KEXP New Home Grand Opening: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

KEXP New Home
04/17/2016
Scott Kulicke
photo by Matthew B. Thompson (view set)

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings are recent legends and have become one of KEXP's core artists. The band, and the Daptones label that it represents, were the main force behind the soul funk revival of the last fifteen years, the stylistic rebirth that bands ranging from The Alabama Shakes to The Budos Band have ridden to superstardom. It was an honor for us to have Sharon and the bank help us kick off KEXP's New Home Grand Opening.

photo by Matthew B. Thompson

Stylistically, they have the broadest appeal - everyone can get down to a full horn section with backing singers - but The Dap Kings are another great reminder that being family friendly doesn't necessarily mean things are dumbed down. The band was tight, and when Sharon almost unfairly conjured the spirit of Louie Armstrong and demanded her trumpet player bring it, the wailing horn brought cheers through the crowd.

photo by Matthew B. Thompson

photo by Matthew B. Thompson

Maybe it was the sun shining on the outdoor stage, but the dancing was particularly intense, and fans of all ages joyfully knocked each other around as they were shuffling and swinging.

photo by Matthew B. Thompson

They covered Gladys Knight & The Pips' famous "Every Beat of My Heart," which included a history lesson as Sharon explained that Gladys had only been 18 when she recorded the track - she was met with laughter when she told us "I'm gonna try to sound 18 when I sing, ok?" Sharon can sing to us at any age.

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