Big Sam's Funky Nation

[Funky Munky]

They were the surprise VIP band last night and were amazing. They played two sets and were just plain going off. These guys have a couple other shows throughout the weekend and I can emphatically say that if you have a chance you need to go check them out. I was blown away. Pictures later.

[brewboss]

Wow, thgey were the surprise VIP band? They played like 8 shows this weekend. Big Sam came on with Galactic, they played the Fiesta Garage, they played on top of a trailer at pod three Friday afternoon, they had their What Stage set, a sonic stage set, and probably more I still don't know about. Big Sam was definitely Bonnaroo MVP this year.

[Funky Munky]

They were in the Sunday Bonnaroo paper and it indicated that they played more sets over the four days than any other band. That Galactic show was amazing too.

[gryphonkin]

That What Stage set was one of the highlights of the weekend for me. I didn't really go into it expecting much and it ended up being one of my favorites.

[jaybone]

I saw most of the What Stage set from the pit and it was great. My buddy actually went and bought their album because he liked them so much.

[brewboss]

I read in another thread that Big Sam came on with Ozomatli also. Any other Big Sam sightings?

[bluezfire]

I loved them at the What Stage. We had an awesome view and were able to dance, and dance, and dance. And despite the heatwave, we danced some more. We were lucky to catch them at Bonnaroo a couple of years ago in the Somethin' Else Tent when they had the New Orleans fundraiser and I instantly fell in love with them. So when I heard they would be there this year, I knew I'd have to see them. And, needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. They rocked it just like I knew they would ... and then some. I just hate that I missed all the other opportunities to see them throughout the weekend. Sounds like they really did get around.

[Scrog]

Amazing Show! I am so glad we started Saturday off with the Funk. On the last song I saw myself, I was the last guy on the big screen shakin it to da funk! We spend the whole day in that spot.

[ohgodwhy]

I saw them getting interviewed by some reporters/video cameras and they were just so psyched to be there. They were saying how everyone in the camps were crazy and meeting Steve Martin at the band dinner was really surreal. One of the guys (the kind of Lil Wayne looking guy) invited me to check them out at What Stage. Great guys, awesome musicians and workhorses. A winning combination

[brewboss]

Too bad NPR didn't archive this. Best bass solo of the fest!

[omgitsbonnaroo]

^Best rhythm section at Bonnaroo, imo. And yes, best bass solo of the fest, even better than Rhonda Smith's amazing solo.

[Funky Munky]

I got some great pictures from the VIP sets, I'll post them soon.

[brewboss]

Interesting interview with Sammie talking about all his different influences and how his music is constantly evolving.

[Lawn Gnome]

Their bassist was fucking sick...

[billypilgrim]

Big Sam brough Da Funk! I was at the VIP show and the What Stage show. Then after I came home I was catching up on the prior week's episode of Treme and he was there too!