The city that built the funky house
CLUBBERS are in for a treat next weekend as what is being dubbed the ‘biggest funky house night in history’ hits the city.
The Manchester Made Me Funky Rio Carnival at Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC) will feature live performances from legends such as Jocelyn Brown and Julie McKnight, as well as Steve Edwards, Alexander Prince and Abigail Bailey.
Providing the soundtrack to the event will be some of the best-known DJs of the past two decades. People like David Dunn, Pat Drury, Jason Herd, Tony Walker, Ryan Stent, Soulavengerz, Nick Hussey, Kenny Hibbert, Nev Johnson, Lee Crank and Chris Frater.
Organiser Andy Keek tells CityLife: “Funky house was an incredible genre of music at a time when clubbers looked for an alternative to rave, hard house and pop. Each generation has its own sound, but I would argue and so would many others, that funky house was by far the friendliest vibe, with the most uplifting tracks.
“Funky house was not only about dancing, singing, and hugging lots of strangers that soon became great friends, it became a way of life. You could go to a funky house club alone, not know anybody but by the time the peak time tunes dropped you were surrounded by hundreds of friends. Funky house was good for your mind, body, and soul.”
The Carnival will see Bowlers undergo a dramatic transformation over two rooms. Rio will see a rainforest canopy covers the dancefloor, complete with flowers and birds of paradise; while Neon Jungle will feature exotic wildlife murals in neon. And there will be performers across both stages to entertain attendees.
Alan Hartley, co-creator of famed Manchester funky house night Twisted Elegance, who is also among the DJs playing says: “I am really looking forward to this event. What they have got planned goes beyond anything we could have dreamed of, even in the heyday of Twisted Elegance.”
Andy adds: “This event is dedicated to all on the Manchester funky house clubbing scene which emerged in the late 90s and went through to 2010. Sadly those days have passed. Those venues and nights are not around anymore, but the people still are.
“This is not just a reunion, it is the beginning of a whole new era in Manchester’s music scene which you can be part of.”
Emma Johnson
Manchester Made Me Funky presents Rio Carnival, Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC), Saturday November 20. 6pm-4.30pm. Afterparty 4.30pm-6am. See ticketquarter.co.uk and skiddle.com for tickets