By Mark Zaretsky, Register Staff
mzaretsky@newhavenregister.com

HARTFORD — Most of the time, if you were going to see the blistering, high-voltage, horn-driven New Orleans party funk of Big Sam’s Funky Nation, you would expect to see them on a much bigger stage than the one at Sully’s Pub.

Places like Bonnaroo, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or, more recently and more locally, the Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, where Big Sam played a late-night set just a few weeks ago.

Places where you might expect to share the experience with a few thousand other people.

So the fact that they’re going to be squeezing their big sound and all that fun tonight into a tiny bar at 2071 Park St. is reason enough to see them.

If that’s not enough, consider the fact that charismatic band leader “Big Sam” Williams, formerly of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, is one of the top trombone players in New Orleans — a city that’s all about the trombone — and has a recurring role in the HBO series, “Treme.”

Consider the fact that Sam has recorded with Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint.

Consider the fact that this band, at the 2009 Big Easy Awards, won the title of Best Funk Band IN NEW ORLEANS!

Now answer this question: If you’re not going away this weekend, can you REALLY afford to miss this show?

Contact Mark Zaretsky at 203-789-5722.

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