The Fun Kicks Off Friday with the Jefferson Avenue Block Party from 5-10 p.m. Followed by The Buffalo Funk Fest Saturday when it Returns to MLK!
In August of 2004 following the funeral of Rick James, thousands of fans converged on MLK Park to pay tribute to his memory.
That tradition has taken place every year since then, however in 2008, the venue was changed to LaSalle Park to accommodate the crowd as well as the performers.
This weekend, Saturday August 28, the funk returns to Martin Luther King Park with a vengeance when headliners Patty Walker and the P-Funk Connection hit the stage!
“It should be a really good time!” said NICYO Funk Fest promoter and co-founder Marnetta Malcolm. “We’re trying to do something good for Buffalo…and as long as we’re here we need and deserve a good time!”
-Kick Off Friday With the Jefferson Avenue Block Party-
The weekend kicks off Friday, August 27 from 5-10 p.m. with the ever popular Jefferson Avenue Block Party (at E. Utica)- a classic reunion-type, dancin’ in the street-back-in-the-day funky good time .
When it was initially launched several years ago , Marnetta expressed the hope that it would serve as a “teaching moment” and positive experience to the younger generation who are having to grow up in a violent-prone society.
–Saturday In The Park-
The NICYO Buffalo Funk Fest- a tribute to Buffalo’s own King of Punk Funk – starts at 4 p.m. and runs until 10.
Marnetta reminds party-goers that no tents or grills are allowed. There will be plenty of vendors on hand.
She said her team is taking as many precautions as possible to keep everybody safe.
“You know COVID is coming to the concert too,” she quipped.
“So we encourage social distancing, bring a mask, and use common sense!”
The bottom line is, she added, “I wouldn’t give this festival if I knew it would hurt people…bring your mask please!!!”
We can expect some great local entertainment including Delvin Payton and the Lyef Band Delivered, and DC and the Music Company.
-The P-Funk Connection-
Patty Walker and The P-Funk Connection also has a Buffalo Connection! Patty, who started out in the music industry as a “Poplock Dancer” with the Parliament Funkadelic, was at one time also George Clinton’s hair stylist, responsible for his icnic rainbow colored braids.
She also became Rick James hairstylist.
Patty, always the entertainer and entrepreneur, eventually formed her own group, P-Funk Connection after departing Parliament Funkadelic. It was made up of talented musicians, that also included several P-Funk alumni and incredible musicians such as Michael Hampton, Kevin Shider son of the iconic guitarist, late Garry Shider and Scott Walker.
Michael Johnson, also a member of the P-Funk Connection, was a finalist in THE VOICE competition.
“The band is incredible,” said Marnetta. “Everything is free and open to the public! I’d like to thank everyone and anyone who played any part in making this happen!”(She issued a special thanks to Majority Leader of the NYS Assembly Crystal Peoples-Stokes, one of the event’s proud sponsors ) See you in the park! and If you Can’t Make It This Year Make Plans for Next Years Annual Funk Fest to Celebrate Our Hometown Kink of Punk Funk Rick James!
