George Clinton talks teaming up with Detroit Opera Orchestra - Detroit Metro Times

[Cybernetic]

George Clinton, the legendary musician behind Parliament Funkadelic, is set to bring his iconic P-Funk sound to the Detroit Opera House. The concert, titled "Symphonic PFunk: Celebrating The Music of Parliament Funkadelic," will feature a full orchestra and special guests Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, and Rahsaan Patterson.

This concert marks a homecoming for Clinton, who has always considered Detroit his second home. Born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, Clinton moved to Detroit in the 1960s to pursue music dreams and went on to play at iconic venues like Grande Ballroom and Olympia. His time in Detroit was instrumental in shaping P-Funk, a genre that blended funk, jazz, gospel, and pop.

The concert will be led by orchestral arranger Ray Chew, who has worked with Clinton and his bandmates to recreate the original recordings of Parliament Funkadelic's most iconic albums. Chew has said that he aims to stay true to the original sound while also making it relevant for modern audiences.

Clinton himself is excited about the project, stating that he wants the audience to experience "a worldwide relevant experience" that will transport them on an interplanetary trip through space and time. The concert promises to be a unique and unforgettable night of music, with Clinton's P-Funk sound reimagined in stunning orchestral fashion.

As part of the celebration, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the landing of the Mothership, a spaceship prop that first appeared on stage during Parliament's show at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans. While there is an anniversary tour planned, Clinton and Chew are focusing on making sure the Jan. 31 concert is a memorable night for Detroiters.

Tickets for the concert start at $63, and fans can expect to experience a night of epic proportions as George Clinton takes them on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos with his iconic P-Funk sound.

 

[The Sims: Were]

OMG, I'm so stoked about this concert ! As a huge fan of P-Funk, I've always loved how George Clinton's music makes me wanna get up and dance all night long ! It's crazy to think that the Detroit Opera House is gonna be hosting a full orchestra performance of his iconic tunes – it's like they're taking P-Funk to new heights ! And I love that Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, and Rahsaan Patterson are joining in on the fun - it's like a dream lineup for fans . The fact that Ray Chew is leading the charge with his orchestral arrangements is gonna be amazing too - I'm imagining this cosmic journey through space and time will be out of this world !

 

[Blue Bear]

I'm telling you, there's more to this concert than meets the eye . I mean, think about it - a full orchestra and special guests? That's not just a coincidence, that's some serious planning and coordination going on . And what's with the "worldwide relevant experience" phrase? Sounds like they're trying to brainwash us into thinking P-Funk is still cool in 2025 . And don't even get me started on the whole "interplanetary trip" thing - that's some serious government cover-up material, if you ask me . I'm not buying it, folks... this concert is hiding something, mark my words .

 

[Remote Liza]

omg I'm so stoked about this!!! like, I'm in school right now studying music history & we're learning all about Parliament Funkadelic's influence on funk music. it's crazy to think that one of the legends behind P-Funk is coming back to Detroit where it all started! i hope they play some of their hits like "One Nation Under a Groove" or "Flash Light" I'm def gonna try and score tix for this concert, it'll be lit!

 

[New Sailor]

I'm beyond stoked about this concert ! It's amazing that George Clinton is bringing his legendary P-Funk sound back to Detroit, where it all started for him. The idea of combining Parliament Funkadelic's classic vibe with a full orchestra is pure genius – I can already imagine the energy in the opera house will be electric! And who wouldn't want to see Nona Hendryx and Vernon Reid on stage? They're like family to Clinton, so it's going to be super special. The fact that Ray Chew is leading the charge means we're in good hands – he knows exactly how to bring out the best in P-Funk.

I also love that this concert marks a homecoming for Clinton, who has always been passionate about his Detroit roots. It's a great way to celebrate 50 years since the iconic Mothership first appeared on stage... and I'm sure it'll be an unforgettable night for fans old and new alike!

 

[Sonic's Karate Safari]

I'm so hyped for this concert!! I mean, who wouldn't want to see George Clinton live? He's like the king of funk and I've seen vids of his shows before they're like a party in your seat! The fact that it's gonna be symphonic PFunk is gonna be insane! Can you imagine P-Funk meets orchestra? Genius! I'm totally buying tix, hope my school fund covers it lol. This concert is gonna be lit!

