Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm CDT
Known for a boisterous blend of funk, jazz, rock, and hip-hop, nothing short of seismic live “experiences,” and a whole lot of Southern charm, Big Sam’s Funky Nation might very well be The Big Easy’s best kept secret.
No other place could birth such an undeniable, unpredictable, and downright unique collective.
“By playing on these streets, you learn how to work your craft and entertain an audience,” exclaims Sam. “You can go to Julliard and Berklee all you want, but they won’t teach you how to rock a stage. It comes naturally in New Orleans. I’ve been here my whole life and rocking these streets. Even during Hurricane Katrina, I drove nine hours from San Antonio every weekend for two years just to play live. The sound out here is unlike anything else in the world. It’s not just a figure of speech—there’s music going all night, literally.”
Zahria is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and she is now based in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has immersed herself in the rich culture and musical heritage of the city and is excited about the future of its musical climate and how she will take part in that story.
Zahria graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Music Industries. At Loyola, she participated in the Jazz Band, Contemporary Ensemble, and Concert Band. She has performed at major events and festivals such as New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the National Fried Chicken Festival, Gentilly Fest and performs a weekly residency at the Jazz Playhouse with a local band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation.
Zahria founded The Zahria Sims Collective in 2019, an ensemble that focuses on Black American Music, which incorporates aspects traditionally associated with Jazz, Funk, Soul, and R&B. They play regularly in the Greater New Orleans area and are preparing to release their debut album. Sims leads her band while recording and performing with various bands as a freelance saxophonist throughout New Orleans and surrounding areas.
Zahria has opened up for artists such as Kenny Garrett, Arturo Sandaval, and has performed and been mentored by artists like Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson, and Emmy and Grammy award-winner Michael Esneault and performed with the likes of Matt Wilson, Camille Thurman, Tia Fuller, Quiana Lynell and many more. Zahria was selected and performed as a member of the 2020 JEN Conference “Sisters in Jazz” Collegiate Combo, under the leadership of Tia Fuller. Sims recently completed a 10-day tour in Israel which she considered an impromptu blessing and an opportunity of lifetime.
Sims serves as an assistant instructor at the Birch Creek Performing Arts Center in Door County, Wisconsin for their Jazz Summer Workshop. As an artist, performer, composer, educator, and band leader, Zahria is fulfilling her dream and purpose spreading joy, love, and peace through music.
PLEASE NOTE you do not need to print your ticket(s). Your order can be scanned from a mobile device or found via will call at the front door.
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· Ages 18 and Up
· Must have valid Government-Issued ID -OR- Passport to enter
· All patrons are encouraged to stay up to date on current public health recommendations and be respectful of other attendees around them
· Tipitina's reserves the right to enforce any health policy standard as required or recommended by local/state guidelines, including refusal of entry to-, or removal of-, offending audience member(s) from the venue at any time
· No professional cameras or rigs (cameras with removable lenses)
· Purchaser must be present (with valid photo ID -OR- Passport) to claim Will Call Tickets -or- eTickets
· Online ticket sales will cease when doors open
· All sales are final
· Questions? Contact info@tipitinas.com
**Tipitina's Box Office is open Monday-Friday 10:00am-4:00pm**