Buffalo’s Funk Festival Turns Twenty Years Old

One of Western New York's favorite music events is upon us again, and this year is extra special as the event celebrates its Emerald Anniversary.

The Buffalo Funk Festival, which occurs annually towards the end of August, was created to celebrate and honor Rick James's legacy and musical contributions.

James, born James Ambrose Johnson, Jr., was credited with popularizing the music genre Punk Funk, which, according to Wikipedia, combines punk rock and funk music during the 1970s and 1980s.

The annual Funk Festival itself traces its origins back to 2004 when more than 6,000 people attended Rick James' funeral, which was held at St. John Baptist Church on Goodell Street in downtown Buffalo. As crowds of people filed through the historic Buffalo church, people sang James' lyrics, and cars blasted his songs. People even started dancing in the middle of the street as they celebrated James' life.

Once the funeral was officially over, people would normally disburse and go about their regular business, but this was not the case in Buffalo, as thousands more people found their way to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park to hold a spontaneous celebration of Rick James and Funk Music. In the years that followed, the Funk Fest grew from very humble roots to a beloved event that attracts thousands. It's only possible thanks to the dedication of untold Buffalonians who work hard everyday.

The 20th Anniversary event is scheduled to run along Jefferson Avenue from Friday, August 23, 2024, to Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Friday, August 23, 2024

• The Funk Festival Festivities get underway at 5 p.m. with the Friday Night Live Block Party on Jefferson Avenue, near Utica. Since the summer of 2024, this weekly event has attracted music lovers from far and wide.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

• The Art of Funk brings DJs, Art Vendors, Musicians, and Food together while 50 Women With a Vision gather for a family-friendly event on Jefferson Avenue from noon to 6 p.m.
• Starting at 8 pm, Jefferson Avenue turns to a concert when the P-Funk Connection Brings The Whole Funk and Nothing But The Funk to Buffalo.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

• Funk and Roll kicks off Sunday inside the MLK Park tennis courts with a roller skating event from noon to 4 pm.
• The Funk Festivities wrap up with a concert inside MLK Park, starting at 4 pm, featuring The Rick James Legacy Band, Will Holton, The Diamond Classic Band, Delivered, and Atlantic Starr.

The Buffalo Funk Festival is a free event open to everyone in Buffalo.

Check Out Pics From Previous Buffalo Funk Fest Events

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