FUNKY HICKEY

Who knew that New Jersey was such a funky state?After giving the world P-funk over 30 years ago, theGarden State has once again produced a group of first-rate funksters: The John Hickey Band. “It’s just one of those things that wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t from here,” Hickey says. Hickey is a funk guitar virtuoso who has recorded with some of the most legendary luminaries of the genre, including George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. He released his debut album, Down with the Ship, in 2004. “I was playing with Bernie Worrell at the time,” the guitarist says “and I thought to myself, ‘I should get a band together.’” Since then, The John Hickey Band has solidified its lineup and has been bringing its unique brand of revved-up funk to clubs all over the East Coast, including a lauded set at this past summer’s Gathering of the Vibes. “We’d played smaller festivals before, but never anything like Vibes. I was pretty excited about it.” www.jhickeymusic.com