Sandra Dean and SANDRA DEAN BAND at Branded 72 (February 23, 2018)

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Strathmore Artist in Residence Josanne Francis leads this interactive workshop that explores the art of the steelpan, including its development and history dating back to the 1930s. You?ll have the opportunity to try your hand at the pan and experience a steel orchestra performance live. This workshop is intended for all with an interest in learning more about the birth and history of the steelpan. No musical experience necessary.

Free, but registration is required.

After beginning her musical education at age 8, Josanne Francis found her voice in the steelpan. Francis was a natural pannist (steelpan musician), and her hard work and musical ability landed her a scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi where she studied percussion and music education. Francis then moved on to Northern Illinois University (NIU) to study steelpan at the graduate level, honing her skills even further. Francis is a highly sought-after pannist, having acted as a guest artist at schools and steelpan festivals around the country. Francis currently serves as the artistic director of the Cultural Academy for Excellence, where she uses the steelpan to bring music education to after-school and weekend programs.

The BRENCORE ALLSTARS BAND is a tremendously talented 14 - piece musical anomaly from Washington, DC comprised of music dynamo?s that bring a depth, richness and appreciation to some of Motown?s greatest hits. Performers have a deep seeded musical connection and sweat in honor of some of Motown?s Greatest Greats!

The variety and range of songs performed in a series of medleys and powerhouse songs will have you singing and dancing to your favorite MOTOWN songs all night long. This MOTOWN Tribute has sold out many venues such as The Historic Howard Theatre, The Carlyle Club, The Roanoke Rapids Theatre, The Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club with plans to showcase the musical genius of the BRENCORE ALLSTARS in many more locales

The delivery, the energy and the powerful voices of the The Brencore Allstars Band never disappoints. Diverse audiences from 300 miles in any direction around and near Washington, DC area have snapped their fingers, tapped their toes and been musically transported to a time when the music of the Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson, Jr. Walker and The All-Stars, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and The Pips graced the stage and wooed audiences across the globe!

ConFunkShun is a star-quality attraction delivering a superb, high-energy show with electrifying choreography, glistening six-part vocal harmonies, and a dash of humor. They are, unquestionably, among the heroes of Funk with romantic ballads and dance-party hits galore. Memorable melodies, inventive horn arrangements and clav-guitar woven grooves, make the group absolutely essential to the evolution of funk. They charted four consecutive Gold?s and one Platinum album. Their 20 hit singles included 8 Top Ten R&B Hits and one #1 R&B smash.
?In ?1996 they released a live album to coincide with their performance on the Sinbad ?Soul Music Festival? HBO Special. 1997, brought a?Love?s Train? cover on a Multi-Platinum debut by Dru Hill, and samples for Gold-LP Booty Call Soundtrack.

A new round of funk came when they contributed two new tracks to ?United We Funk Allstars Compilation? (and Tour) including GAP?s Charlie Wilson, Rick James, Dazz Band, Roger Troutman, SOS Band, Barkay?s, and The System. In addition to the band?s schedule, Michael Cooper has released. Band member Pilate emerged as a multi-platinum record producer in his own right for his award-winning production on M.C. Hammer, Addams Family Movie, and Hammer man Cartoon Show.

The group began self-produced ?Touch? LP contained blistering dance workouts like ?Chase Me? and ?Ms. Got-The-Body? and classic favorites?Love?s Train?, ?Straight From The Heart?, ?(Let Me Put) Love On Your Mind? and ?All Up To You?. Then eventually teamed with Kool & The Gang?s producer, Eumir Deodato, producing ?Baby I?m Hooked (Right Into Your Love), and with producer Maurice Starr they released ?I?m Leaving Baby.? These hits and more remain on radio playlists today, year after year.

Recent appearances include Tokyo?s Cotton club, Cashe Creek casino Resort, Harrah?s New Orleans,Yoshi?s Oakland Ca, Celebrity theater Phoenix Ar, and the Master of funk USA tour, The Tom Joyner fantastic voyage cruise 2016,The Soul Train cruise.
Look for the LATEST CONFUNKSHUN CD ?MORE THAN LOVE?

