Big Sam’s Funky Nation

Piping hot New Orleans funk & jazz

When you think of New Orleans, the city’s foremost flambeaux-lit traditions of Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, voodoo, Po’ boys, beads, gumbo, and second line undoubtedly come to mind. You also can count Big Sam’s Funky Nation among those NOLA treasures. Known for a boisterous blend of funk, jazz, rock and hip-hop, nothing short of seismic live experiences and a whole lot of Southern charm, Big Sam’s Funky Nation might very well be The Big Easy’s best-kept secret. No other place could birth such an undeniable, unpredictable and downright unique collective. Against the backdrop of the Crescent City, the group released five fan-favorite albums and quietly developed a devout following. Powered by jaw-dropping technical talent and uncontained energy on stage, their performances have become the stuff of legend. Big Sam ensures you’re not just a part of the crowd, but a part of the show dancing and singing along. Beyond standout sets at the likes of Voodoo Music + Experience and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the guys have performed at Bonnaroo, SXSW and Austin City Limits, to name a few. Big Sam himself draws on more than two decades in the game, spanning everything from 300 shows a year during his days in Dirty Dozen Brass Band and gigs backing up Widespread Panic and Dave Matthews Band to recording and touring with Allen Toussaint and Elvis Costello. He also was sought out for a recurring role on the critically acclaimed HBO series, Treme. Their newest recording, Songs in the Key of Funk, Volume 1, was released just this year.

Artist’s website
bigsamsfunkynation.com

Concerts are free and family-friendly. The Levitt Pavilion is located at 100 W. Abram St. in Founders Plaza on the corner of Abram and Center streets. For directions and parking, please see Directions & Parking. The Levitt is an open-lawn seating, outdoor concert venue. Visitors should bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Picnics and coolers are welcome. Please do not bring glass containers to the Levitt. Concessions are sold at the Levitt, including beer and wine. For additional information, please visit our FAQs, call the 24-hour information line at 817.543.4301, or email [email protected].

Official Site