The Grippo Funk Band got its start at Burlington VT’s Red Square in 1999 when alto saxophonist Dave Grippo gathered some of his favorite musicians together to jam on Monday nights. This humble beginning led to an unbroken string of Mondays at the Square that lasted nearly seven years. These gigs served as a funk-style bootcamp where the GFB explored the deep cuts of James Brown, Maceo Parker, Sly Stone, and countless other R&B legends. Musicians touring with Dr. John, Soulive, Maceo, Beyonce Knowles, The Neville Brothers, and saxophonist Chris Potter would often make it a point to stop by and jam when in town on a Monday night. The GFB took it in, mixed it up, stirred the pot, and as months turned to years they developed their own ensemble sound and “heartbeat in unison” deadly locked-down grooves. Featuring: Aaron Hersey, Ray Paczkowski, Brian McCarthy, Russ Lawton, Steve Jones, Dave Grippo. This concert is part of the Fairlee Community Arts summer series of concerts on the Fairlee town common every Tuesday in July and August featuring talented musicians and bands from Vermont and beyond. You may wish to bring a folding chair or blanket to enjoy the outdoor concert in comfort. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held inside the air-conditioned Fairlee Town Hall auditorium. Collapse description