The Grammy Award-winning New Orleans funk and jazz fusion electric brass band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, will headline yet another free concert at Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City Aug. 21.
Now in their fifth decade of touring the world with their unique sound, Gregory Davis founded the band along with the legendary Danny Barker, who was Louis Armstrong’s banjo player in the Golden Age of New Orleans jazz.
The roots go all the way back to the Baptist Church and after they recorded their famous original album, “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,” they played Tipitina’s with Danny Barker. It was the first “white club” in which they ever performed.
What has now become the signature funky brass band sound is also rooted in a New Orleans Social Aid & Pleasure Club with Benny Jones leading the street parades.
They went on to Monterey Jazz when the original founder of The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, George Wein, took them to Europe in 1984.
Since that time, they have performed with Dr. John, Branford Marsalis, Elvis Costello, Dizzy Gillespie, Nora Jones and hundreds of great musicians.
Two of the most famous celebrities spawned from the band are Big Sam, whose “Funky Nation” is now famous worldwide, and Terrance Higgins, one of the greatest New Orleans drummers of our time.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform with original members Greg Davis, Kirk Joseph and Roger Lewis, as well as a full complement of young players to invigorate and energize the boardwalk where “no one’s feet should fail” to dance at Mardi Gras.
It’s a rare occasion to see one of the greatest New Orleans bands in the world for free.
Our own “first call” saxophone star, Howard Isaacson will open the show with his band.
Let the Good Times Roll!
