@KoolntheGngLIVE @Bootsy_Collins @TheMorrisDay strives to #KeepinTheFunkAlive in #Raleigh

July 24, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On Saturday July 24,2016 , SobeSavvy.com joined thousands of other funk music veterans at The Walnut Creek Amphitheatre to experience Bootsy Collins, Kool & The Gang along with Morris Day & The Time.

DJ Doug E. Fresh opened up the evening with one of his classic sets familiar with the young and old{er} alike!! Former James Brown band member, world renowned bassist Bootsy Collins was up first. Bootsy was an integral part of Parlament/Funkadelic in the 70’s. He also has worked with a myriad of other artists throughout his 40 year career. He played many of his classics like “I’d Rather Be With You and “Let me ride” to name a few. He made multiple costume changes since he is also known for his colorful and outrageous stage stylings !

Next up was Morris Day and The Time. They started their set with a video tribute to their mentor and friend, Prince Rogers Nelson. Once that touching video montage ended it was time to party. They went through some of their many memorable funky tunes. From their famous balled, ” Gigalos Get Lonely too” to the dance anthem “The Bird”..The choreography was still tight and yes an assistant made sure to hold up a mirror so Morris could check out his profile.

Kool and The Gang came on next. Their history is richer than most casual fans could ever guess. Robert “Kool” Bell founded the group when he was 13 years old !
They started out as an instrumental band that had a huge hit with the now iconic song, ” Summer Madness” 1974. Their famous extensive horn section was highlighted during the show. Their hits span over 4 decades. They have had #1 hits on the pop and R&B Charts. “Hollywood Swingin” kicked off their energetic set. Crowds favorites were ” Joanna”, which many couples stood up and slow danced to. “celebrate” brought the crowd to a fever pitch.

Here a few pics from my Funk-tastic night in the Capital City !!

#GoodMusic & #GoodTimes @RedHatAmp ‘Cameo and The SOS Band’ #Raleigh #NC #Concert RECAP

July 10, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

“Music is moonlight in the gloomy night of life” ~ George Santayana

With all the gloominess that is being felt in the world, it was nice to be unified last night by MUSIC. SobeSavvy.com joined live music lovers from Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding areas, to witness two legends of R&B and funk: Cameo and The SOS Band with special guest The Gravedigger on July 9, 2016 at The Red Hat Amphitheater !

Cameo, known for their funky musical style and in-your face, cutting-edge stage performances, took us on a stroll down memory lane. Led by their original frontman and lead singer Larry Blackmon, wearing his now iconic red cup,took us down memory lane while “Hangin’ Downtown” Raleigh, bringing us their hits like “Candy”, “Word Up!”, “Single Life” and much more. Here they are performing one of my faves, “Back and Forth” ! https://www.instagram.com/p/BHsK7H4DkC5/

Founded in 1974 as New York City Players, they had to change the name because of a conflict with the funk bank named The Ohio Players, they became Cameo. This group has stood the test of time the way few bands have. In the fickle business that music has always been, Cameo has pushed the envelope ,not only musically but visually. Their stunning music videos in 1980’s and 90’s are still examples of the best video artistry of their time. They did not dissapoint !!

Getting the party started, The S.O.S Band took the stage performing classic hit after hit songs like “Take Your Time (Do It Right)”, “Just Be Good To Me” , and “Weekend Girl”. The band thanked the crowd for being apart of their musical journey for the past 37 years! That truly proves good music is timeless! Here is a video clip of them singing one of their many smash hits “Tell Me If You Still Care” ! https://www.instagram.com/p/BHqRL1Xh01r/

..and the crowd singing and dancing along to “No One’s Gonna Love You” https://www.instagram.com/p/BHqTe5YDcXk/

In my opinion Red Hat is one of the best venues we have in the Triangle! The lawn is small but it’s way close to the stage, you can see all the performers no problem! To stay in the loop of who is “Bringin’ the get down to Downtown Raleigh” be sure to follow on Twitter @RedHatAmp / Instagram @redhatamphitheater / Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RedHatAmphitheater/ 
Enjoy these photos taken last night at Red Hat Amphitheater !

The Revolutionary @KirkFranklin comes to @DPAC ’20 Years in One Night World Tour’ ~#gospelmusic #concert #soNCSavvy

June 5, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

KIRK FRANKLIN…20 Years in One Night World Tour..was truly an amazing show full of energy and testimony!

