All Aboard the Sooooooooul Train

Questlove: From drummer to DJ

Now here's a neat benefit to moving to the DC area - a chance to participate free in the hippest trip in America.

Tonight we loaded up our Smartrip cards, boarded the Metro, and headed to the National Mall for a Soul Train Dance party to kick off The Smithsonian's 2011 Folklife Festival, which this year features Columbia, The Peace Corps, and, in preparation for the new African-American Museum, American Rhythm and Blues.

Following a panel discussion about the historical significance and impact of the long-running TV program on Black culture, Questlove, drummer for The Roots, served as DJ while former Soul Train dancers led the crowd through many Soul Train favorites, including the famous free-form line dances. The only thing missing was the baritone intros from Afro-haired host Don Cornelius, who was represented by his son.

Dancing was definitely the thing for those of all ages and I can now factually say that I danced the Funky Chicken with the Soul Train dancers.  A great night of peace, love, and soul.