Zebulon’s got a brand new bag.
The Williamsburg venue pays tribute to the Godfather of Soul with James Brown Night!, a dance party on Aug. 13 led by James Brown enthusiasts James Chance, the No Wave pioneer of Contortions fame, and Jonathan Toubin, a soul DJ known for his legendary Soul Clap and Dance-Off competitions at Glasslands.
The tunes won’t be just limited to Brown’s funk hits like “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” though; songs the late, great performer produced for artists such as Yvonne Faire, Vicki Andreson, Marva Whitney, Lynn Collins, Bobby Byrd, and King Coleman are also on the table. That leaves a lot up for grabs.
“His discography would be a phone book,” said Toubin. “There’s literally hundreds and hundreds of records.”
The night kicks off with performances by the band Jail bait, as well as Chance and his assembled super-group, the J.C.s, playing a mix of James Brown and Contortions songs. Then Toubin and Chance break will break out their favorite James Brown-related tunes from among the hundreds and spin late into the night, with Chance occasionally playing sax over them and generally channeling the spirit of the man of the hour.
“At my parties, he’ll usually climb on the bar with the sax,” said Toubin.
James Brown would be proud.
James Brown Night! at Zebulon [258 Wythe Ave. at Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 218-6934], Aug. 13 at 8 pm. Tickets $10. For info, visit zebuloncafeconcert.com.
