Rick James is without a doubt one of Buffalo’s music heroes. Although the rock star did have his share of troubling moments throughout his career, James did leave behind some of the world’s most loved punk-funk music. With hits like Super Freak and Give It To Me Baby, that are still in rotation on the radio, and an annual FunkFest at LaSalle Park (Ralph C Wilson Jr Centennial Park), the local legacy of Rick James remains strong, and is getting stronger.
To that end, Reflex Productions and Mary Jane Productions (NYB) will be hosting an inaugural Rick James Memorial birthday party celebration. On Saturday February 2, Buffalonians are invited to attend a fabulous tribute to the King of Punk Funk at The Buffalo Grand Hotel, formerly Adam’s Mark Hotel.
Musical acts will include:
- LA Sky’s Stone City Revue
- JukeBoxxx featuring Preach Freedom
- A tribute to Teena Marie featuring Melissa Kate
- Guest performances by Vinnie DeRosa, and his tribute to Jimi Hendrix called “Vinnie Does Jimi”
The memorial birthday concert is being produced by those who knew James best, including his brother Carmen Sims, who was security detail for the infamous rocker.
“My father in law, Carmen, is Rick’s brother,” said local Rick James superfan Elias Benavides. “He always spoken fondly about his brother. For years, whenever we got together for the holidays, we discussed doing something. It has always been ‘we should do a show’. Finally this past Thanksgiving, the discussion became real. He always wanted to honor Rick on his birthday, which is on February 1. So we had our work cut out for us. Finding a venue that fits, lining up the musical acts, took a little time. Now we are ready to go full throttle and share Rick’s music and legacy with the whole community. We plan on making this an annual event, and there is also interest in possibly doing this event in Los Angeles also, among Rick’s people there.”
Rick James is, and will always be, a Buffalo rock legend. He is currently buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, where his gravestone has become an altar for those who fondly remember the outrageous catchy hits that he dreamed up, and the matching lifestyle that he lived to the fullest.
Inaugural (and official) Rick James Memorial Birthday Celebration Concert
Saturday February 2, 2019
7:30pm
Buffalo Grand Hotel | 120 Church Street | Buffalo, NY 14202
Tickets are $25, and are available at:
Doris Records | 286 E. Ferry Street | Buffalo, NY 14208 | Ph:716-883-2410
Revolver Records | 1451 Hertel Avenue | Buffalo, New York 14216 | Ph:716-213-7604 | 831 Elmwood Avenue | Buffalo, NY 14222 | Ph: 716-213-7604