Big Sam’s Funky Nation

Funky Fever is coming to Portsmouth! Hot off his second season with HBO’s original series, Treme, this acclaimed New Orleans trombone player brings to the Loft stage his exhilarating brand of high-energy, high-voltage funk, rock, jazz, and hip-hop, termed 'Noladelic Powerfunk.' The band is 'tight enough (and hot enough) to turn coal into a diamond!' said Ryan White, The Oregonian.    

Fans of the acclaimed HBO series, Treme—about residents of New Orleans rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina—will recognize Big Sam’s distinctive trombone riffs and signature dance moves from his recurring role on the show. On Treme, Big Sam plays himself in multiple episodes, including scenes with Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint as they recorded the acclaimed Grammy-nominated album, River in Reverse. Formerly with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Sam is joined by Andrew Baham, trumpet/vocals; Takeshi Shimmura, guitar; Chocolate Milk, drums; and Eric Vogel, bass.   

New Orleans trombonist and band leader 'Big Sam' Williams studied with saxophonist Kidd Jordan and at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts before joining The Dirty Dozen Brass Band at the age of 19, and later striking out on his own to create Big Sam’s Funky Nation. In 2006 and 2007, while touring with Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, he earned consistent reviews as a musical force and star soloist. He has played with Dave Mathews, James Brown, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Ozomatli, and Widespread Panic, and shared the stage with U2 and Green Day for the re-opening of the New Orleans Superdome. The band’s unique improv style of funk and rock has also made it a favorite on the international festival scene.    

Two performances: 7 pm and 9 pm.

Cost: $30

Phone: 436-2400
Website: www.themusichall.org