ImageNation and InJoy Enterprises proudly present ImageNation's Soul Train Tribute – WE WANT THE FUNK!, a FREE, electrifying outdoor film and music festival celebrating 25 Years of Firelight Media, taking place Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Marcus Garvey Park (5:30 PM – 10:00 PM), followed by an official After Party at Shrine World Music Venue (9:30 PM – 2:00 AM).
‍

FREE WITH RSVP
‍

ImageNation's Soul Train Tribute – WE WANT THE FUNK! is a celebration of culture, community, and creativity, this year’s tribute honors the legacy of Firelight Media, the nonprofit powerhouse co-founded by Stanley Nelson and Marcia Smith, which has championed Black filmmakers for a quarter-century. The event will also feature a Funk Party, Soul Train Dance line, Live Funk Mucic performances, and a outdoor screening of WE WANT THE FUNK! by Stanley Nelson and Nicole London. The event will also include a special tribute to the late Sly Stone, funk visionary and founder of Sly and the Family Stone, whose groundbreaking sound helped shape the genre’s social and sonic revolution.

Main Event Highlights – Marcus Garvey Park (Free Entry | 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM)

• Funk Dance Party with legendary Harlem DJ Stormin’ Norman (Sundae Sermon)
• Soul Train Dance Line – Community members take center stage
• Live Funk Tribute – featuring a blazing homage to Sly Stone, James Brown, Labelle, Fela Kuti, and more
• Film Screening: WE WANT THE FUNK! – Directed by Stanley Nelson and Nicole London

Conversation w/ Firelight Media – A talkback with Loira Limbal, Stanley Nelson, and Marcia Smith Firelight 25th Anniversary Reel – A visual retrospective celebrating 25 years of groundbreaking Black and Brown storytelling.

Join us at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park for a night filled with groovy tunes and electrifying performances. Get ready to boogie down and pay homage to the iconic era of Soul Train. Don't miss out on this epic event that will have you dancing all night long!