Long Beach Funk Fest August 20, 2011

Aug. 20, 1p.m. - 11p.m.

Summer And Music (SAM) presents Long Beach Funk Fest (LBFF) on Saturday, August 20, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Pine Avenue and the Promenade between Broadway and 3rd Street in Downtown Long Beach.

The caliber of talent at LBFF over the past two years has made this celebration of funk a national player in the summer music derby. This year's lineup will push LBFF's reputation into a whole new arena of funk respectability. Live performances include sets by Fred Wesley & the New JB's, Steve Arrington (formerly of Slave), Zigaboo Modeliste (of the Meters), Ronkat Spearman's Katdelic, Naked Funk (featuring veteran P-Funk bassist Lige Curry), Delta Nove, The Big Ol' Nasty Getdown and more.

This free event, SAM's biggest showcase of the summer, has brought more than 15,000 funk fans out each year to witness some of history's most respected funk royalty as they perform live in the streets of Downtown Long Beach.

LBFF will feature eight memorable funk performances on two solar-powered stages, numerous DJs, as well as a variety of on-site activities and vendors. In between sets, 21 eclectic DJs will be spinning well into the night. Rickey Vincent, author of Funk: The Music, the People, and the Rhythm of the One, returns to emcee this year's Funk Fest.

Kids can join in on the "fun(k)" with drumming, face painting, eco-minded arts and crafts activities at the Kid's Zone of Funkativity, as well as enjoy a showcase with the Lil Big Ups where they can make a rubbabox, which is a handmade string instrument that makes fun and funky sounds. Lil Big Ups is an educational program presented by legendary bass player Lonnie "Meganut" Marshall that teaches kids how to express themselves through music, art and creativity. The day will also be accented by the live painting of local artist group Tinder Box! and various street vendors.

Free Bike Valet Parking! Located in the heart of Downtown Long Beach's restaurant row! Volunteers Needed!

Official Website: http://www.lbfunkfest.com/