The Birth Of The Church Of Funkentology

Photo by Allison Murphy

I love funk music. As a matter of fact, I love Funk music more than any other industry manufactured label of music out there. Why? Because it makes me dance. Because it instantly changes my mood whether it’s off the one or on the one. Because, when George Porter Jr.’s bass line comes in on The Meters  “Just Kissed My Baby,” it takes me to another world and instantly puts a smile on my face. Because when Funk is played, the grooves find their way into my soul, and there is no way I can stop myself from tapping my toe and nodding my head like the bad-mama-jamma Funk has taught me how to be. I was not always a lover of Funk, mainly because I didn’t know much about it. I also once wasn’t the generally happy person I am now.

Once I started writing about music a few years ago, a healing process began and a lifetime filled with fear, worry and self-doubt turned into a life beyond my wildest dreams. Years of personal darkness dropped from me with each concert I attended and each word I pounded out on my keyboard, and each time I picked up the phone to interview a musician who has moved me, my connection to the music became deeper.

One of the first musicians I  interviewed was George Porter Jr., and that issue of The Marquee Magazine was the first time I had an article in print [Editor’s Note: read article here]. It was also my introduction to The Meters, and to Funk music in general. Sure, I had “heard” Funk before, but didn’t really know much about the genre. Once Mr. Porter started talking, my love of Funk began. Earlier this year while I was living in New Orleans, I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Porter again for a story which was printed in OffBeat Magazine called “George Porter Jr. Defines Funk.”  I can’t begin to explain the joy I felt when that issue came out. Interviewing one of the founding fathers of Funk in his home city and writing a story for a magazine that is revered by any musician or music lover in New Orleans, and well beyond the city for that matter, was a little intimidating. I also brought Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds, Stanton Moore of Galactic, Zack Feinberg of The Revivalists and Ian Neville of Dumpstaphunk into the article. That article, specifically my conversation with Ian, is what sparked the idea for The Church of Funkentology.

Ian Neville made some statements that stuck with me after our conversation. He informed me that the genre of Funk was not recognized at the Grammy Awards and that there was no Funk category on iTunes. Considering that fact that Funk is so easily identifiable and is a unique genre that has it’s own rich history and evolution that has had an impact on our society for decades, and there are many Funk bands currently recording and touring, those statements surprised me. Ian’s statements combined with George Porter Jr’s thoughts that the label “Funk” began being used by the music industry in the 1970’s for the same reason the term “race music” was used, I felt something needed to be done.  Music saved my life, and Funk music brought real joy into it. The Church of Funkentology is my thank you to sweet mother music, and my homage to The Funk.

The Church of Funkentology is a religion by definition but a social organization by design. Our mission is to promote, protect, preserve and spread The Funk.  Listening to Funk music, or any music for that matter, is our act of devotion. We worship in front of stages and speakers. There is no “god,” but a central spiritual power we turn to, and that is The Funk. The Funk is a spirit, an essence and a fiery force. The Funk is most prevalent in the genre of funk music, but The Funk floats through the air like the Holy Spirit, waiting to be summoned to the right situation. Whenever the right people gather, or the right groove is played, that is where The Funk appears. You can’t fake The Funk, but you can find it… and you can live it.

We are in our formative stages, and our long term goal is for The Church of Funkentology to be the definitive resource and temple for The Funk. Our website currently explains some of the spiritual aspects of The Church of Funkentology, and will eventually include articles on Funk, interviews with funk musicians, and playlists compiled by the church in order for our congregation to further develop their studies of Funk. We have already started working with Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, helping educate concert goers about The Funk at certain shows in Denver, but we will eventually be producing concerts around the country. Initial conversations about a Funk festival in 2015 have already begun.

Some of you may be wondering…is this a real church? Why yes, yes it is. The Church of Funkentology exists for the same reasons any other church exists; we want to to find joy in everyday life and guide people toward a higher spiritual presence. By learning about Funk music, attending Funk concerts, and supporting all things Funk, seekers are brought closer to The Funk and get to experience its powerful presence. The sole purpose of The Church of Funkentology is to further all things Funk and lead people to The Funk.

If you would like to get involved with spreading the word about The Church of Funkentology and are ready to find The Funk, please visit our website at www.funkentology.com. Come worship with us and dance with your brothers and sisters of The Funk at the following events:

The Church of Funkentology, Listen Up Denver and The Marquee Magazine Present:
Maceo Parker w/Analog Son
Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
Sunday October 19. 2014 Doors at 7pm/Show at 8pm.
BUY TICKETS HERE

The Church of Funkentology Presents:
New Orleans Suspects with Fred Tackett and Paul Barrere of Little Feat play the songs of Little Feat
Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
Friday and Saturday November 7th & 8th 2014 Doors at 8/Show at 9
BUY TICKETS HERE

The Church of Funkentology Presents:
Funky Meters
Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
December 19th and 20th 2014 Doors at 8pm/Show at 9pm
BUY TICKETS HERE