Take Me to the River brings the funk to Chico
CHICO >> The flavor and zest of New Orleans is making its way to our little corner of the world.
Showcasing its love for New Orleans, Take Me to the River NOLA live! will perform March 2 in Chico.
“It’s a great band and really embodies new New Orleans from the funky side to the traditional side,” said director Martin Shore. “It’s a torch bearer of New Orleans music.”
Take Me to the River NOLA live! features influential figures in modern New Orleans funk, R&B, soul and jazz, anchored by the New Orleans band Dumpstaphunk. George Porter Jr., original bassist for The Meters, will perform. Dumpstaphunk’s core members Tony Hall and Nick Daniels, and newcomers Alex Wasily, Ashlin Parker and Devin Trusclair, Ivan and Ian Neville, the sons of Aaron and Art Neville, have revitalized the Neville/Meters groove and built upon their family’s iconic NOLA legacy. Pianist Jon Cleary will also accompany.
“We are a nonprofit and have award winning films and records and live shows,” Shore said.
Shore said the show is a love letter to New Orleans.
“New Orleans was the first entry point into our country before Ellis Island,” Shore said. “New Orleans in particular embodies a unique cultural jewel which is important in the world in terms of bringing cultures together and different races and gender and generations. It’s a unique community and is inclusive and is something that needs to be paid attention to and supported.”
Shore is very excited to be coming to Chico. He attended Chico State, majoring in film and television and business administration. He ended up graduating from the University of New Hampshire.
“I’m excited to be able to come back and play,” he said. “I haven’t been to Chico for awhile. People were always warm and inviting. It’s a great community and a great college. It was the highlight of college for me.”
Shore plays drums and percussion in the show.
“Dumpstaphunk is the funkiest band in the land,” Shore said. “And you’ve got hip hop and R&B and rap. George Porter is a really good time. People will be dancing and bopping around. It speaks to the legacy and musical culture. It will be a lot of fun, featuring Jon Cleary and is carrying a torch for New Orleans.”
“It’s an amazingly fun and exciting night. If anyone wants to understand educational side, visit takemetotheriver.org. There’s a college course at Berklee and senior capstone class. Go and watch the film,” Shore said.
This special concert is touring in support of the “Take Me to the River: New Orleans” film, which began airing on all streaming platforms Feb. 3. “The movie has premiered in 56 cities. We also came out with a record at that time. As of Feb. 3 the movie is streaming on Amazon, Apple Plus and Google play,” Shore said.
For more information, visit https://takemetotheriver.org. The concert will take place March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. For tickets, visit www.chicostatetickets. com.