Local Musicians Put the Fun - & Funk - in Playhouse Fundraiser

Fat grooves, dirty backbeats, a tight snare, a syncopated beat, and a smooth bass line… there’s no other music like funk, and some of the area’s best jazz and funk masters will bring their music to the Ridgefield Playhouse on Tuesday, May 26 at 7 pm.

For the second year, the RHS Funkraiser will team the Funky Dawgz Brass Band (featuring RHS alumnus and saxophonist Tommy Weeks) and Relative Souls with the RHS Jazz Band to generate funds for the Ridgefield High School Instrumental Music Program.  

“We’re so grateful to the Playhouse and the community for their support,” said RHS Band and Orchestra director Michael McNamara (who is also a member of Relative Souls).  “Last year's event was well-received and reviewed, and raised $2000 for the RHS program.” However, he added, while the Ridgefield School District is financially supportive of the RHS music program, there are some “big ticket items” for which accelerating the replacement budget would be very beneficial. Such items include timpani and an electric piano for Jazz Band. 

“The new equipment will not only enhance the sound of the music,” McNamara said, “but it will enhance the quality of our band and a student’s musical experience.”  To help offset the cost of the instruments, the musicians are holding the Funkraiser. 

About the Musicians

The FUNKY DAWGZ BRASS BAND is bringing the music of the Big Easy to the North East! Formed in 2012, this 11-piece New Orleans-style brass band is exploding onto the live music scene with a high-energy blend of brass and percussion. Though based in their home state of Connecticut, they are inspired by the rich musical heritage and traditions of the Crescent City. They offer an exciting mix of New Orleans favorites, their own original music, and add a brass twist to today’s top hits!

The brainchild of Mr. Marvin McNeill, the Funky Dawgz Brass Band met at the University of Connecticut, where each member was a part of the UConn Marching Band. In addition to performing stage shows, the group strives to use their musical talents in giving back to their community. The Funky Dawgz were originally formed as a vehicle to connect, engage, inspire, and rejuvenate music education in Connecticut’s inner city schools. They frequently give performances and master classes to young musicians in elementary, middle, and high schools across the state.

RELATIVE SOULS is funk casserole glazed with jam, served with jazz on the side and topped with rock sauce.  The band believes that music brings everyone together, with an age range of 20 years between the players. Their music is timeless and eclectic, and while drawing from many classic influences, the approach is modern and fresh. The jamming vibe of Phish, the Dead, and the Allman brothers, the funkiness of Sly, Bill Withers, and P-Funk, the rock of Led Zeppelin, Guns N'Roses, and Pink Floyd, the vocal soulfulness of Joe Cocker and Marvin Gaye, with some of the electro ambient creations of Radiohead and the Disco Biscuits. A gumbo of great musical influences, all played in a fresh, dynamic context. 

RHS JAZZ BAND at Ridgefield High School is a group of auditioned musicians who take their musical studies very seriously.  While jazz from all eras is the primary source of their repertoire, the group also performs funk, Latin, and fusion music as well.  The band is frequently asked to perform at events within the community and regional jazz festivals.  All students in Jazz Band also participate in the Concert Band and most also participate in the Symphonic Orchestra.  Their passion as players and lovers of music is unparalleled. 

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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