Saxophonist James ‘Plunky’ Branch to headline 2nd Street Festival in Oct.
7/29/2021, 6 p.m.
Saxophonist James “Plunky” Branch and his progressive jazz group, Plunky & Oneness, will headline this year’s 2nd Street Festival that is set to return Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 3, to Jackson Ward, it has been announced.
The choice of Mr. Branch salutes an independent Richmond artist who has been playing, producing and performing an eclectic mix of funk, smooth jazz and R&B for 50 years and gained popularity among jazz fans in England, France, Japan and other countries.
Plunky & Oneness has appeared with many big names in music, including such icons as Patti Labelle, Ray Charles, Earth Wind & Fire, Frankie Beverly & Maze, LL Cool J and Chuck Brown.
Mr. Branch is best known for the 1981 funk classic “Every Way But Loose” and the ultra-funky “Drop,” which became a hit in 2007. He also has been an administrator, lecturer and music teacher.
The festival, which celebrates historic Jackson Ward, once the financial, business and social heart of the Black community, was among the events that were canceled last year during the pandemic.
The event is put on by the Downtown booster group Venture Richmond and is known for the variety of musical offerings it presents on three stages.
