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After experiencing Joe Squared’s Funky Tuesday Nights last Tuesday (the story), I decided to attend the Windup Space’s 4 Hours of Funk to experience another side of Baltimore’s funk scene.
Initially walking into the Windup Space I was intrigued by the lack of movement from all the dark silhouettes populating the venue.
In contrast to the upbeat atmosphere of Joe Squared where everyone had been dancing, watchful eyes and immobile feet filled the Windup Space. Crowds stood in circles and within each circle, you could catch glimpses of only one or two breakdancers or poppers lighting up the floor and intimidating many of the casual club goers. I found myself standing outside the circles simply looking in but incapable of building the nerve to throw in some of my own moves.
So what happens when a dance floor is too intimidating? The bar happens. Unfortunately, the Windup Space’s bar was so crowded I felt like I was trying to get a drink in a New York club during New Years Eve.
Though the dance scene was a bit of a let down that night, I appreciated the music’s more modern approach to funk (though the music was, by no means, limited to just funk). There were hints of electronica, indie, and contemporary pop. Since most songs were some kind of mash-up of older funk rhythms and modern dance beats, the only two songs I could clearly recognize were The Strikers’ “Body Music” and George Kranz’s “Din Daa Daa.” Like at Joe Squared, the two DJs at The Windup Space (DJ Duckcomb and Steve Shakewell) mixed their set using the traditional vinyl turntables and Macbook combination. In order to do the mash-ups in real-time, I’m guessing they used an audio sequencer like Ableton Live. With this software they could arrange the musical loops and perform live syncing, which is a innovative way of utilizing new technology to amplify the live experience of an older genre of music like funk.
In all, 4 Hours of Funk definitely provides a place for specialized dancers to strut their stuff but, as a result, has a tendency to intimidate. Given the plethora musical variation, there is so much potential for a major dance party to brew. My suggestion: leave one circle for people to dance in and get everyone else dancing around it.
The Wind Up Space
12 W. North Ave, Baltimore MD 21201
410-244-8855
4 Hours of Funk the 3rd Friday of every Month
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