For nearly two decades, Kirk Franklin has been one of the most prominent voices in gospel music. His unique way of combining hip-hop, pop, R&B, and gospel has garnered him fans across multiple genres as well as critical acclaim. That’s why I could not miss the opportunity to see him when he came to DPAC on Saturday, June 4, 2016.

“Kirk Franklin has been at the forefront of modern gospel music for decades now,” said Candice Terrell, Assistant Director of Marketing, Concerts & Comedy. “His fans will get to experience Kirk in our intimate setting with DPAC’s amazing acoustics as part of The 20 Years in One Night Tour.”

Kirk Franklin has been a multi-platinum-selling purveyor of majestic fusions of gospel and contemporary music. His music has resulted in albums that consistently top both Billboard’s Gospel and Christian charts, as well as ascend into the Top 10 of the R&B/Hip Hop chart.

His unprecedented penetration into the mainstream has fortified him to also become a New York Times bestseller author for The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms. Franklin is also the host and executive producer of the gospel talent show “Sunday Best,” the highest-rated gospel program in BET network history now heading into its fourth season.

To date, Kirk has garnered nine Grammy® Awards; an American Music Award; 39 Stellar Awards: 16 Dove Awards (CCM); eight NAACP Image Awards; two BET Music Awards, a Soul Train Award and numerous others.

Last night he told the sold out crowd that ever since he was a little boy he knew he wanted to make gospel music that would make people dance. He has made a career of successfully combining “the music he likes with the God he loves”! Tonight when the house lights came up , a gospel rockstar came on. Kirk Franklin has a spirit and energy that is unmatched. He danced and he pranced. Along with a wonderful band and background singing ensemble, Kirk did a plethora of his old and new hits.
He lead the audience in song and sometimes in prayer. This concert can only be described as an enjoyable experience. Part church, part concert… all love!
Here is a bit of what we experienced last night in Durham, NC!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGQWOAQiXHa/
Souvenirs and Smiles..

To see more photos from the event go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpacnc for more on the red carpet at DPAC !
*Download and/or Print Photos for Free, Courtesy of DPAC!

Be sure to check out your boy Kirk Franklin coming to a city near you!

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#PattiLaBelle Live #Concert @MsPattiPatti @DPAC #OnlyAtDPAC #soNCsavvy Recap by #SobeSavvy .com!

November 9, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On Saturday November 7, 2015 The Godmother of Soul..PATTI LABELLE, a Two-time Grammy® Award-winning singer, New York Times bestselling author, and three-time Emmy® Award-nominated actress returned to Durham, NC after her last performance at DPAC in 2014 sold out quickly! Known for bringing her heart, soul and songs to the stage, Ms.Say My Name ” Patti Patti” did not disappoint her fans at DPAC Durham Performing Arts Center. Her stage was fit for the royalty for which she is. There was fresh flowers by the piano, an assortment of high heels and a chaise lounge as seen here .

Photo Credit: DPAC

“It’s our extreme pleasure to bring the one and only Patti Labelle back to the DPAC stage”, says DOME Group CEO Sulaiman Mausi. “She is a beloved icon who just has a special intimate way of connecting with her audiences and this show will be no exception!”

The word beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. The soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. She is known for belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets. Patti is revered for her unique versatility and vocal range.

Photo Credit: DPAC

At 71 years young, she holds command of the stage, STILL. Her performance thrills with a voice that sends chills up and down the spine EVERYTIME! As heard here singing, “If Only You Knew”
https://instagram.com/p/9znztUiXK4/

She reminded her audience ” to not get it twisted” , she’s still got it and with quite a few songs, she did it First. Alot of fun moments during the show, such as bringing male audience members on stage…black, white,gay straight.. to sing Lady Marmalade with her. In this video, a fan not only got some impromptu singing lessons but a chance to dance with Ms. LaBelle, a former Dancing With Stars star!
https://instagram.com/p/9zvar7iXH1/

In addition to her amazing career, which has spanned over 51 yrs, as an entertainer and entrepreneurial success, Ms. LaBelle’s work as a humanitarian is just as legendary. While Ms. LaBelle’s celebrated career is respected world-wide, she has also endured and survived personal strife. Within a 10-year period, she lost her mother, three sisters and best friend to diabetes and cancer. She paid homage to her celebrity friends as well as family who are now resting peacefully, while singing “You Are My Friend”. It was a fitting finale to a wonderful evening at Durham Performing Arts Center
To find out what is up next at DPAC, please go to www.DPACnc.com
#ONLYATDPAC !

Here are a few photos I took during this amazing night!