The funk
A common sentiment within the Black Community of CNY is that the region doesn't present enough high level entertainment representative of its tastes and culture. Many diverse artists share the same point of view as it relates to economic opportunities. The belief has led them to direct their energies toward participating in the events that happen in neighboring cities and states.
JAMS Funk Fests fills the void. The annual festivals are presented on a large scale platform at the New York State Fair. Culturally appropriate national recording artists headline the festivals preceded by a rich line-up of performances from top local/regional acts. The events are open to the public and free with paid admission to the fair. To assure that no one is left out due to an inability to purchase a fair ticket; JAMS distributes 1,000s of complimentary gate passes to churches, community organizations and other strategic distribution sites. The responses to the festivals have been phenomenal.
Below: Photos of performances by National Recording Artists at JAMS Funk Fests...
2022: Midnight Star
Above: Midnight Star put the "Midas Touch" on the crowd and got the "Freak-A-Zoids" dancing during their "Planetary Invasion" of JAMS FF2k22 at the NY State Fair. There was definitely "No parking on the dance floor" as the six original members of the double platinum selling Solar Records' recording group rocked their string of 1980's techno-funk hits before a crowd of 3,500. They appeared in sporting style in their matching turquoise suits as they performed choreographed dance routines while playing their Vocorder-heavy blend of funk. Video
2022: Alyson Williams
Above: Former Def Jam/Columbia recording artist Alyson Williams held the crowd appearing as a co- headliner for JAMS FF 2k22. She showcased her husky alto as she entertained the crowd with a set of popular covers before closing the show with her cult classic RnB hit, "Just call my name." The local/regional acts opening the show included, Yana's Constellation; Menage A Soul; Mike Houston's Tribute to Jeff Houston; UAD; and Shine (Rochester based show band). DJ Zulu and the Acusquad entertained the crowd with music and line dancing between the sets.
2021: Original Stone City Band
Above: The original Grammy award winning, platinum Motown recording artists, "Stone City Band" were the exclusive recording and touring band behind the King of Punk-Funk, Rick James. They busted out of an L7 square and laid their booty down before the crowd at Chevy Court for JAMS FF2k21. These original bad boys of funk "Super Freak-ed" their way through all of their hits fronted by a pair of "Cold Blooded" lead singers that looked and sounded like Rick James and Tina Marie. The stage was warmed by the Mary Jane Girls featuring, Val Young; another of Rick James' creations. Video
2021: Mary Jane Girls Feat: Val YOUng
Above: The Mary Jane Girls featuring: Val Young, collectively told the crowd at JAMS FF 2k21 “You are, ‘In My House, All Night Long’ ”, as they walked through those songs and the rest of their string of Rich James penned hits from the early 1980's. Now down from the original quartet and performing as a trio, the group maintains original member Candice Ghant, and longtime member Val Young. Video
2019: Mark Wood Voice of Lakeside
