The godfather of funk returned to New Orleans last weekend for his first pair of shows since receiving a key to the City of New Orleans during his last appearance at House of Blues earlier this year. And based on attendance over the weekend, there is little question as to whether that cherished key to the Crescent City music mecca is well-deserved. That’s right, George Clinton brought his Parliament Funkadelic back to Tipitina’s on December 28 and 29 for two nearly sold-out shows — an annual double-header now a New Year’s weekend tradition dubbed the “P-Funk New Year’s Masquerade Ball.”

For the second year, Clinton led his motley crew of more than a dozen talented and um, quirky, musicians while donning his new look; the return of his do-wop chic. Still to the surprise of many newer P-Funk fans, the psychedelic wild man — known for his neon dreadlocks, spacey eyewear, wacky outfits and hats as funky as his music — was a politely suited and coiffed do-wop gentleman before the funk took over more than 30 years ago. Shedding the dreads, bold clothes and reported drug habits of yesteryears, Clinton took the stage at Tipitina’s this weekend in a four-button suit and derby hat, neatly hiding a short haircut. It seems his clean, reborn lifestyle is here to stay, this now being the second consecutive year he has performed sans costume and any mind-altering substances. However, the trademark spacey shades are apparently not going anywhere.

Some of the funk might be missing from his look, but none of the funk is missing from the music. New Orleanians love funk, but are also some of its harshest critics. After all, who else can claim rights to judge the funk, if not the city that laid some of the heaviest hands in inventing it? But Tips was packed full of mardi gras-masked bobbing heads, smiling faces and grooving hips, proving once again that Clinton and the P-Funk empire still satisfy.

A few new additions to the band got down and dirty with several staple P-Funk characters we know and love, like Sir Nose, and the return of drummer Ron Wright. With George at the helm, more than a half dozen singers, two drummers, a trumpeter and of course veterans on guitar, bass and keys, the Parliament Funkadelic took us through most of the hits; “Flashlight” providing a mid-set jolt and “Atomic Dog” saved for a near-finale climax, closing out with a 15-minute all-star improv jam. As usual, by “Atomic Dog” time, the stage was full of local P-Funk devotees dancing with the band, including New Orleans’ own DJ Soul Sister, who opened both shows with two of her high-energy vinyl sets.

One thing’s for sure: P-Funk could easily make its second home in New Orleans. Guess George might need that key after all. Enjoy some of OffBeat Art Director Elsa Hahne’s photos from the concert below…
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All photos courtesy of Elsa Hahne. For more photos from the New Orleans music scene visit OffBeat’s Flickr page.