It‘s always an amazing feat when a band can outlast its crowd. The March 20 night’s Big Sam’s Funky Nations was just that kind of show. Never go into one of their shows expecting a sprint, because you’re in for a funky and energetic marathon. The show also was a homecoming for this season's The Voice contestant Tonya Boyd-Cannon, who opened up the show and later made a special appearance with Big Sam. As of now she’s still in the competition, but the “knock-out” rounds start this week, so we’ll have to wait and see if she made the final cut. Her energy on stage is beyond infectious, and ompletely spilling into the audience. Big Sam couldn’t have had a better opener.
There’s an energy that comes along with a Big Sam’s Funky Nation show that can’t really be put into words. You just have to experience it. Sam’s love of the city was evident all night and was solidified when Tonya came back to the stage to sing a rambunctious cover of Jill Scott’s “Hate on Me.” The set was rounded well with Sam’s originals and his unique takes on some of rocks greatest tunes. “Purple Haze” is always fun to hear, and their encore of “When the Saints Go Marching In” rounded out the marathon.
You can see a full gallery here: http://jalbum.net/a/1606529
