Funky NYC: Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds play Le Poisson Rouge on 03.05

Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds swoop down on Le Poisson Rouge’s stage with their earth-moving soulful funk-krock as part of the 5th Annual Nolafunk Mardi Gras Ball tomorrow night (03.05). The band’s size alone (9 members) is to let the audience imagine how impactful their show is. Every instrument from the guitar to the harmonica to the baritone saxophone lends to the band’s rich sound,  the most explosive force coming from Arleigh Kincheloe a.k.a. Sister Sparrow’s vocals: a little raspy, a little jazzy, mixed with a little bit of Aretha Franklin and definitely strong enough to lead the rest of the band through songs like "Boom Boom" and "Freight Train." Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds rounded up last year with a self-titled album release in November and a packed show at this very venue. Tomorrow night they play alongside Dr. John & The Lower 911 and Soul Rebels Brass Band. – Abigail Devora