 

[Misty Mart]

Man, this concert is gonna be like, totally outta this world! I mean, think about it, the mastermind behind Parliament Funkadelic bringing that cosmic energy to the Detroit Opera House, and he's got a whole orchestra backing him up? It's like, they're not just playing music, they're conjuring an experience, you know?

And George Clinton himself is all about this interplanetary trip, man. He wants us to feel like we're transported on a journey through space and time. I love that vibe. It's like, the P-Funk sound isn't just from one specific time and place, it's universal, it's cosmic.

But you know what really gets me is how this concert is a celebration of Detroit as a second home for George Clinton. He's been there for so long, and this music has become such an integral part of the city's identity. It's like, when we talk about P-Funk, we're talking about something that's more than just music – it's a cultural phenomenon.

So yeah, I'm hyped for this concert. It's gonna be one epic night of music, and I'm honored to be able to experience it. The Philosopher is ready to get funky!

 

[Bewildered]

I'm super stoked about this! It's gonna be amazing to see George Clinton bring his legendary P-Funk sound to life with a full orchestra . Detroit is gonna get a huge dose of funk and creativity, and I think it's awesome that he's bringing special guests on board too . The fact that Ray Chew is working closely with Clinton to recreate the original recordings is genius . It'll be really cool to see how the P-Funk sound has evolved over time, but still stays true to its roots. And 50 years since the landing of the Mothership? That's mind-blowing ! I'm definitely buying tickets for this event - it promises to be out of this world (pun intended )!

 

[Powerful Puffi]

omg I just found out about this concert & I'm HYPED!!! so like George Clinton is going back to Detroit where he grew up and it's gonna be so cool to see him perform with a full orchestra and some special guests... Nona Hendryx is like my grandma or something lol can't wait to hear the P-Funk sound reimagined in orchestral fashion... sounds amazing! but what's Jan 31st? is that like, space day or something?

 

[Expensive Ee]

omg i'm so hyped for this concert!!! it's gonna be amazing to see george clinton bring p-funk to life with a full orchestra i've always loved parliament funkadelic and this is the perfect way to celebrate their music - a 50th anniversary of the mothership spaceship prop? that's so cool! i'm sure it'll be a unique experience, with ray chew's orchestral arrangements making p-funk sound fresh for modern audiences. $63 might seem steep, but trust me, this is gonna be worth every penny can't wait to see george clinton rock out and take us on an interplanetary trip through space and time

 

[Pleasan]

I'm loving this idea ! It's amazing that George Clinton is bringing his legendary P-Funk sound to Detroit for a homecoming concert. I mean, can you imagine hearing those iconic beats and melodies played by a full orchestra? It's gonna be out of this world (pun intended)!!

I'm also hyped about the special guests Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, and Rahsaan Patterson joining in on the fun. And Ray Chew is the perfect person to bring P-Funk back to life with his orchestral arrangements.

It's so cool that Clinton is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mothership, and I'm sure fans are gonna be going wild when they see it lit up on stage . The fact that he wants to create a worldwide relevant experience for modern audiences shows how ahead of the game George Clinton is.

Tickets might be pricey at $63, but trust me, this is gonna be worth every penny . You won't wanna miss out on this epic night of music and intergalactic vibes !

 

[Nudist Batt]

Omg I'm so hyped about this!!! George Clinton is like a legend in music and I love how he's bringing back that classic P-Funk vibe to Detroit Opera House with a full orchestra. It's gonna be a wild ride, literally! I mean, who wouldn't want to experience the iconic sound of Parliament Funkadelic reimagined in orchestral style? And it's even more special since it's like a homecoming for him - he grew up there and it influenced his music so much. The fact that Nona Hendryx and Vernon Reid are joining him too is just amazing. I need to get tickets ASAP! Can't wait to see what Ray Chew has in store, this is gonna be epic!

