Did you miss the 70s funk scene? Maybe you have a vague memory of your folks watching “Soul Train” when you were young or maybe funk, disco and soul call to you like a long lost friend. Tahoe continues to keep the funky beats alive and on Feb. 4 The Motet promises to bring the fun, funk and dance to the Crystal Bay Casino.
Feb. 4 | 9 p.m.
Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev.
$20 advance | $23 at the door | $40 booth
The Motet fuses a unique style of funk, disco, electronic music and soul. Drummer and founding member Dave Watts started the band in 1998. With seven albums to their credit, the Colorado-based band is scheduled to release a new album this spring, Watts says that the band has experimented with many styles and genres since it’s inception.
“Our first few albums incorporated acid jazz, bluegrass, jazz funk and then moved toward a world, African and salsa fusion period, which is unique for a band to go through that many genres.” The Motet never strays far from classic 70s funk. “I love all things 70s,” Watts says.
[blockquote3]
“Expect a dance party we have a great time coming to the Tahoe area
and playing at the Crystal Bay Casino.”
[/blockquote3]
With 18 years of touring and playing music Watts explained what he’s learned in that time, “I’ve learned is not to be attached to anything. It’s important to be flexible and accept and adapt to change. It’s about having flexibility to roll with the issues that arise and not being locked in. Life is about letting go. Being malleable over the years has made the band more solid and successful.”
The Motet blends a style that is unique, upbeat and infectious with a dash of Earth Wind and Fire and a splash of Parliament Funkadelic they’ll be performing some new original tunes and old classics on their current winter tour.
“We’ve been rehearsing for our new album due out this spring and our winter tour. We’ll be playing some of our new tunes on this tour. We are looking to step it up and perform some the music we perform for our Halloween tribute shows,” he said.
Headlining Red Rocks Amphitheatre with special guest Medeski, Martin & Wood and Vulfpeck this summer and a new album due out in the spring, The Motet are on fire. Watts says he is excited about what the future holds for the band.
“Music inspires me. I love finding music I’ve never heard before. It’s insane how accessible music is today. I remember as a kid going to the record store and sifting through the albums to find Led Zeppelin songs and now you can get on YouTube and watch classics like Parliament Funkadelic,” says Watts. “Snarky Puppy is super inspiring they are pushing the envelope. They are our peers and raising the game to a new bar.”
Watts reflected on the passing of many musical legends of late, “never take anything for granted, life is too short, and every chance to play is a celebration, we need to appreciate every moment.”
The band is undergoing yet another incarnation as their lead singer for the last five years, Jans Ingber, recently stepped down for personal reasons. The band is currently performing and touring with three talented vocalists Tanya Shylock, LaDamion Massey and Paul Creighton.
What can Tahoe expect from the Motet?
“Expect a dance party we have a great time coming to the Tahoe area and playing at the Crystal Bay Casino.” says Watts.
Come get your funk on with The Motet live at the Crystal Bay Casino performing with Sophistafunk and the After Party with Harry & the Hitmen.
For more information, visit crystalbaycasino.com.
