FLINT, Michigan — Dust off your best 70s and 80s outfits and join in the fun as the musical tribute sensation of Netherlands-based Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band, The Chicago Funk, takes you back in time with hits like "Fantasy," "Boogie Wonderland," "In the Stone," and "September," by Earth, Wind & Fire.
One of the keywords to describe The Chicago Funk is taking audiences back in time. The highly talented musicians are not just a band but a group of dedicated individuals committed to paying tribute to the legendary R&B, jazz, and soul band. Their dedication is evident in every note they sing, and they are on their way to making an indelible mark on the world.
As the only officially recognized tribute band by EWF, The Chicago Funk has toured across Europe, igniting nostalgia while giving fans original twists on classic songs with various choreographed dances, stage costumes, and more.
Now, for the first time, they're making their highly anticipated United States debut and doing it at FIM's Capitol Theatre in downtown Flint on Saturday, August 24, at 8 P.M.
"I hope this will last forever" is the heartfelt sentiment as the founder and sound engineer, Daniel van der Drift, and two of the three headlining vocalists, Nigel Brown and Clayton Peroti, arrive on Zoom at 10 P.M. in the Netherlands, cracking jokes and bringing the energy only they can.
Flintside caught up with the members to discuss Earth, Wind & Fire's legacy, what Flint audiences can expect, and what they take away from being a part of a divinely orchestrated plan.
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Clifton End is pictured on stage, belting out high notes he didn't think he could reach. (Courtesy photo)Flintside: I heard that Earth, Wind & Fire acknowledged The Chicago Funk as the only official tribute band. How does that feel to have that seal of approval?
Daniel: “There’s a big story behind the whole thing. In the Netherlands, we took part in a T.V. show called the ‘Tribute Battle of the Bands.’ We should have had a good band name, so I [thought], let’s call it ‘Earth, Wind and Fires.’ [They] sent me the biggest lawyer company in the U.S., and within 24 hours, [said] I had to change everything. I called them, I said, ‘I’m sorry. What can we do with the name.’ We discussed with the lawyers, and I signed a contract that they would follow us for 24 months. Then they said, here’s our phone number, call us. From that point on, every day they call and I call them.”
Flintside: For Nigel and Clifton, what made you want to join?
Nigel: “At the time I was in the musical 'Aladdin' here in the Netherlands. We had three months left for 'Aladdin' and I [did] not know what I would do after this musical. I wanted to go back to the stage, connect with people, interact, and all that stuff, but I was like, this could be something really nice. So basically, it’s just his phone call.”
Clifton: “In the beginning, it was quite scary. I’ve always been a harmony [and] choreography man. You know, to get together with guys who are already established was a challenge for me. [But] the way we are right now is so tight that we said we cannot get any substitutions because we are so connected to each other and with the band. We call each other every day. That’s what is really big.”
Flintside: What new things have y’all learned about yourselves and each other putting on major EWF tribute concerts?
Nigel: “Patience and communication. I’m the kind of person who wants to get things done three seconds after I ask it or say something. And we’re still getting to know each other because we’ve been doing shows, but still, you need to learn a little bit more about everybody who’s in the band. So it’s an ongoing thing.”
Clifton: “My personal experience [is that] I never thought I could sing that high.”
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Clayton Peroti is all about the moves on stage as one of The Chicago Funk's main vocalists. (Courtesy photo)Flintside: EWF transcends generations and genres. What do you think it is about them that keeps audiences engaged and coming back?
Clifton: “I think it’s the energy we project to the people. There are guys who are fabulous musicians and they own the stage. They go from one side to the other side of the stage. When you see Werner, he doesn’t keep quiet on stage.”
Nigel: “Engagement and connection with the people. You can perform and sing for the people. I love to look into people’s eyes and make it known that I can see that you’re enjoying it. I love it, even if someone is in the back. I’m scanning throughout the performance to see where I can make a connection and draw you closer to us — to enjoy this night we have together.”
Daniel: “I’m a sound engineer as well so I’m always within the audience. Once, during our show, [I was asked] if I had tissues as Nigel does a cover, and he brings it with so much emotion. I had someone [say a woman’s] crying, and then I gave her the tissue, and she gave it to her six-foot-five tall husband because he was crying. It’s all about the connection and bringing the emotions.”
Flintside: Having this concert come to the U.S., what do you want Flint audiences to experience from the show?
Nigel: “The legacy that they have. It’s been here for 50 years already but that’s for people born before the 2000s. It’s timeless music and I think it’s special that you can bring this music and people in their older ages or you can see them go back to the times when they heard “Fantasy” or “September,” and they always have beautiful memories.”
Clifton: “We’re not Americans. I’m a Caribbean guy living in Europe but I’ve lived in Spain for four years. The first tribute that I did in Spain in 2000 was Earth, Wind & Fire. So, here we are again after 24 years in a tribute band. That’s amazing. I think what they can expect from us is respecting the originality but with our twist on it. It’s going to be enjoyable.”
Daniel: “The Chicago Funk is celebrating and honoring the legendary music but we will also relive the early days with you.”
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Nigel Brown is looking out and singing to the audience in what he calls connecting with the people. (Courtesy photo)Flintside: So when you look at everything happening in your lives and with this ensemble, what do you take away from it? Because who else but y’all?
Daniel: “It’s also difficult. We are in Europe, and we have to fight for our place. We trust in our band and what we do, and that makes it pure instead of going for commerce. We discussed this with Earth, Wind & Fire, and even they have to fight. We are equal people and we follow our hearts. That’s the main thing — that it’s not produced. It’s really from the heart.”
Nigel: “I’m grateful for the things I have done for the projects I’ve participated in where I could learn things about shows, performances, or being an artist. But what I’ve learned for the past, let’s say, 23 years, is I can use a few things from every show or experience that I had with someone in the professional business. I can take everything and put it into this project — in this band — make magic and hopefully learn and spread it across the country or the world.”
Clifton: “Patience. I’ve been through a lot in my life — the ups and downs in my career. Even when COVID came, I thought, you’ve been through too much. You will survive this. It’ll be all right. Look at us now. If you stay positive, positive will come back to you. I’m having the time of my life with this group. I hope this will last forever.”
Tickets to see The Chicago Funk are on sale now. Visit the FIM website to learn more about upcoming events. Stay up-to-date on The Chicago Funk on their website.