“Return of the Funk Festival” at Woodminster (Oakland)

Patryce Choc’Let Banks, co-founding member of Oakland’s own premier funk band, Graham Central Station, and brother Ron Reams, are on a mission to bring funk music back to Oakland! The Bay Area birthed its own distinctive brand of funk music, producing among others, the iconic band Sly and the Family Stone. Oakland, known for its independent, edgy vibe, has also embedded its undeniable contribution through the likes of Graham Central Station (whose bassist Larry Graham, changed music forever by introducing and pioneering the “thump, slap and pluck” method of bass playing), Tower of Power, Lenny Williams, Sheila E., ConFunkShun, The Pointer Sisters, Shuggie Otis, MC Hammer, Digital Underground, Tupac and believe it or not — the list goes on and on! Reaching the far corners of the world, Oakland’s flavor has influenced music immeasurably. Music is the language of the universe and Oakland speaks “Funk”.

It’s time to bring the funk back where it belongs. The Return of the Funk Festival will feature local and widely acclaimed Oakland musicians, coming together to celebrate our community, rich culture, diversity and our legacy. Banks and Reams have partnered with Woodminster Concert Series, to ring you the Return of the Funk Festival; To Oakland, For Oakland, By Oakland. Don’t miss this historic, once-in-a-lifetime event!