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 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic |
 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic |
 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic |
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Story and photos by Andy Argyrakis In the trilogy of funk's forefathers, George Clinton stands equidistant to James Brown and Sly Stone, but considering "The Godfather" is gone and The Family Stone singer is so reclusive, the 72-year-old pioneer is one of the last active links to that original era. While his recording pace has cooled throughout the 2000s, a never-ending tour alongside Parliament Funkadelic continues picking up steam, showing longtime listeners and younger generations alike just how much the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have rubbed off on everyone from Prince to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lenny Kravitz, OutKast, CeeLo Green and countless more.With all that in mind, a sell out was a given at Hammond and Chicagoland's shared hot spot The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, who alongside supporting Funk Fest acts The Bar-Kays, Con Funk Shun and The Dazz Band, turned in well over three hours of meaty grooves. "Dr. Funkenstein" and his always colorful cast naturally closed out the night with its longtime leader adapting a dreadlock-free and leaner look, which contributed to increased agility, especially as he barked his way through the crowd during the classic "Atomic Dog." Clearly Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic could've played all night thanks to an endlessly influential catalogue, with "Flash Light," "(Not Just) Knee Deep," "Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)" and "Up For The Down Stroke" once again delivering with the utmost innovation and improvisation. However, having The Bar-Kays, Con Funk Shun and The Dazz Band turn in a collaborative mega-set also helped illustrate the scene's additional roots, with respective cuts such as the synth-spiked "Freakshow On The Dance Floor," the slow jam "Love's Train" and the pop crossover powerhouse "Let It Whip" adding extra value to the marathon party. Fans of the Funk Fest may also be interested in some of The Venue's upcoming shows, including blue-eyed soul singer Boz Scaggs on Friday, July 25, a fully reunited cast of R&B hitmakers New Edition on Sunday, July 27, followed by the contemporary jazz double bill of Boney James and Brian Culbertson on Friday, August 8, plus soul superstar Gladys Knight and jazz favorite Will Downing on Sunday, October 12. For additional details, visit www.thevenuechicago.com and www.ticketmaster.com. |
 The Dazz Band |
 The Dazz Band |
 Con Funk Shun |
 Host Tom Joyner |
 Con Funk Shun |
 The Bar-Kays |
 Con Funk Shun |
 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic |
 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic |
 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic |
 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic |
 The Bar-Kays |