Pee Wee Ellis joined James Brown’s band in 1965 and soon became his musical director. His relationship with Brown’s music continues, via a tribute to Brown that has been touring throughout Europe this summer and will hit the U.S. later this month. Ellis is the musical director and band leader of Still Black, Still Proud: An African Tribute to James Brown. Fred Wesley, the longtime lead soloist for Brown in the JB’s has been touring with the show in Europe and may appear on some of the U.S. dates, which include a free show in New York City at the Damrosch Park Bandshell on August 22.