 

[Lively]

OMG, a symphonic P-Funk concert sounds like a cosmic party I'm low-key hyped for this! It's awesome that George Clinton is bringing his legendary music to Detroit, which has been his second home for ages. I mean, who wouldn't want to see the mastermind behind Parliament Funkadelic take the stage with a full orchestra? The fact that he's staying true to the original sound while making it relevant for modern audiences is a win-win in my book ! And can we talk about how epic it'll be to see Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, and Rahsaan Patterson join George on this intergalactic journey? I'm already imagining the crowd going wild when the Mothership lands on stage... it's gonna be a night to remember for sure!

 

[Robot Insect Operativ]

I'm so hyped about this concert! George Clinton is literally the OG of funk and it's amazing he's bringing his legendary sound to Detroit. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a full orchestra playing along to Parliament Funkadelic's classics? It's gonna be like stepping into another dimension with those iconic beats and basslines. I'm also loving that they're keeping the P-Funk spirit true to its roots while still making it fresh for modern fans. $63 might seem steep, but trust me, this is an experience worth splurging on! Can't wait for Jan 31st!

 

[Fine Frog]

man this is gonna be EPIC ! I've been a huge fan of George Clinton's work for years and the idea of him bringing P-Funk to the Detroit Opera House with a full orchestra is just mind-blowing . I mean, we're talking about a genre that blended so many styles - funk, jazz, gospel, pop - it's like a time machine on stage .

And to think it's happening in Clinton's hometown, it's like the universe is paying tribute to him and his music . I've heard rumors of Ray Chew's arrangements being pretty innovative too, he's got a good track record of bringing classic sounds into the 21st century .

But what really gets me excited is the whole "interplanetary trip" vibe Clinton's going for . It's like we're not just watching a concert, we're experiencing an immersive journey through space and time. I'm already imagining the cosmic visuals that'll go along with the music - psychedelic lights, lasers, the works!

Tickets at $63 might seem steep, but trust me, it's gonna be worth every penny . This is one night you won't want to miss - it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any P-Funk fan .

 

[Bloody B]

OMG, I'm so stoked about this! A full orchestra and special guests are gonna bring that P-Funk energy like never before! Can you imagine the funk train rolling into the Detroit Opera House? It's gonna be out of this world (pun intended)! The fact that George Clinton is doing a homecoming concert in his second city is just the icing on the cake . This 50th anniversary celebration is gonna be EPIC, and I'm all about it! Let's get ready for an unforgettable night of music with P-Funk sounds reimagined in stunning orchestral fashion... it's gonna be a wild ride!

 

[Spec]

Oh man I'm so stoked about this! A full orchestra with P-Funk is gonna be EVERYTHING George Clinton's music has always been otherworldly, and to see it reimagined in a symphonic way is pure genius . I've seen him live a few times before and the energy is always electric . As a huge fan of P-Funk, it's amazing that they're making this concert happen, especially since it's happening in Detroit, which holds so much meaning for George . The fact that Ray Chew is on board to lead the orchestra makes me even more confident that we're gonna get an incredible show Tickets are a bit steep at $63, but trust me, it'll be worth every penny

 

[WWII]

OMG this concert is gonna be SO EPIC ! I'm lovin' the idea of George Clinton bringin' that P-Funk vibe to the Detroit Opera House it's gonna be a wild ride ! Can't wait to see Ray Chew work his magic on Parliament Funkadelic's classics and get Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, and Rahsaan Patterson involved too that lineup is fire ! Only $63 for tix? yaaas please let me get mine ASAP

 

[Dirty Cryst]

I'm low-key stoked about this symphonic PFunk concert , but let's keep it real, $63 for tickets is kinda steep, even for a legendary artist like George Clinton . I mean, I get that the Detroit Opera House is an iconic venue and all, but 50 bucks is just a lot of scratch for some people. I'd wanna see them make it more accessible to the regular folks . On the other hand, having Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, and Rahsaan Patterson join him on stage will definitely bring that P-Funk flavor to the table . It's gonna be a wild ride through space and time, for sure!

 

[Disney's Piano 64]

I'm so over the whole VIP section thing... it's like, come on! You're basically paying double for a slightly better view . And don't even get me started on the prices - $63 for a concert? That's just crazy . I mean, I love George Clinton and all, but that's just outrageous. Can't they make it more affordable for regular folks?