Note: Due to this week's winter storm, the Bootsy Collins event has been postponed to an undetermined date.
Fifty years ago, former James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic bassist-vocalist William “Bootsy” Collins stepped into the spotlight with his debut album Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band and never looked back, funking his way into popular music history. Known for his monster bass lines and comic vocals, Collins is one of the pioneers of funk. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band, the National Museum of African American Music is hosting a conversation with Collins Thursday evening moderated by Marcus K. Dowling. The conversation will cover Collins’ groundbreaking career, enduring influence and ever-evolving artistry. Interestingly, Collins worked in Nashville early in his career — his first session with Brown was in 1970 at Starday-King Studios on Dickerson Pike, where they recorded the seminal funk track “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine.” Thursday’s event will include a one-night-only display of Collins’ iconic stage wear. In addition to general admission, the museum is offering a special “VIP experience” that includes an exclusive 30-minute meet-and-greet with Collins prior to the event, priority seating for the moderated conversation and a copy of a limited-edition vinyl record by Collins.
6 p.m. at the National Museum of African American Music
510 Broadway
