A whole night of funk and soul (From Wimbledon Guardian)

A whole night of funk and soul in Sutton

4:20pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Freetime By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter

The classic songs of Chaka Khan and Luther Vandross will ring out during a night dedicated to funk and soul.

Donovan Blackwood, who has sung with the likes of Heatwave, Tina Turner and Lionel Ritchie, will recreate the magic of that golden era during a two-hour show at the Boom Boom Club.

The night, hosted by City Funk Orchestra, will also feature Gina Foster who has sung with everyone from Eric Clapton to Tom Jones.

Band manager Jamie Bell says: "They will hear authentic soul and funk music from the 70’s. You are guaranteed to have a really good night with dancing - that’s what we set out to do."

The band was formed in 2010 when a number of London based musicians felt the soul and funk music played in many UK venues offered a tame representation of the genre.

They decided to put the funk back into the music and they focus on playing at mainstream music venues where they find the audience’s reaction has been "constantly immense".

City Funk Orchestra, 70’s Soul and Philly Funk, Boom Boom Club, Sutton Utd FC, Sutton; February 15, doors open 7.30pm; £10adv/12door; call 0208 761 9078 or visit feenstra.co.uk.