Photos by Dino Perrucci

Last night, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave with special guest George Clinton helped reopen Washington, DC’s historic Howard Theater. Originally christened in 1910, the Howard with its “trunk of soul” hosted countless historic shows over the years, including early gigs by James Brown, Marvin Gaye and P-Funk. The venue has been shuttered and neglected since the early 1980s, but supporters eventually drummed up enough money to start renovating the theater in 2010. In fact, the theater’s current Honorary Board includes living legends like Lisa Ellis, Dick Gregory, The O’Jays, Quincy Jones, Wyclef Jean, Q-Tip, Smokey Robinson and Kevin Liles.

James Brown’s longtime announcer MC Danny Ray presided over last night’s celebration, which featured an extended set by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave. During Shorty’s performance, P-Funk founder George Clinton emerged for a few songs, including “One Nation Under A Groove” and “Flashlight.” The “People’s Theatre” will continue to host a mix of artists in the near future.