Sharon Jones comes to Jake’s for funk performance

Spin Magazine asked, “Aretha who?” after seeing Sharon Jones perform, and Jones boldly referred to Amy Winehouse as “whats-her-name” in a New York Times article.

This Saturday, Jones and her band, the Dap-Kings, will perform at Jake’s Nightclub.

Booking the singer in Bloomington was a no-brainer for Dan Coleman, the entertainment manager at Jake’s.

“Nobody can do it better (than Jones), except maybe Prince, who I’ve also seen live,” he said.

Born in James Brown’s hometown of Augusta, Ga., Jones began her singing career at church performances. She’s served as a backup singer numerous times in the past, and was previously told she wasn’t good enough to perform on her own.

She does receive a little help from her friends, the Dap-Kings. These artists are part of Brooklyn-based indie label Daptone Records. Daptone is dedicated to producing a vintage sound, specifically soul, funk, gospel and Afrobeat.

When Amy Winehouse wanted to create that retro feel in her own music, she and artist Mark Ronson recruited the Dap-Kings. They recorded with her on the album “Back to Black,” and later toured with the singer.

Accompanying Jones and the band will be Indianapolis’ Blackberry Jam.

Founder, bassist and musical director of the band Ron “Poncho” Hedrick said the band’s home base was a “funk mecca” in the ’60s and ’70s and said he’s confident in its current potential.

“We’re excited to bring the funk back,” he said.

Hedrick also said the genre is a collective one, ranging from the big band style of Jones and the Dap-Kings to the raw nature of Rage Against the Machine.
“We use funk as an excuse to do whatever we want,” Hedrick said.
For soul enthusiasts, the night won’t stop at Jake’s.

FARMbloomington will provide a soul food buffet starting at 11 p.m. as its downstairs Root Cellar hosts an after party. The event is a special spin on the biweekly staple “Soul in the Hole” featuring local disc jockeys that spin funk and soul tunes.

Farm’s event manager Tracey Walker said the buffet is “southern cooking at its finest,” with products from many local growers. Food such as chicken gumbo, pulled pork and apple cobbler will be served throughout the night.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings’ most recent album, “100 Days, 100 Nights,” was the top seller this past week for Landlocked Music. The local record store is currently holding a promotional sale for all patrons who purchase their ticket for Saturday’s show.



Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Blackberry Jam
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Jake’s Nightclub & Bar, 419. N. Walnut St.
More info: The cost is $20. Tickets are available at Landlocked Music, Tracks, Jake’s and www.ticketmaster.com. Want to win two free tickets to the Sharon Jones show? Find out how at www.idsnews.com/blogs/livebuzz.

Sharon Jones’ after party: Soul in the Hole with DJs Junebug, Jonny Yuma White Light White Heath, and other special guests.
When: 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday
Where: The Root Cellar at FARMbloomington
More info: The cost is $3, but the party is free with a Sharon Jones ticket. There will also be a Soul Food buffet for $15.