Bootsy Collins to launch online 'Funk University'

It began with a simple message on Bootsy Collins' twitter page to his more than 400,000 followers, which simply read "If You Build It, They Will Funk." Fans had no idea he was referring to the upcoming debut of Bootsy's Funk University, an online bass school for players around the planet to study under his direction.

Bootsy's Funk University begins its first semester on July 1, 2010 with enrollment based on a first come, first serve basis. Currently, interested players are encouraged to sign-up for exclusive information at www.thefunkuniversity.com. Registration for enrollment is set to begin in April for the summer launch.

As Funk University's Lead "Professor," Bootsy will provide extensive lectures on funk, the bass, and his body of work with James Brown, George Clinton, Parliament Funkadelic, and solo projects. In addition, Collins has arranged an impressive ensemble of the music world's finest players to provide an intense curriculum designed to promote and teach funk to intermediate and advanced players. The lectures, lessons, and exercises will be accessed through streaming video, with tablature downloads available. Bootsy's bass school will also hold "office hours" where students are able to get their questions answered online. The entire staff will be reviewing and holding regular competitions throughout the year.

As for the upcoming launch of the Funk University, Bootsy states, "The best day of my life was when I graduated from P.U., the next best day of my life will be to see students graduate from F.U." The launch of Bootsy's bass school falls on a big year for Collins who is set to release a new album in the fall titled "Boot-Z-Class University" that features an all-star cast, along with the release of Bootsy's Signature Bass by Warwick. As for the motivation of launching The Funk University at this point in his career, Collins remarks, "Funk don't funk around for nobody, so get funked up while you can."

Bootsy's Funk University is produced by SceneFour--the notorious L.A. creativity house responsible for projects with Al Gore's Current TV, MTV-U, Nine Inch Nails, The RZA, Marilyn Manson, The Pixies, and Beck.

For more information on the upcoming launch of Bootsy's Funk University, please visit www.thefunkuniversity.com.