By Julia Lerner
The “D.C. Department of Funk” did not let the rain dampen their spirits as they prepared for the annual Funk Parade. The parade drew almost 70,000 people to the annual event and stretched all the way from the Howard Theatre to the Lincoln Theatre on U street.
Attendees had the opportunity to visit six stages throughout the day, with live performances from local artists and food vendors. Later in the evening, bars across U Street opened up for more free performances and Funk Parade After Parties.
The parade opened with Batalá, an international all-female drum group. The D.C. branch has more than 80 members and is completely free to join, despite differences of race, religion, income, sexual orientation or musical experience. The group, known for their samba-reggae music, danced and sang while drumming in the parade. Following Batalá was an appearance by the Most Worship Prince Hall Grand Lodge, a masonic group, Muriel Bowser, the mayor of D.C. and a number of school marching bands and roller skating groups.
Batalá, an all-women Afro-Brazilian drum corp known for their samba-reggae rhythms, was the start of the Funk Parade on May 6. The group currently has more than 80 members, and is open to all women regardless of race, religion, income, sexual orientation or musical experience. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Vavá United School of Samba brought a number of dancers to the parade. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Vavá United School of Samba brought a number of dancers to the parade. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Vavá United School of Samba brought a number of dancers to the parade. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Vavá United School of Samba brought a number of dancers to the parade. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
There were multiple dance troupes present at the Funk Parade clad in sparkles, ribbons, feathers, jewels and many other flashy accessories. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
A group from the Duke Ellington school of the arts performed dances and music in the Funk Parade. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Members of the Most Worship Prince Hall Grand Lodge, a group that celebrates African American history, marched in the Funk Parade on May 6. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Batalá, an all-women Afro-Brazilian drum corp known for their samba-reggae rhythms, was the start of the Funk Parade on May 6. The group currently has more than 80 members, and is open to all women regardless of race, religion, income, sexual orientation or musical experience. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Dancers came from the Soka Tribe, a group that does Carnival-style dance and fitness classes around the United States. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Many roller-skated through the parade, showing off their tricks and moves in the process. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Many roller-skated through the parade, showing off their tricks and moves in the process. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Many roller-skated through the parade, showing off their tricks and moves in the process. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
A member of the Rock Villains, a roller-derby group, lies on the ground as her fellow derby girls jump over her. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
The streets were filled with Funk Parade attendees, so some spectators had to be more creative with where they watched. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Funk Parade attendees did not let the rain ruin their fun! (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Stay tuned for the next Funk Parade in May, 2018!
Featured Photo Credit: Dancers came from the Soka Tribe, a group that does Carnival-style dance and fitness classes around the United States. (Julia Lerner/Writer’s Bloc)
Julia Lerner is a sophomore journalism major and may be reached at julia.lerner.96@gmail.com.
