Big Sam's Funky Nation is a funk and rock band from New Orleans, with elements of traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, acid jazz, dance, hard rock and punk. The group is led by the legendary Big Sam Williams.
In his youth Sam studied with saxophonist Kidd Jordan and at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. In his teens, he was a founding member of the Stooges Brass Band and joined the Dirty Dozen, allowing him to play with Karl Denson, Dave Matthews, Widespread Panic, and James Brown. After one year with the Dirty Dozen, he began a side project broadening his musical ambitions. In 2006, he played with Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint on their album The River in Reverse and tour.
Big Sam's Funky Nation became his main band, performing at Bonnaroo, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, South By Southwest, and Austin City Limits. On December 2nd they perform at the 10th Annual Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival in Armstrong Park near St. Augustine, Florida from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.