Photo By Sgt. Wesley Landrum | Service members move with the music during the Legends of Funk tour at Camp Arifjan,...... read more read more
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By Lt. Col. Paula Z. Jones
50th Public Affairs Detachment
The Legends of Funk tour consists of three popular R&B groups to include artists with gold and platinum-selling albums, number one hits on the Billboard and R&B charts and Grammy Award winners.
Con Funk Shun, the Bar-Kays and the Dazz Band brought the crowd to their feet as they turned the clock back in time and played songs from the past. Members from the three bands played as one venerable "super-funk" band.
"We wanted to give the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines a break to let them forget their surroundings and simply enjoy the music" said Michael Cooper lead singer and original Con Funk Shun band member since 1969. "We love everyone here. We felt we received - 200 percent appreciation from the audience which was totally unbelievable."
The live band elated the audience with the melodic sound of a complete brass section, electric and bass guitars, keyboards, percussions for a real "old school" feel.
The crowd went wild when favorite tunes such as "FFun," "Disco Dazz," "Joystick," "Straight from the Heart" and more were played.
Seaman Jason Budai, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, arrived two hours early to ensure he had front row seats. He said he and his Navy buddies had a lot of fun and will not forget this concert.
Budai lead his buddies with his dance moves in front of the stage. He and Chief Petty Officer 3rd Class Wendell Shepherd were invited on stage to dance with the band.
"I grew up with this music and [have been disc jockeying] for 10 years," Sheperd said. "These artists are real, know how to perform and get the audience involved. This music is great and I love the brass section. This music makes you move and I love it."
Bobby Harris, lead vocalist for the Dazz Band reminded the audience that this tour has over 110 years of experience. The Bar-Kays have been together for 42 years, Con Funk Shun for 39 years and the Dazz Band for 32 years.
"Meeting troops and performing in this environment has really been an eye opening experience," Harris said.
During the show, the band dedicated a few songs to a few ladies in the audience.
"Words can't describe how I feel about performing for the troops," said Larry Dotson, Bar-Kays lead vocalist.
He was impressed that the leadership took the time to explain their mission and welcome them to the area. His most touching experience was visiting troops in the hospital.
"It was good to put a smile on their face and made our visit worthwhile," Dotson said.
The Legends of Funk are reaching younger audiences which also enjoy their music.
"Our music is sampled by many hip-hop artists, used in television commercials and has also been featured in movies," Cooper said. "We also know that some of our younger audience listens to their parents' music and 'old school' music on the radio."
The concert ended with an outstanding rendition of '"Let it Whip" which the crowd thoroughly enjoyed.
For a few hours, the Soldiers could get away and relax with great music and entertainment before returning to duty. Legends of Funk will continue their tour with several concerts throughout Iraq.
When asked if they would return for another concert, they all replied that it was so much fun, and warned the audience to look out for Legends of Funk II.
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2008 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 20005 |
| Location: | KW |
| Web Views: | 686 |
| Downloads: | 636 |
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