DAYTON -- City officials and funk legends gathered Friday morning to announce the latest efforts for the Funk Hall of Fame and Museum.
Organizers are in the planning stages to create an "entertainment destination" focused on Dayton's deep roots of funk music.
"And finally we'll be able to say, welcome to the land of funk," said Thomas Shelby, original member of Lakeside. "50 years past due because there are so many artists that funk that came out of the Montgomery County"
Groups like Heat Wave, Slave, the Zapp Band and the Ohio Players are amongst the artists that will be featured in the Hall of Fame.
Dayton city leaders are behind it and those funk artists who still live in Dayton say they are humbled to be apart of it.
"Just the fact of knowing that there can possibly be something like this I'm overwhelmed," said James "Diamond" Williams from Ohio Players.
They hope to raise $50 million for the project and are asking everyone to donate $10 to the cause. A fund has been set up and donations can be made at any Chase Bank location.
Organizers say there are halls of fame for jazz and rock and country and many others, but not funk. And with the long list of funk pioneers who called Dayton home, proponents say the Gem City is the perfect place.
Today's news conference discussed some potential locations for the hall, including RiverScape and the Third Street corridor.
"There has been talks about more housing, condos, shopping, eateries and we thought that would be a great location," said Jennifer Granger, from Dayton Funk Dynasty Group.
Organizers are doing everything they can to raise money for the project.
"Please go to any Chase Bank around the world and donate ten dollars to the Funk Museum and Hall of Fame," said David Webb, CEO of Dayton Funk Dynasty Group.
The goal is to raise 100 Million Dollars. That money will cover the cost to build the museum, restaurant, record label and other businesses.
Reporter Annette Peagler will bring you the latest on this effort. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Photo: Mark Black, Roger Parker of Slave, Shawn Sandridge of Sun/Dayton, Thomas Shelby of Lakeside, Leah Roberts, the first black woman signed to United Artists, and Jimmy Diamond Williams of the Ohio Players.
Previous coverage:
MAY 2: Dayton's Funk Hall of Fame and Museum Announcement Coming May 3
Organizers are in the planning stages to create an "entertainment destination" focused on Dayton's deep roots of funk music.
"And finally we'll be able to say, welcome to the land of funk," said Thomas Shelby, original member of Lakeside. "50 years past due because there are so many artists that funk that came out of the Montgomery County"
Groups like Heat Wave, Slave, the Zapp Band and the Ohio Players are amongst the artists that will be featured in the Hall of Fame.
Dayton city leaders are behind it and those funk artists who still live in Dayton say they are humbled to be apart of it.
"Just the fact of knowing that there can possibly be something like this I'm overwhelmed," said James "Diamond" Williams from Ohio Players.
They hope to raise $50 million for the project and are asking everyone to donate $10 to the cause. A fund has been set up and donations can be made at any Chase Bank location.
Organizers say there are halls of fame for jazz and rock and country and many others, but not funk. And with the long list of funk pioneers who called Dayton home, proponents say the Gem City is the perfect place.
Today's news conference discussed some potential locations for the hall, including RiverScape and the Third Street corridor.
"There has been talks about more housing, condos, shopping, eateries and we thought that would be a great location," said Jennifer Granger, from Dayton Funk Dynasty Group.
Organizers are doing everything they can to raise money for the project.
"Please go to any Chase Bank around the world and donate ten dollars to the Funk Museum and Hall of Fame," said David Webb, CEO of Dayton Funk Dynasty Group.
The goal is to raise 100 Million Dollars. That money will cover the cost to build the museum, restaurant, record label and other businesses.
Reporter Annette Peagler will bring you the latest on this effort. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Photo: Mark Black, Roger Parker of Slave, Shawn Sandridge of Sun/Dayton, Thomas Shelby of Lakeside, Leah Roberts, the first black woman signed to United Artists, and Jimmy Diamond Williams of the Ohio Players.
Previous coverage:
MAY 2: Dayton's Funk Hall of Fame and Museum Announcement Coming May 3
