Alexandria's Old Town Theater will host a "Funk Filled Evening for Hurricane Relief" Friday, Dec. 2. A rare collection of "the Washington area's finest, funkiest and most soulful artists will rock" the restored theater at 815 1/2 King St., to benefit Red Cross Hurricane Relief and the New Orleans SPCA, according to theater owner Roger Fons.
This concert event will feature Oktbrwrld, Earl Carter, Annie Sidley, Mojo Nation and other special guests.
Each artist will bring a special talent to this benefit concert, according to Fons. "Oktbrwrld is a group of seasoned musicians on a quest to uncover the sounds that make them laugh, reflect their lows and embrace their ‘ahs’ and tell stories from the depth of their ancestors' souls," reported Music Monthly.
"During the late 80's and early 90's, Earl Carter was a member of the platinum hit-making dance/GoGo band, "EU" and recorded music on the soundtrack to Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" and the GoGo live music video," Fons stated. He also performs at Georgetown's "Blues Alley."
"Soulful and funky, with an impressive voice and high-energy stage presence," is the way Annie Sidley has been described by The Washington Post. She has been nominated twice for Best R&B Vocalist and Best Song by the Washington Area Music Association. A former student of opera, Sidley is also an accomplished songwriter.
Steve Sidley, Earl Carter and Mike Corbett make up the trio known as Mojo Nation. "Their eclectic brand of funk, reggae and hip hop, tinged with rock, has a dense layered sound created by the addition of keyboards, guitar and drum loops for a uniquely big sound," according to critics.
The show commences at 9:55 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. Tickets are on sale at the theater which features food and beverages available with every show.