Funky Town - Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers

What do you get when you mix the Queen of Funk and one of the most sought after producers in music history? A fun dance show and a great time at Wolf Trap! Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers are legends in the music industry and both have innovated funk and dance music for over 40 years. Chaka Khan got her start in the mid 1970's with her band Rufus. Their single "Tell Me Something Good" helped elevate her status and allowed her to launch a solo career in 1978. Her biggest hit was in 1984 with "I Feel For You", written by Prince. The song was also influential in that it was one of the first hit R&B songs to feature a rapper. She has won 10 Grammys throughout her career and continues to collaborate with other artists up to this day. Nile Rodgers initially began his career with the band CHIC. A combination funk-disco group, he and bassist Bernard Edwards wrote and produced all the songs for the band and their music has become emblematic of the funk sound popularized during that time. Their songs have also been sampled in countless hip hop and rap hits over the years and that has led to their continued impact. While still in CHIC, Rodgers began writing and producing songs for other artists. If you've ever listened to Lets Dance by David Bowie, Like A Virgin by Madonna, We Are Family by Sister Sledge or even "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk, you're witnessing Rodger's expert handiwork. Those credentials alone are enough for anyone's career but he has produced many other tracks for a wide range of artists. Production doesn't often get its due, especially in music, and it's only a testament to his incredible abilities that Rogers has been given the reigns by top artists for over 35 years. In 2011, he was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer but he happily announced last night that he is cancer free and is recording and playing now more than he ever has!

This show was by far the most energetic of the season. While the theater was only 30% full, the patrons that came were treated to some of the best dance songs of our time. Chaka Khan opened the show and while her voice bordered on screaming/incomprehensible lyrics sometimes, her mere stage presence and vigor captivated the audience regardless. She saved her best songs for last and she and her band kicked it into another gear for those numbers. She might not have the best pure voice of her peers, but she loves to perform nonetheless and she retains the support of her starpower. Nile Rodgers had a more subtle charisma but his band was fantastic and he performed many of the songs that he helped write and produce. That helped keep the crowd engaged as his greatest hits include songs by Diana Ross, Madonna, and INXS. At the end of the show, he even invited over 50 people to come on to the stage and create a mini dance party that quickly spread to the rest of the park. Rodgers seems completely at peace with his career and now simply wants to spread the good vibes the best he can. We're all the luckier for that.

My favorite part of the show was when Rodgers performed "Le Freak". Always one of my favorites, the groove has everyone on their feet!

Looking forward to more shows in the future!

DC

Nile Rodgers 

Chaka Khan