“One of THE best and most important funky bands in New Orleans. We couldn’t be prouder.” Quint Davis, producer of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Papa Grows Funk has fused the individual talents of its members into one unique sound, but still retains the first spark they ignited in the beginning while jamming together at the Old Point Bar. The band plays over 100 shows a year for its international and growing fan base. From the Highline Ballroom in New York City to the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, from the Nancy Jazz Festival in France to the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, Papa Grows Funk has brought their “Mardi Gras in a bottle” music to iconic clubs from coast to coast and renowned festivals worldwide. They joined us for our 5GB series before their show tonight.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
The first 3 shows I saw as a kid were Chicago, Heart and Kiss all in 1977-78.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
My favorite show of the year is playing the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. It’s always a great show. My second fav is the Monday night following the second weekend of JazzFest at the Maple Leaf Bar. It’s usually a 3 hour show and you never know who’s gonna sit in. One year we had 3/4 of Meters, another we had Page McConnell and Mike Gordon from Phish, we’ve had members of Little Feat, the Radiators, Tower of Power join us on stage. You never know. It’s a blast.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Neil Young solo acoustic at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans in the late 90’s.
What is the gig you would most like to play?
One where club owners are respectful, sound engineers are competent, audiences are appreciative (usually the case) and I go home with money in my pocket and a smile on my face.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
I have it, Papa Grows Funk.
Catch Papa Grows Funk, August 3rd @ Smith’s Olde Bar
