PBC Studios is proud to present St Louis based Funky Butt Brass Band in concert on Saturday, October 6th. The concert will be held at PBC Studios at 128 W Central St. in Bethalto, a historic building from the 1860’s which features a small intimate venue, a coffee shop and a beer and wine bar.
The Funky Butt Brass Band was formed in 2008 by six musicians who revere and respect the New Orleans brass band tradition. The band began when drummer Ron Sikes and guitarist Tim Halpin were on their way home from a gig in Chicago, listening to some New Orleans brass band music. One of them said, "Nobody's really playing music like this in St. Louis. Someone should put a band together." And it was all downhill from there. Made up of members of Gumbohead, The Feed, Musica Slesa, Bob Kuban's Everyday People and other St. Louis musical groups, the FBBB takes traditional New Orleans brass tunes and gives them a funky new flavor. Don't be surprised if you also hear a little Motown, Southern rock, blues and some straight-ahead Chicago blues to go along with the second line "street beat" groove. The Funky Butt Brass Band is guaranteed to get your toes tapping, your feet marching and kick any party into overdrive.
Current band members include: Matt Brinkmann, sousaphone; Aaron Chandler, trombone, vocals; Tim Halpin, guitar, vocals; Adam Hucke, trumpet, vocals; Ben Reece, sax, vocals; Ron Sikes, drums. And soundman, Charlie Spaulding, makes sure it all sounds reasonably coherent out front.
The New Orleans brass band tradition has its roots in that city's jazz funeral processions. Once the dearly departed was buried, the brass band would "cut the body loose" by playing up tempo, joyous music. As they marched, they would be joined by revelers who formed a line alongside and behind the band. This was known as the "second line."
Taking much of its inspiration from the New Orleans second line tradition, the Funky Butt Brass Band has earned a reputation for its infectious blend of up-tempo jazz, blues, and soul. For three consecutive years, FBBB has been recognized with Riverfront Times Music Awards, as voted by the fans.
Funky Butt Brass Band will take the stage at 7pm; doors open at 6pm. Tickets for the event are $10 advance and $15 day of the show and may be purchased online, by phone or at the Café. A $2 processing fee applies to tickets purchased with debit/credit. Seating is limited; if tickets are still available at the beginning of the performance, they can be purchased at the door. For more information and for all upcoming events go to www.pixbychix.com or call 618-377-3100.
