September 27, 2012 – this date now marks an evening performance that the Elektrik Company will always remember fondly.
There was a lot of anticipation going into this show. Things were going to be a tad bit different from the past venues that everyone’s favorite disco troupe did their previous gigs in. This time, the Elektrik Company was hired to take the stage in a more fitting location: Resorts World Casino in Jamaica, NY. There was going to be plenty of distractions lined up around the Bar 360 stage – a ginormous TV screen (that just happened to be playing that night’s NFL game), a whole slew of slot machines in the resounding area, and all types of bar action that the patrons would certainly engage in.
But the Elektrik Company’s funk and bravado were not to be ignored. Once the band was all tuned and ready to play, disco fever transformed the casino into a modern day Studio 54.
Jerome made sure to liven up the joint once he took the mic. Lisa and Afua held their own as they hit a few high notes alongside the rambunctiousness displayed by Sir ‘Rome. “Disco Inferno” and “You Should Be Dancing” were the perfect intro songs to hit the crowd with.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a live Elektrik Company show without Jerome and his awesome crowd interaction. The bar table played the part of Jerome’s private stage as the night wore on.
Bar 360's bright lights added to the spectacle on stage as familiar tunes like "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" and "Car Wash" created a funky ambiance. Everyone within earshot of the band made sure to put a halt to their late night gambling and instead dance to some memorable tunes.
Once Michael Jackson's (RIP) "Rock With You" started up, it was clear that a sweet spot was finally hit. Folks were dancing, laughter was heard, and plenty of other people stopped in their tracks and sung along to the music. It was an especially wonderful sight to see when an older couple got up to dance once "I Will Survive" came on. Another standout moment occurred when a man (who looked like he was having the time of his life!) stepped on stage. His added dance number and joyful attitude made "I Want Your Love" look and sound even better.
Jeff got his expected tribute when "Kung Fu Fighting" started up. A whole bunch of "HOO's!" and "HAH's!" were heard all over the bar area. A group of ladies looked to be enjoying this little number the most, as they jumped up every time a karate chop and kick was required. All that karate funk got the people movin'!
By the end of the show, Lisa and Afua hit all the right notes for their solo numbers. Not even a hotly contested NFL game could keep most of the people's eyes from staring in awe at these disco queens. Jerome, Frank, Ramsey, Jeff, Isamu, the aforementioned ladies, and the two saxophone funkateers played their asses off. Anyone with a pulse and appreciation for classic disco/funk could be seen applauding the Elektrik Company's stage efforts.
All in all, the Resorts World Casino got the best of the best that night. NYC's most revered and beloved disco tribute band showed up, showed out, and got everybody to boogie.
Let's all hope an encore performance is in the works for the Elektrik Company…
