Bringing Back the Funk

Clinton and a small part of P Funk with Mothership model

Several songs into his visually arresting stage show, George Clinton, the leader of the P Funk All-Stars, surveyed the bouncing, swaying crowd which completely filled the large tent on the National Mall and spread in every direction over the grounds.

"The Mothership in the Smithsonian," Clinton bellowed, his voice nearly drowned out by rousing shouts and claps. "We really are one nation under the groove!"

For the uninitiated, which certainly didn't include many of the thousands who attended the concert and sang and danced to every song, the Mothership is a central part of Clinton's music and myth. For years, Clinton and his band Parliament Funkadelic used the large spaceship as an integral part of their shows. Now, one of those versions of the Mothership will be an exhibit in the under-construction National Museum of African-American History, which is scheduled to open in 2015. The NMAAH was the sponsor of last night's concert entitled Bring Back the Funk. The concert served as a kickoff for the Smithsonian's annual outdoor Folklife Festival which will run until July 8.

While Clinton, who has always been hugely popular in DC, and his contingent of more than 20 musicians, singers, and dancers, were clearly the stars of the show, the crowd gave a warm reception to the 2 opening acts.

First up was bassist and bandleader Meshelle Ndegecello, who although born in Germany, grew up in DC. She opened her set with an instrumental take on Washington Go Go music legend Chuck Brown's great 1970s funk hit "Bustin' Loose." Brown would have played the festival but died last month. Ndegecello and her 3-piece followed with a set of jazz/funk numbers, including a spoken-word version of James Brown's "(Say It Loud) I'm Black and I'm Proud."

Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk

Next was Ivan Neville, son of New Orleans musical legend Aaron Neville, and his band Dumpstphunk who play a newer brand of funk tinged with New Orleans elements. In funk, the drums and the bass are essential and Dumpstaphunk emphasizes those elements by having a ferocious female drummer and 2 bass players.

Clinton, considered by most to be the reigning Godfather/King of funk, briefly joined Dumstaphunk on stage, beaming his approval as he pointed to individual members and shared a microphone for a chorus or two.

"I don't know if you all know what just happened," said one of the bass players when Clinton exited the stage. "But I feel like we just got baptized. That was Mr. George Clinton up here."

Clinton, who is known for his outlandish stage costumes and wild, unruly hair, appeared last night in a subdued, stylish brown double-breasted suit with matching hat. His attire sparked a comment from popular DC DJ Tom Joyner, who hosted the show. "Bet some of you didn't recognize George. Hair all conked back. Smooth. Looking like Nat King Cole."

George Clinton, earlier in the day, touring real space ships at the National Air and Space Museum

Tales, Tips, and Tidbits
This year's Folklife Festival is divided into 3 segments: campus and community, citified, and creativity and crisis. You can check out a full program schedule by clicking here.