Web: brassrootsdistrict.com
Contact: jon@prospectpr.com
Players: Celeste Butler Clayton, vocals; Ari Herstand, vocals, guitar; Brandon ‘Butta B’ Samuels, trumpet; Fabio Kizambo, trombone; Dee Simone, drums, Kevin Eknes, guitar; Kya Karine, bass; Quintin Farr, keyboards; Randal Fisher, saxophone
Celebrating the release of their first full-length album (Welcome to the Brassroots District) earlier this year, following standalone band productions in 2021 and 2023, Brassroots District enlisted a troupe of talented actors to join them in a story-driven evening of lively merriment. With 11 songs performed as a ‘70s-themed album release party, attracting a mixed crowd of all ages, backgrounds, and persuasions, lively scripted scenes unfolded simultaneously throughout the building. The production lasted approximately 90 minutes—and there was never a dull moment.
With phones locked up to keep everyone present and in the ‘70s era, the evening began with (fictitious) club owner Gem (played by Morgan Daneille Day) delivering a passionate intro to her community-centered nightclub, commanding that all in attendance be good to each other—and her club. Encouraged to choose their own adventure, attendees could sit as concertgoing spectators, stand in the performance hall to be a direct part of the production, or move between rooms to witness the scripted mini-dramas up close. The nine-piece band brought tight boogielicious sound, navigating “Mama’s Gonna Keep It Hot,” “Aim High,” a “Smash”/”Take Allotta Sweat” mashup, “Love In Every Language,” “These Feet Ain’t Got No Body,” “So Damn In Love,” “Repetition,” “Takin’ Back Daydreamin’,” “Together,” and Billy Preston’s “Will It Go Round In Circles.”
Focusing on values of integrity, authenticity, and community, the storyline navigates corporate label versus independent, artist-minded music, with feuds and dramatic sequences of campy characters adding fun and laughter. Ursa Major (Celeste Butler Clayton) and Copper Jones (Ari Herstand) led their band through a chaotic storyline with the help of Gem, Gil, Nancy, Donny, Barry, Cassie the Brassie (adding fabulous vocals on “I Ain’t Pickin’ Up On You”), Suzy, and Lola. ‘That Guy’ (played by Alex Vergel) was everywhere all the time (greeting you on the VIP carpet before the show even began).
With personalities galore, and sights and sounds everywhere, the concert-theatre-nightclub evening repeatedly broke audience-performer boundaries, culminating in a full room sing-along and Soul Train dance tunnel exit to cap off the unforgettable immersive experience. Lively, fun, and freewheeling.
