Big Sam's Funky Nation is appearing at Ballard's Tractor Tavern at the end of the month with a promise to get people dancing.

Led by trombone powerhouse, Big Sam Williams, Big Sam's Funky Nation is a New Orleans band that transcends musical classifications by merging influences of jazz, rock, hip-hop and funk together into an energetic and bold sound.

"It's rock and funk with a lot of heart," said Big Sam in a phone interview. "Audience should get ready to do a lot of shaking. This is not a sitting party."

Formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Sam began playing with the Dirty Dozen at 19 before venturing out on his own as a soloist and creating the Funky Nation. He has toured with Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint and played with artists like Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Dave Matthews, Ozomatli, and Widespread Panic. He has shared the stage with U2 and Green Day for the re-opening of the Superdome.

"When Katrina happened, it shifted things a lot," Big Sam said, adding that
it made him want to be close to people and reach more people with his music.

"I learned that you don't take things for granted. You're promised nothing. I'm not promised to play music forever," he said.

Since hurricane Katrina, Big Sam has been an innovator of urban-jazz and NOLA music flowing from a revitalized New Orleans.  

"After Katrina my downloads went up like crazy," said Big Sam. "I just want to keep that New Orleans pride going."

Big Sam said he enjoys playing in Seattle and visited Seattle three times in the last year.

"Seattle is a great musical place," he said. "And it's a cool town, too. I love jamming with local bands."

Big Sam said he'll bringing more energy on July 28th as well as new material that people haven't heard yet. In return he expects people to bring their dancing shoes and be ready to 'shake yo' tail-feather' like they do it New Orleans.

Big Sam's Funky Nation is comprised of Andrew Baham on Trumpet/Vocals/Keys, Takeshi Shimmura on Guitar, Chocolate MILK on Drums, and Eric Vogel on Bass in addition to Big Sam on Trombone/Vocals.

They're performing at the Tractor Tavern on July 28 at 9 p.m.Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at TicketWeb.