The George Clinton and the P-Funk Allstars show came to Washington, DC, February 7, 2012 and tore the roof off of the 9:30 Club. The band which originated in the 1950's is touring regularly and has become a family band. It is a family band in the sense that if you are born of a band member, you have an opportunity to work for the band and eventually can get onstage if your chops are up to par. If you peek backstage at a P-Funk show, you see a lot of hugging going on. Members that aren't on tour with them currently, show up and perform a couple of songs. Their children connect and reconnect. George Clinton is Uncle G to them. While several of the original members, have passed away, their children have picked up the torch and are carrying it proudly.
One torch bearer is Garrett Shider, the son of Garry "Starchild" Shider who passed away in 2010. Last night he led the band and the audience in performing "One Nation Under A Groove", as his father did since 1978. Garrett is currently playing guitar on tour with the P-Funk Allstars. If you were there, you saw Garrett's mother, Linda, and his daughter on the stage. This was truly a special moment.
Another special moment occured when bassist Lige Curry was recognized on his birthday. George Clinton and Mike Clip Payne stopped the show and got the whole audience to sing happy birthday to the bass player.
"I would like to thank all of you who took the time out to Bless me with a Birthday I will never forget! And thank you George Clinton and Mike Clip Payne for starting the whole 9:30 club singing Happy B-day to me in the middle of the show in Washington D.C. With the p-funk all-stars singing as well. Words can't describe how Happy it made me feel. Thank you all once again."- Lige Curry
George Clinton also has his son Treylewd, grand-daughter Shonda, and grandson Traza-e in the big show. His grandson performed an impressive rap that gave a shoutout to his grandfather. Shonda has become a regular performer in the P-Funk show.
This show was awesome. Funk is LOVE. Keep Funk alive.
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