Effortlessly spanning funk, soul, jazz, rock and improvisational groove.
For six years, Funk Friday has quietly built a global following of fans and incredible musicians—one minute at a time. Created by St. Paul Peterson, the series has become a space where world-class players connect, collaborate, and push the music forward.
On July 17, that energy lands at the Dakota. Here, experience an intimate, one-night gathering of players with deep musical lineage and modern sensibility. Moreover, St. Paul brings the spirit of Funk Friday off the screen and into the room.
Additionally, the evening features an all-star collective of musicians with deep ties across iconic artists and eras. Thus, these artists have worked with Earth, Wind & Fire, Daryl Hall, Michael Jackson, Prince, Janet Jackson, and Mint Condition. Also, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Fleetwood Mac, Keith Urban, and The New Power Generation.
Special guests include legendary percussionist Lenny Castro (Toto, Fleetwood Mac; collaborations with Adele, Stevie Nicks, and Eric Clapton. Additionally, credits on iconic recordings including “Africa” and “Tears in Heaven”).
Percussionist Robert “Sput” Searight lives at the cutting edge of improvised music. He has won Grammys for his work with Kirk Franklin and Snarky Puppy and is the co-founder of Ghost-Note. He has worked with Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, Toto and others.
Keyboardist Roger Smith played Hammond organ with the iconic Tower of Power from 1998-2025. Additionally, he worked with Freddie King, Leon Russell, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and more.
Also Featuring:
Tommy Barbarella, keyboards (Prince/NPG/Greazy Meal)
Jason Peterson DeLaire, keyboards and vocals (Michael Bolton/Donny Osmond)
Joe Finger, drums (Boz Scaggs)
Joe Elliott, guitar (David Sanborn)
This performance is presented in support of Free Guitars 4 Kids, helping provide instruments and access to music education for young musicians.
Recommended for fans of Prince, Morris Day & The Time, and Eric Gales, George Benson.
