Funky Sole Re-launches Saturday Nights at The Echo/Aloe Blacc Tonight at Rootdown

File this under: news that we should have reported last month but were too swarmed with year-end stuff to get to promptly. However, Funky Sole, the Miles Tackett-promoted, Stones Throw-affiliated, pan-global funk party has officially moved to Saturday's at the Echo in Echo Park. While I haven't had the pleasure of funking up my soles yet, Weekly contributor, Oliver Wang, attests that it's the finest soul night west of the Mississippi. And if you've ever read O-Dub's Soul Sides blog, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who knows more about classic funk and R&B.  

Despite being only seven years old, Funky Sole boasts a venerable history, dating back to its early days at legendary Silverlake spot Rudolph's, where Tackett and Stones Throw co-honcho, Egon, decided to create a night to share their abyssal collections of funk, psych, world music, and soul. Eventually re-locating to now-shuttered Cahuenga corridor nightspot, Star Shoes, the club has been graced by DJ luminaries like DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist and DJ Clifton, currently the spot's resident DJ. Perhaps best of all is that the night is free–ideal for those looking for a cheap Saturday night during these dismal economic times.

In related news, if you're still looking for plans on this Thursday evening, might I also recommend, Root Down at Silverlake's Little Temple, featuring a performance from Stones Throw soul guru, Aloe Blacc. Having been to Root Down on several occasions, I can safely state that I can't think of a finer hip-hop night in town.