Upcoming Funky Concerts in Atlanta, GA (2011)
This is a temporary post. the concert page that is constantly updated, can be found here; Funky Concert page
Before you check out the shows below, let’s get something straight. These are not all funk shows. These are concerts happening in Atlanta that are funk, R&B, Soul, etc. If we think that funk fanatics will appreciate the show, it’ll be listed here.
A word about the Funk-O-Meter: The funk-o-meter indicates just how funky the show will be and that’s the indicator you’d use to determine if the show will be funky enough for you. Rated 1 through 5.
Funk-o-meter Level 1 – A show that’s a good show, but not really funk in any way. But still groovy enough. Sade would fit here.
Funk-o-meter Level 2 – A show with quite a bit of funk elements, but the artist is not a funk artist. They just have funky moments. Lil Wayne would fit here.
Funk-o-meter Level 3 – A funky show but more old school leaning and mixed with R&B or Soul elements. Jill Scott would fit here.
Funk-o-meter Level 4 – A show with heavy doses of funk. Prince would fit here.
Funk-o-meter Level 5 – The ultimate funk show. If you love funk, you MUST be at this show. Parliament Funkadelic would fit here.
June 2011
Robert Randolph & The Family Band, When: June 25, 2011 at 9pm
You missed it. Did you go? Send us a review!
R. Kelly with special guest Keyshia Cole and Marsha Ambrosius, When: June 25, 2011 at 8pm
You missed it. Did you go? Send us a review!
Under a Purple Moon: An Evening of Prince Music
When: June 30, 2011 at 9pm
Where: Mary’s in Atlanta, GA
Price: Free
Funk-o-meter Level: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: Looks like a private party for prince fans, but the price is free and they’re playing Prince tunes from 9pm-2am. For more info, visit here at http://prince.org/msg/2/361855 or simply email Brad Dixon at brad975@aol.com
The Phixx
When: June 30, 2011 at 10pm
Where: Apache Cafe in Atlanta, GA
Price: $7 in advance, $10 at the door – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3 out of 5
Comments: The Phixx (not to be confused by the British Boy band of the same name and spelling or the 80’s band of a different spelling) is a soul/R&B band and a lot of fun to see. Plus the Apache Cafe is a cool little club tucked away in downtown Atlanta that always has lots of fun shows going on. Their food is pretty good too.
July 2011
Traveling Without Moving – A Jamiroquai Experience
When: July 1, 2011
Where: Smiths Olde Bar in Atlanta, GA
Price: $10 General Admission ($12 day of show) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: This is a tribute band for international act Jamiroquai performing in a small venue in downtown Atlanta. Fun, funky, super affordable, and a sweet little venue to boot.
Tony, Toni, Tone and Dru Hill with Sisqo & Silk
When: July 2, 2011
Where: Macon City Auditorium in Macon, GA
Price: $35 (plus LiveNation fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 2.5 out of 5
Comments: This concert is unmistakably a soul/R&B concert, so the funk-o-meter budges a little. But Tony, Toni, Tone takes us back and has some great funky moments in their arsenal. As does Dru Hill, Sisqo & Silk.
Musiq Soulchild
When: July 6, 2011
Where: Center Stage in Atlanta, GA
Price: $31 general Admission (plus Ticketmaster fees)- Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3 out of 5
Comments: Musiq taps into his funk monster very frequently. More R&B than anything, but when he gets that growl going, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Sade with John Legend
When: July 12 and 13th, 2011
Where: Phillips Arena in Atlanta, GA
Price: $53.50-$153.50 (plus the insane Ticketmaster fees) – Get tickets here for the 12th and then here for the 13th.
Funk fans: 2 out of 5
Comments: If you need to have to decide between this show and Rihanna below, it depends on what mood you’re in. Sade and John Legend are more groovy chill while Rihanna and Cee-Lo bring a lot more energy and pop to the mix.
Rihanna with guests Cee-Lo Green and J. Cole
When: July 12, 2011
Where: Chastain Park Amphitheater
Price: $45 – $125 (plus the insane Ticketmaster fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3 out of 5
Comments: This will certainly bring entertainment value for the dollar and Chastain doesn’t really have any bad seats. Cee-Lo is the consummate entertainer and he’s worth the ticket price alone.
