Funky Fat Tuesday! That time of the year had arrived once again. So when you were walking down the streets of the DMV and came across those shimmering face masks and strings of beads just know that you may have missed out on the celebration festivities that revolved around Mardi Gras.

In order to catch some elaborate, authentic merriment, it would have been best to check out areas like Biloxi (Miss.), (Ala.), and the ever so popular New Orleans (Lou.). Despite the recent snowfall which impeded transportation, this is one “holiday” (much like St. Patrick’s Day) which party-goers do not postpone for any reason.

Now although our beloved area may not partake in the traditional celebration activities, we do, however, try hard to incorporate our own acknowledgment of the occasion. Mainly we are given the opportunity to beg for beads, enjoy the decorations and most importantly sample some fine cuisine and some of that great music. Now I am not talking about those knee slapping beats or hand clap sing-a-longs; this is the time when those funk grooves hit the air waves. I am trying to tell you about the overall “funkiness” of the R&B/Jazz infused melodies. It is that music which forces your nose to turn up, eyes squint and head bop as if you just smelled something that was so putrid you were forced to wonder…Where the hell did that come from?! That is the phat, funk tunes which were witnessed by a bar full of amazed people.

Let me repeat that once again… Where the hell did that come from?!

A small group out of Maryland who have been tearing up the music scene in and around Annapolis and Baltimore playing in all different venues and to our pleasure, made their way back to DC. Higher Hands pulled out some of their great originals and very few covers not to impress the crowd but to simply do what they best…play music and create an atmosphere involving nothing but music appreciation for all around enjoyment. A group involving all different instruments and with a scatting lead vocalist gave DC some pure Funk and Go-Go tunes. The syncopation, harmonies and eclectic chords stunned the new listeners.  If there was any skepticism involving the talents and abilities of this group, it was quickly eliminated the moment the first song came to a halt.

Everyone be sure to get a front and center seat during their next performance! You are definitely in for a good time!

Check out their website and stay tuned to DMV Unplugged for more information.