Big Sam's Funky Nation

Presiding over his Funky Nation is Big Sam, a big man with an impeccable urban fashion sense, who blows the funk out of his trombone and refuses to let the audience sit still. Between solos and trombone riffs, Big Sam second-lines (a uniquely New Orleans style of street-dance) and gets the crowd going both in movement and in replies to his call-and-response MC-style. A talented group of jazz-trained musicians makes up the Funky Nation, bringing with them the improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that's the hallmark of big band funk. Theirs, and Big Sam's, exuberant dancing and playing, affords a rare opportunity to let loose. Big Sam's Funky Nation has undeniable personality, as well as masterful chops.

Big Sam is New Orleans - born and raised.  He was schooled in the fertile musical streets of the Big Easy and in the classroom at the renowned New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA).  He started out with the Soul Rebels Brass Band and later joined the Dirty Dozen Brass Band as a teenager.  He has been working tirelessly spreading his brand of funky brass ever since.  He has played with such acts as Dave Matthews, Widespread Panic, and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe among others and his distinct sound and style recently captivated the crowd as he played lead trombone for the Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint international tour.  He is also featured on Elvis Costello’s latest CD, The River in Reverse.  Big Sam’s Funky Nation has three albums to their credit: Peace, Love & Understanding, Take Me Back and Birth of A Nation.