Wiz Khalifa
When: July 12th and 13, 2011
Where: Masquerade in Atlanta, GA
Price: $45 – $125 (plus the insane Ticketmaster fees) – Get tickets for the 12th here and the 13th here
Funk-o-meter Level: 2 out of 5
Comments: Wiz is a hip-hop artists but the grooves he brings are super funky and sometimes we have to get our fix from this genre of music. A lot of times actually.
Charlie Wilson with Chrisette Michelle
When: July 15, 2011
Where: Chastain Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
Price: $25-$69 (plus the insane Ticketmaster fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: Some may not know the name, but Charlie is the man behind the great funk act The Gap Band responsible for bringing us Outstanding, You Dropped The Bomb On me, Burn Rubber and so much more. He puts on a show like men half his age and knows how to entertain. Plus the tickets are pretty reasonable. Finally some good funk!
Kool and The Gang
When: July 16, 2011
Where: Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City, GA
Price: $40-$70 for reserved seating and up to $600 for full tables up front – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: Kool & the Gang cannot be denied as being a heavy influence on funk music during the 70’s and 80’s. So maybe it’s time to trek out to Peachtree City to ‘The Fred” to pay homage to the group that helped crack open pop funk to the mainstream. Surely there will be hits like Celebration, Jungle Boogie and much more played that night. Put on your comfy dancing shoes and hit it.
SOS Band with Vesta Williams
When: July 16, 2011 at 8pm
Where: The Amphitheater at Riverdale Town Center
Price: $8 general admission to $15 for VIP entrance. $25 (x8) to get a VIP table – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3 out of 5
Comments: The SOS Band is certainly not a band that went unnoticed back in the funky heyday bringing us tunes like Just be Good To Me, Take Your Time (Do It Right) and The Finest, they aren’t the epitome of a funk band, but a funky band. Vesta on the other hand only caters to the R&B crowd. While she may be funky in a handful of tunes, her followers only know her soul tunes including her work with Wild Honey and as a talented session singer. But the price is excellent for the entertainment value.
Bilal
When: July 23, 2011
Where: Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA
Price: $25 General admission – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3 out of 5
Comments: Bilal is a force to be reckoned with. It’s like he took funk and twisted it, stretched it, stuffed it with LSD, and then spread it out. There was debate about adding this show onto the calendar, but there is no doubt that Bilal is funky and very strange. Using layered harmonies, contradicting vocals, and snarky commentary, Bilal really puts on an interesting show. If you’re looking for a place to sit back and take in some avant garde funky music, this is your show. We’re going to try and be there for this one.
The Temptations and The Four Tops
When: July 27, 2011
Where: Chastain Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
Price: $25-$74 (plus the insane Ticketmaster fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3 out of 5
Comments: The Temptations? For real? The Four Tops? Do we even need to comment? While neither is synonomous with “funk”, these two groups brought the soul with hits like My Girl, Ball of Confusion, Walk Away Renee, Reach Out I’ll Be There and more!
Rebirth Brass Band
When: July 28th and 29th, 2011
Where: Smiths Olde Bar in Atlanta, GA
Price: $22.50 – Get tickets for the 29th show here and the 30th show here
Funk-o-meter Level: 4 out of 5
Comments: The Rebirth Brass Band is an amazing heavy funk New Orleans jazz band. never seen them? You’re missing out on a true funk fix! Decent price for a great show in a small venue that will funk your head off. Two night stay in Atlanta equals no excuse for being anywhere else.
Stephen Marley
When: July 29, 2011
Where: The Loft in Atlanta, GA
Price: $22 (plus TicketAlternative fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 2.5 out of 5
Comments: Stephen Marley, son of legendary Bob Marley, brings the reggae funk to the Loft which ought to be interesting in the least considering the venue.
August 2011
Lil Wayne with Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, and Far East Movement
When: August 6, 2011
Where: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
Price: $29.75-$99.75 (plus the insane Ticketmaster fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 2 out of 5
Comments: The collective raw pop power of these groups is almost frightening. Old school funk fanatics should not apply and sit this one out. This is for the younger crowd since it’s bold, brash, sometimes crunky and in your face. Rap at its most potent.
Bela Fleck and The Flecktones
When: August 10, 2011
Where: Georgia Theater in Athens, GA
Price: $30 (plus $5 in fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3 out of 5
Comments: This is the original lineup of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and this is about as funky as jazz can get. If you love acid jazz and the funky inflections that comes with it, you won’t go wrong with this show.
