Sharon Jones Closes Out Summerstage

It was a rare kind of August Sunday in New York City. Sunny, comfortable with no humidity in the air. A perfect day, as Central Park’s Summerstage wrapped up its 2008 schedule with a day of soul and funk.

We got to the park in time to hear the last couple of songs from Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens.

I’ve always loved the sound of a gospel choir.

Next up was the Menahan Street Band, in their debut performance. Made up of members of the Dap-Kings, Budos Band and others, it was no surprise that this was a tight outfit.

Their set really impressed me, and I’m looking forward to their debut album, dropping in October.

Finally, there was Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. This band gets better each time I see them. She has played many of the major festivals this year, including Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, so it was a treat to be able to see her in a smaller setting.

The Dap-Kings opened with a jam and song of their own. Very nice.

Sharon Jones joined her band, opening her set with “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” turning the James Brown classic into her own song. From there, she and the Dap-Kings ran through a very generous set, crammed with a great overview of their entire catalog from their earlier releases to their latest 100 Days, 100 Nights.

Here’s a gallery of shots from the afternoon. If you were there, let us know what you thought.

Naomi Shelton

Meneham Street Band

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

The complete set of photos from the day are here.

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