Asher Legacy Group, a local Grand Rapids organization, is nearing the tail end of its free, live music summer series that honors musicians who have passed away. Each week serves as a tribute to a different artist, and honors the greats in funk, soul and rhythm and blues music.
Emma Johnson, the founder and CEO of Asher Legacy Group, started the musical series to help better serve the community through timeless musical history.
Johnson contrasted modern music with that of the past, emphasizing that she believes older music to be more meaningful.
“Growing up in the 70s and 80s, things (the quality and characteristics of music) were so different,” Johnson said.
As a lifelong musician herself, Johnson noted that the musical series has been an important tribute to past artists’ history, and the significance of the culture that they came from.
“Being Black, the feel-good aspect of music was a significant part of our lives,” said Johnson. “Today, many of those musicians have passed away, and I felt it was special to honor them.”
One of the bands that have performed during the series was Grand Rapids’ Da’Veonce and DaFunk Gang, a modern cover and original funk and hip-hop band. During the musical series, they performed their own take on a variety of older Motown hits, ranging from The Temptations and Four Tops, to Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.
“It’s that nostalgic feeling (that) takes you somewhere,” said Adam Wright, DaFunk Gang’s vocalist. “I don’t know what it is about soul music, but it really touches you.”
Wright’s bandmate and DaFunk Gang’s frontman, Da’Veonce Washington, added that their musical covers can serve as timeless and entertaining history lessons, saying that events such as the musical series keep artists and, in turn, the history, of their time period alive.
“A lot of newer artists like to sample older generations, (and) it’s just what it is,” said Washington. “That’s how you keep your ancestors and legacy alive, through those past musicians.”
The DaFunk Gang often draws their inspiration from musical greats who have retired or passed on, incorporating the history of their beat and lyrics into their modern works and performances.
“People are making music about what they’re going through,” said Wright. “You get a really good idea about how the times were, what people were thinking and what people’s concerns were.”
Both DaFunk Gang’s band members and Johnson have noticed a renewed interest in older genres and musical history while involved in the weekly musical series. Specifically, Johnson noted a higher turnout and greater public interest as compared to previous musical events the group has organized.
“There’s a resurgence of appreciation for these artists,” said Johnson. “Hearing their music live is refreshing. Honoring these musicians is something we don’t do enough of, and if I can be used to honor them, then I gladly accept that role.”
Although the last music series event, which will honor Michael Jackson, concludes on Aug. 29, the group also puts on events, workshops and services throughout the year in an effort to bring the community together.
