Photo by Rolenz

There’s the H Street Festival, Adams Morgan Day, Columbia Heights Day, and Fiesta DC, but now the U Street corridor is getting its very own festival: The Funk Parade.

The parade, which will happen in a yet-to-be-determined location in the neighborhood on May 3, will celebrate the spirit of funk on the 211th anniversary of D.C.’s incorporation. A release states that the event will have three parts: a street fair during the day, the “mighty Funk Parade” in the afternoon, and a music festival in the evening.

The event, co-sponsored by Listen Local First, has support from a host of businesses and groups around the U Street area, including the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl, The Howard Theater, ANC 1B, Bohemian Caverns, and more. Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) has lent his support to the parade, saying that “bringing people together in the spirit of music and celebration is part of what makes the U Street neighborhood a crown jewel of the city. I’m proud to support this unique event.”

D.C., and especially the U Street neighborhood, has a rich history with funk music and culture. Go-go, a subgenre of funk, originated in D.C., especially around the U Street area with artists like Chuck Brown (R.I.P.), Rare Essence, Trouble Funk, and more. It’s only fitting that a neighborhood parade on U Street will focus around the area’s rich history and legacy of music.

And now, dear readers, da funk: