Working Californians held Los Angeles’ fourth annual Labor Day Music Festival to benefit their non-profit’s effort to foster social innovation and invest in improving low-income communities in Southern California.
Godfather of Funk, George Clinton, headlined the event with his band Parliament-Funkadelic. The lineup also featured percussionist Sheila E., Jamaican reggae stars The Wailers and the James Andrews New Orleans All Star Band.
The sound was impeccable and the crowd at L.A. Coliseum’s Exposition Park was getting down like they didn't have to work the next day. Everyone was aboard the Mothership Connection, dancing and celebrating the long holiday weekend as one nation, under a groove.
Wearing a white mask and sequin jacket, Clinton kept the spirit of Mardi Gras on stage. The same spirit that opened the event, when New Orleans legends Cyril Neville and Leo Nocentelli—founding members of the ‘70s Funk band The Meters—fired their drum beats and guitar riffs with James Andrews New Orleans All Star.
Clinton, who has southern roots himself, can be seen performing next at The House of Blues in New Orleans on Oct. 3.
Text by Heidi Meyer; Photos by Paula Tripodi
*Disclaimer: The words expressed in photo blog reviews do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Music Connection Magazine.
