PARROT TALK

New Orleans Super-Group Papa Grows Funk Brings Booty-Shaking Mardi Gras Funk to The Green Parrot

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New Orleans’ powerhouse super-band, Papa Grows Funk. will explode onto the Parrot stage for two blazing nights, Wednesday and Thursday, March 18th and 19th, beginning at 10 o’clock.

Papa Grows Funk’s tight grooves re-define the funk-jam band. Tethered by the slinky Hammond B3 and gravel pit vocals of bandleader John “Papa” Gros,” the band is a “who’s-who” of New Orleans’ best musicians. Morphing guitarist June Yamagishi is an original member of Japan’s first blues combo, The West Road Blues Band and has inspired two documentaries entitled “June Yamagishi in New Orleans” from his native Japan. Saxophonist Jason “Big Wind” Mingledorff cleanly articulates the knee-dropping funk sustained by bassist Marc Pero and Jeffrey “Jellybean” Alexander on the drums.
Influenced by The Meters, Dr. John and The Neville Brothers, Papa Grows Funk parcels it out New Orleans-style, paying homage to the tradition through Gros’ sparse but rhythmic style offset by Yamagishi’s blazing guitar. One is treated to a booty shaking set of Mardi Gras funk, original material, improvised jams and fresh interpretations of New Orleans classics. These five musicians seamlessly shift gears while never losing the essential groove.

The Green Parrot is your Southernmost Center
for Culture of every kind, and is located at the corner of Whitehead
and Southard Streets. For additional information call The Green
Parrot at 294-6133