Funk festival celebrated in Long Beach

LONG BEACH - More than 15,000 people are expected to turn out for the fourth annual Long Beach Funk Fest this Saturday in downtown Long Beach.The free, all-ages event will feature two stages, DJs, dance performances, two beer gardens, vendors and more. "What the Long Beach Funk Fest has done is brought the art form of funk back to its rightful place," said Dawn Silva of the Brides of Funkenstein. "It's given us a funk lift." Longtime funk guru Jerry Martini, a member of the headliner The Family Stone, agreed that funk is thriving, and that it's still relevant to new ears. "I've gone my entire life, almost 70 years, without having to work a single day, and that's because of the funk," said Martini. "And I've got a lot of living left to do." For kids, the festival will include arts and crafts, face painting and an opportunity to practice on real drums. The event is free but VIP tickets can be purchased for $20. VIP passes include front of stage access, a dedicated VIP line at the beer gardens, lounge access and one free beer. For more information, go to summerandmusic.com.

********** Published: August 16, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 18