Known for a boisterous blend of funk, jazz, rock, and hip-hop, and a whole lot of Southern charm, Big Sam’s Funky Nation might very well be New Orleans’ best kept secret. Powered by jaw-dropping technical talent and uncontainable energy on stage, their performances have become the stuff of legend.

Frontman “Big Sam” Williams personally draws on over two decades in the game, spanning everything from 300 shows per 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. Additionally, he played a recurring role on the critically acclaimed HBO series Treme.

As much as Big Sam’s Funky Nation represents the beating heart of New Orleans, they ultimately do so for funk music as well—so, let’s get funky, y’all!!! The band’s latest cd is the 2015 Feet on the Floor on Ropeadope.