More Than Love is an exciting chapter in the evolution of ConFunkShun. For over two decades they have found a way into our hearts and ears with their timeless and funky anthems and memorable slow jams. The new album is a testament to their staying power and ability to deliver music that is right on time and in the pocket. Michael Cooper sums up the secret to their success simply: ?ConFunkShun is still all about Funk ?N Love. That?s what we?ve always promoted.?

ConFunkShun is a star-quality attraction delivering a superb, high-energy show with electrifying choreography, glistening six-part vocal harmonies, and a dash of humor. They are, unquestionably, among the heroes of Funk with romantic ballads and dance-party hits galore. Memorable melodies, inventive horn arrangements and clav-guitar woven grooves, make the group absolutely essential to the evolution of funk. They charted four consecutive Gold?s and one Platinum album. Their 20 hit singles included 8 Top Ten R&B Hits and one #1 R&B smash.
?In ?1996 they released a live album to coincide with their performance on the Sinbad ?Soul Music Festival? HBO Special. 1997, brought a?Love?s Train? cover on a Multi-Platinum debut by Dru Hill, and samples for Gold-LP Booty Call Soundtrack.

A new round of funk came when they contributed two new tracks to ?United We Funk Allstars Compilation? (and Tour) including GAP?s Charlie Wilson, Rick James, Dazz Band, Roger Troutman, SOS Band, Barkay?s, and The System. In addition to the band?s schedule, Michael Cooper has released. Band member Pilate emerged as a multi-platinum record producer in his own right for his award-winning production on M.C. Hammer, Addams Family Movie, and Hammer man Cartoon Show.

The group began self-produced ?Touch? LP contained blistering dance workouts like ?Chase Me? and ?Ms. Got-The-Body? and classic favorites?Love?s Train?, ?Straight From The Heart?, ?(Let Me Put) Love On Your Mind? and ?All Up To You?. Then eventually teamed with Kool & The Gang?s producer, Eumir Deodato, producing ?Baby I?m Hooked (Right Into Your Love), and with producer Maurice Starr they released ?I?m Leaving Baby.? These hits and more remain on radio playlists today, year after year.

Recent appearances include Tokyo?s Cotton club, Cashe Creek casino Resort, Harrah?s New Orleans,Yoshi?s Oakland Ca, Celebrity theater Phoenix Ar, and the Master of funk USA tour, The Tom Joyner fantastic voyage cruise 2016,The Soul Train cruise.
Look for the LATEST CONFUNKSHUN CD ?MORE THAN LOVE?

More Than Love is an exciting chapter in the evolution of ConFunkShun. For over two decades they have found a way into our hearts and ears with their timeless and funky anthems and memorable slow jams. The new album is a testament to their staying power and ability to deliver music that is right on time and in the pocket. Michael Cooper sums up the secret to their success simply: ?ConFunkShun is still all about Funk ?N Love. That?s what we?ve always promoted.?

The band that toured the world with the Godfather of Go-Go carries the torch and keeps the beat alive. The Chuck Brown Band continues to keep the legacy alive by performing all your Chuck Brown and Go-Go favorites, and by creating new music and bringing on board new fans and followers.

With three new songs on the final Chuck Brown album. ?Beautiful Life? and rave reviews from long time fans and new fans, the Chuck Brown Band is dedicated to the heartbeat of the DMV: Go-Go.

With the addition of Frank Sirius on guitar and vocals, the rest of the band is intact, including Chuck?s daughter KK, Chuck?s son Wiley, the Horny Horns, Kenny ?Kwickfoot? Gross, Mighty Moe Hagans, Doug Crowley, Sweet Cherie Agurs, and Marcus Young.com.

Ain?t no party like a Chuck Brown party, cause a Chuck Brown party don?t stop. Every show still starts with Wind Me Up Chuck, and doesn?t stop until the dance floor is empty. Sho Yo? Right!

Carter Farm Band at Villain & Saint