,you hear that Dick Clark? It was freaked out enough to be a Funkadelic version of 'A Whole Lotta Shakin', though.

A different crowd crossed paths for Chuck and the 'P' was cool. Everyone got to see and hear something different while getting what they came for. Somehow the stage time wasn't an issue either. The 9:30 let them play for a good minute. Bout time.