It’s crystal clear why Funkademia was last week’s winner of Best Club Night at the Galaxy Nightlife awards. Taking classic soul, pop and disco tracks, funked up in their own inimitable way, the Funkademia residents play to a full capacity venue week on week as the clubbers just keep coming back for more!
Funkademia started in the city almost thirteen years ago, making it Manchester’s longest running club night. Back then its home was The Boardwalk, one of Manchester’s most significant venues of the late 80s and early 90s. Since then Funkademia has sampled the cosy constraints of The Attic as well as Subspace and Zumeba before moving into its present home early last year. “One Central Street is a great venue,” says founder and resident DJ Dave Payne. “The owners are great, it’s a good size and the atmosphere’s quality too!”
Headlining the night was Dave Red Soul with his luxurious mix of Northern Funk and Motown. He was joined by the Good For the Soul boys, Jamie and Keith, whose subtle yet stylish mixes of Michael Jackson and James Brown had the contented crowd boogieing away to the early hours.
Funkademia runs with a team of regular DJs, all of who love their funk. They’ve found this format works much better than getting in big name DJs every week and the lack of advertising is just one sign of the night’s deep-seated popularity. Funkademia promotes itself solely on word of mouth for new custom, with the established regulars keeping it busy. “We haven’t flyered for years now,” laughs Dave.
The ambience at One Central Street is always amiable, which may be surprising to those who associate a well-dressed crowd with a little hostility. Ricky Hatton was spotted enjoying a drink at the bar with his mates, surrounded by hovering fans and well wishers, male and female alike.
So why has such a simple format proved so popular? The mix of tunes that appeal to almost everybody alongside top DJ talent results in a perfect combination as you hear the songs you love in a new light. Guaranteed dance floor fillers all round! The atmosphere helps too. “Everyone’s welcome here,” Dave affirms. “Whether you’re a student or not, unemployed, old, young, Ricky Hatton, whoever! You’ll all be treated the same here.”
Funkademia takes place every Saturday at One Central Street.
9/10
good review!