George Clinton is set to take the stage at the Detroit Opera House on January 31st as part of a unique concert experience that will feature his iconic music performed by a full orchestra. The event, titled "Symphonic PFunk: Celebrating The Music of Parliament Funkadelic," will be led by arranger Ray Chew and special guests Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, and Rahsaan Patterson.
For Clinton, this concert is more than just a performance – it's a homecoming. Born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, he has always considered Detroit his second home, where he pursued his music dreams in the 1960s and '70s. His time in Detroit was instrumental in shaping the sound of Parliament Funkadelic, with albums like "Cosmic Slop" (1973) and "Mothership Connection" (1975) recorded at United Sound Systems studio.
In preparation for the concert, Chew worked closely with Clinton to select songs from his massive catalog. "We're going back to the original recording and interacting with George and his bandmates," Chew explained. "So we're going to make sure we've got the best of what's been done and what's being done now." The result will be a consistent, faithful interpretation of Clinton's music that honors both its spirit and its innovative production.
Clinton himself is excited about this new chapter in his career, praising Chew's orchestral arrangements. "The stuff we did was very unreal when we did it," he said. "So interpreting that with notes, writing it down, and orchestrating it has to be a challenge to get those sounds." Clinton also noted the timeless quality of his music, which continues to appeal to new generations through its fusion of funk, rock, jazz, and gospel.
The concert will not only showcase Clinton's iconic music but also celebrate milestones in his career. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the landing of the Mothership, a spaceship prop that first appeared on stage during Parliament's show at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans in 1976.
Tickets for "Symphonic PFunk: Celebrating The Music of Parliament Funkadelic" are now available, with prices starting at $63. As Clinton himself said, "To be able to do this show in Detroit, I feel really proud." The concert promises to be an unforgettable experience, taking audiences on an interplanetary journey through the cosmos and back again.
For Clinton, this concert is more than just a performance – it's a homecoming. Born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, he has always considered Detroit his second home, where he pursued his music dreams in the 1960s and '70s. His time in Detroit was instrumental in shaping the sound of Parliament Funkadelic, with albums like "Cosmic Slop" (1973) and "Mothership Connection" (1975) recorded at United Sound Systems studio.
In preparation for the concert, Chew worked closely with Clinton to select songs from his massive catalog. "We're going back to the original recording and interacting with George and his bandmates," Chew explained. "So we're going to make sure we've got the best of what's been done and what's being done now." The result will be a consistent, faithful interpretation of Clinton's music that honors both its spirit and its innovative production.
Clinton himself is excited about this new chapter in his career, praising Chew's orchestral arrangements. "The stuff we did was very unreal when we did it," he said. "So interpreting that with notes, writing it down, and orchestrating it has to be a challenge to get those sounds." Clinton also noted the timeless quality of his music, which continues to appeal to new generations through its fusion of funk, rock, jazz, and gospel.
The concert will not only showcase Clinton's iconic music but also celebrate milestones in his career. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the landing of the Mothership, a spaceship prop that first appeared on stage during Parliament's show at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans in 1976.
Tickets for "Symphonic PFunk: Celebrating The Music of Parliament Funkadelic" are now available, with prices starting at $63. As Clinton himself said, "To be able to do this show in Detroit, I feel really proud." The concert promises to be an unforgettable experience, taking audiences on an interplanetary journey through the cosmos and back again.
i mean its about time someone helped him update his classic p-funk jams for a new gen audience, but idk how they gonna make cosmic slop sound good with an orchestra lol maybe just stick to playing "flash light" in all caps at every concert and call it a day 
. It's like he's been space-traveling his music all over the world, but now it's gonna be played live with an orchestra and some of his old friends 
. I love how they're going back to the original recordings and making sure everything stays true to the spirit of Parliament Funkadelic 
️. It's gonna be like a party in Detroit, with all these iconic songs getting to shine on stage 
. 50th anniversary of the Mothership is such a cool milestone - I'm so stoked to see this show happen 
.
It's like a dream come true for him, being back in the city where he cut his teeth all those years ago. I'm loving the idea of seeing his classic songs reimagined with a full orchestra - it's gonna be a real treat for fans old and new alike 
. And can you believe we're getting to celebrate 50 years since that iconic Mothership landing? That's some serious funk history! 
. I mean, can you imagine "One Nation Under a Groove" performed with all those strings and horns? Mind blown already 
. And it's so cool that Ray Chew is working closely with Clinton to get the arrangements just right 
. 50 years of Parliament Funkadelic history is being celebrated in style, with some serious throwbacks to the '70s 
. I'm hyped for this homecoming concert and can't wait to see what they have planned 
.
i can only imagine how epic it's gonna be with a full orchestra performin those parliament funkadelic classics. 50th anniversary of the mothership is crazy to think about, but what a way to celebrate - with music, man! Clinton's words made me smile too, 'real proud'... that's somethin we can all get behind 
It's amazing how music from the 70s can still transport us to another era and make us wanna move our bodies 
. My kid is already asking me if they can see George Clinton perform live and I'm like "yes honey, it's gonna be epic!" 