“Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication.”
It takes a special kind of genius to come up with a song title like that, and George Clinton certainly qualifies as both special and, as one of the most noteworthy purveyors of funk around, a musical mastermind.
I’ve been stoked about seeing Clinton and his band, Parliament-Funkadelic (hereafter P-Funk), since they were announced as a headliner months ago. If for no other reason than to see whether they warrant their status as one of the most exciting live acts you’ll ever see, tonight’s show is going to be one to write home about.
Ever since I bought the album “Mothership Connection” (which contains the aforementioned song), I’ve been a fan of Clinton, but everything I’ve discovered about them through my research and talking to other fans has amped that excitement up even further. The band is legendary for the sheer spectacle of their live shows, and I’ve been threatening physical harm to friends who are ambivalent about coming. Even if you’re not a fan of funk, this is going to be something special. As a matter of fact, I’m convinced this show will be the most fun I’ve had watching a Riverbend headliner since Earth, Wind & Fire in 2007.
When I spoke with Andy Tallent, the public relations director for Friends of the Festival, he told me the show may include more than 40 people on stage. Even accounting for a line of backup dancers, the band is going to be huge.