...got funk?? FUNK ALERT!! Join Patryce "Choc'let" Banks, formerly of Graham Central Station, w/STR8 FONK and Special Guests... BE THERE!!
Patryce “Choc’Let” Banks
Patryce “Choc’Let” Banks is the original co-founding member of the celebrated, Grammy nominated, gold record garnering group, Graham Central Station. In the 70s, she was involved in the birth of the American music phenomenon of “Funk”. Patryce played percussion on the “Funk Box” and shared the spotlight as lead singer alongside Larry Graham. Graham was also her lover and mentor.
In discussing the genesis of GCS, Choc’Let voices, “Originally Larry was producing my band, Hot Chocolate. I was the featured lead vocalist. During this time, he was still with Sly. When Larry left Sly and the Family Stone, he joined Hot Chocolate. With his addition to the group, he brought a transformation; Hot Chocolate became Graham Central Station”.
After her departure from Graham Central Station, she went solo. Choc’Let lent her voice on tour and recordings with such artist as: B.B. King, Chaka Khan, Wayne Henderson and the Crusaders, Stephanie Mills, Ronnie Laws and celebrated rap icon, Dr. Dre, to name a few. As lead vocalist, Patryce joined Rose Royce of “Car Wash” fame, performing worldwide.
She continues to work in the studio, write songs, entertain, lecture, and, having authored three books, is showing signs of becoming a nascent novelist! Her memoir, Deja View: Memoirs of a Funk Diva, shares candid insight into the world of a young lady in a male dominated genre, caught up in the fast lane of “Funk and Roll”.
Choc'Let is currently gearing up to take her show back out on the road. "The funk is demanding to be released!" she declares. It's obvious to me that there is a void in today's music that only “funk” can fulfill. I am calling into service some of the "Souljahs" who cut their teeth on the groove and we will continue the legacy. Look for us, we will be rolling through your city soon…stay tuned and may the funk be with you!"