Review & Photos: Morris Day and The Time, The Ohio Players, The Original Lakeside, ConFunkShun in Huber Heights, Ohio
From the late ‘60s through the early ‘80s, funk music peaked as a trendsetting, popular genre—blending soul, R&B and horns.
On Saturday, Sept. 26 a set of legacy acts from the Funk Era took fans back in time for the Flashback Funk Fest in Huber Heights, Ohio at The Rose Music Center, which featured: Morris Day and The Time, The Ohio Players, The Original Lakeside and ConFunkShun.
The Dayton, Ohio area was the perfect host for the fest, because the city is known as the hometown for many prominent funk bands, including, both The Original Lakeside and The Ohio Players. Other funk acts from Dayton include: Zapp, Heatwave, Faze-O.
The Rose was packed and many were dressed their best—some couples wore matching vibrant outfits and others wore sophisticated dresses, zoot suits and classy hats.
All four bands brought the groove and jammed with choreographed dances and synchronized Motown twists and turns.
California’s ConFunkShun kicked things off for a half hour of funk and R&B, closing with their 1982 hit song “Love’s Train” (covered by Silk Sonic in 2021 and Dru Hill in 1994).
The Original Lakeside didn’t disappoint. Decked out in pirate costumes, the energetic set got the crowd moving, especially during opening song “Raid” and the ever popular “Fantastic Voyage” (popularized even more by the late great Coolio in 1994).
The Ohio Players filled the stage with two core members who have been with the band for more than five decades—James “Diamond” Williams (drums) and William “Billy” Beck (keys, piano, organ)—and eight regular touring band musicians.
The legendary funk and R&B band opened with 1975 hit “Love Rollercoaster,” covered by Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1996.
Soulful vocals, commanding horns and thumping bass guitar dominated as they also performed “Fire,” “Skin Tight,” “Jive Turkey” and others, for a 45 minute set.
Closing the night was the one and only Morris Day and The Time; even at the age of 69, Morris Day can still lead a band and entertain a full house.
As is tradition, Day was comically assisted by his onstage hypeman Jerome Benton as Day proved he’s still got the moves… and he made sure he’s still got the look—checking his reflection in a mirror, pulling out a comb and wiping off sweat with his pocket towel.
The full band was spot on and they brought the synth funk with ease. Day frequently asked “What time is it?” and the engaged fans clapped, danced and sang along to all their hits, including: “The Bird,” “777-931,” “Cool,” “Jungle Love,” “Jerk Out.”
Overall, it was an absolutely fun and sensational night of funk throwbacks; a well deserved recognition for the impactful, influential genre that is still fused and interpreted different ways in music of today.
With bands out there today like Columbus, Ohio’s Austin & The Syd Experience, it’s safe to say funk and soul remains alive and well.
MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME
THE OHIO PLAYERS
THE ORIGINAL LAKESIDE
CONFUNKSHUN
Comments
Post a Comment