Big Boi
When: August 11, 2011
Where: Georgia Theater in Athens, GA
Price: $22.50 (plus $4 in fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3 out of 5
Comments: While most hip hop acts earn a 2 out of 5 on the funk-o-meter, some choice acts get a tad more because of their contribution to funk. Big Boi being half of the groundbreaking hip hop group Outkast along with other similar groups like The Roots, has done more to push people into a deeper level of funk music appreciation than their top 40 counterparts. Big Boi is worth seeing and a ton of fun to boot.
Flashback Festival with Keith Sweat, Larry Graham and Graham Central Station, Loose Ends, Whodini and Taste of Honey.
When: August 13, 2011
Where: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
Price: $10-$60 (plus the insane Ticketmaster fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 4 out of 5
Comments: Normally these individual artists would get 2 out of 5 stars on the funk-o-meter since (with exception to Larry Graham) each artist doesn’t really delve into funk as often as we’d like, but the fact that you can get into this massive show for only $10 and the quantity of acts performing collectively bring it to the level of a must see show. These tickets are sold through LiveNation who is a hair better with the fees, but not quite. Luckily you can also trade in some My Coke Rewards points and get LiveNation bucks to use towards these tix.
Jill Scott’s Summer Block Party with Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition, DJ Jazzy Jeff and hosted by Doug E. Fresh
When: August 19, 2011
Where: Chastain Park Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
Price: $49.75-$105.75 (plus the insane Ticketmaster fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3.5 out of 5
Comments: Jill Scott is amazing and she always brings it, but this show has Jill bringing along Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition, DJ Jazzy Jeff and hosted by Doug E. Fresh. While once again, not straight out funk, you WILL get you fix here.
September 2011
Soul Food Music Festival featuring George Clinton & Parliament
When: September 3, 2011
Where: Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, GA
Price: Park admission is $10 per car
Funk-o-meter Level: 4 out of 5
Comments: No more details can be found on this event outside of Parliament’s announcement of the date. Not even Stone Mountain park’s website mentions it, an artist lineup, times, etc. Our guess is that this will be a slimmed down version of a standard Parliament concert, but what we can tell you is that you will always get your money’s worth at Parliament concert that typically go in excess of 3 hours in length. There are very little bands that outperform Parliament on stage. This will be one of the first appearances in Georgia since the passing of Gary Diaperman Shider who was an integral part of their performance., but we’re sure that it will live up to all expectations.
Men of Soul and En Vogue (aka the White Linen Concert)
When: September 3, 2011 at 7:30pm
Where: Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA
Price: $35 general admission (advance), $50 general admission (day of show), $65 VIP Table seats – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 2.5 out of 5
Comments: What? Only 2.5? Sorry. No real funk bands here, but for the R&B and Soul crowd, you’re getting an amazing collection of artists here. The show features En Vogue (Free Your Mind, Whatta man), Jeffrey Osborne (On the Wings Of Love, You Should Be Mine -The Woo Woo song), Peabo Bryson (Tonight I Celebrate My Love, If Ever You’re In My Arms Again), and Freddie Jackson (You Are My Lady, Nice N Slow). Talk about an insane date night concert. If you can’t take your relationship to the next level attending this concert, you’re really doing something very wrong. Collectively the performers bring dozens of hits to the airwaves over the last 2 or 3 decades. If soul is your thing, this is your show.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
When: September 14, 2011
Where: Georgia Theater in Athens, GA
Price: $20 (plus $4 in fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 3 out of 5
Comments: If you missed the free show earlier, you can’t go wrong with Robert Randolph. They are truly a tour de force and amazingly fun and energetic. A funky jam band that will give you your money’s worth for sure.
Earth, Wind and Fire
When: September 23, 2011
Where: Chastain Park Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
Price: $25-$99 (plus ridiculous Ticketmaster fees) – Get tickets here
Funk-o-meter Level: 4 out of 5
Comments: Not much that needs to be said about Earth, Wind and Fire’s contribution to the funk genre. They are some of the purveyors of horny funk. A must see.
October 2011
UNKNOWN
When: October 29, 2011
Where: Chastain Amphitheater in Athens, GA
Price: $59.50 and up
Funk-o-meter Level: unknown
Comments: Chastain made an announcement that an R&B Superstar would be appearing at their venue, but they refuse to indicate who that is. There is talk that it may be Prince doing a small venue show here and since there isn’t anything booked on either side of the date, it offers room for added shows. We’re exhausting our resources to try and find out who it is and we’ll let you know when we know! Don’t freak out!
