Every last Friday of the month, a line forms behind the Majestic Theater on Woodward Avenue. The price is cheap. The event is Motor City Funk Night.

The gathering began roughly 10 years ago and continues to grow as new acts hit the stage each month. This award-winning party started as an underground event, changing its makeshift location frequently to keep law officials away.

DJ Frank Raines, the king of Funk Night, began the tradition with the help of local live acts. Raines, 29, spins a set each month, exploding with raw soul sounds that would have James Brown doing the ‘mashed-potato’ in his grave.

Raines’ wife, Nicole, who is noticeably involved in the action, has started a program in conjunction with the monthly blowout. The Funk Night Foundation has begun to raise money for after-school music programs in Detroit.

Many big names in Detroit music come to see Frank and the others pay funky homage. One of the back-stagers was President and CEO of Iron Fist Records, 1stBorn. 1stBorn has signed such artists as D12 and the late Detroit rapper, Proof.

“I’m a fan of the music and the people," said 1stBorn, who had a brief set on stage.

Last month’s act, moved to New Year’s Eve from Christmas Day, marked the premiere of the new Funk Night Records label. The label promotes the use of vinyl music, therefore releasing two 45’s for purchase. Detroit artist Billy Love arranged the two singles, and also appeared at this month’s show.

“Bigger," said Love, when asked to compare Majestic and pre-Majestic shows. 

The music is far from the glittery-glam of Rick James. The music encourages horn-stabs, phenomenal drumming, and even an MC adding lyrical rhythm when the crowd is ready.

When Frank performs, the aura is truly magical. The lighting adds to the funky sounds blaring throughout the Majestic and whips the hundreds of funkers into a frenzy.

“I want everyone to know about this. It’s a beautiful thing," Raines said after his set.

Motor City Funk Night and Funk Night Records information can both be found on Facebook.

To contribute to the movement, contact the Director of Operations for the Funk Night Foundation, Nicole Raines, at www.funknightfund.com.

GCM Photo by Paul Young

By Paul Young