It was a beautiful summer night on the East River. The Pier 17 venue surrounded by breathtaking views of Manhattan and Brooklyn was packed for a midweek night of music.

The Funk was brought big time by the Stooges Brass Band. The big horn section raised the temperature in the tent for sure. They really nailed Stevie Wonder’s “You Can Feel It All Over”.  Papa Grows Funk followed and kept the ‘Nawlins groove going. A great version of “Right Place, Wrong Time” had the crowd snake neckin’ all the way back to the beach area. I couldn’t help but feel the vibrations from John Gros’ powerful B-3 playing as I leaned on the bar to get a cold one. Cuts from his recently released Needle in the Groove offer up a nice slice of jazzy funk.  Headliners Little Feat played new songs fresh off their new release Rooster Rag, which features Bill Payne/Robert Hunter collaborations that put a new spin on Feat music. The five new tunes played were very well received. They were joined on their classic “Dixie Chicken” by Gros on keys and seventeen-year old Saugerties  native Connor Kennedy on guitar who added some great licks when given the nod.

Cool venue, great lineup. The night started with the funk and ended with true Americana!

– Marc D. Joseph