When Sam Williams was in middle school, he joined the school band. He said he didn’t have a preference for what instrument he would play when his teacher, Daryl Dickerson, suggested the trombone.
"That’s where it all began," Williams said. "He was the one that put it in my hands."
At the age of 15, his mom bought him a Dirty Dozen Brass Band album called "Ears to the Wall."
Williams, better known as Big Sam, said that album changed his life.
"I told myself I was going to play with that band," he said, "or have my own group like it one day."
He never looked back.
At the age of 19, Big Sam went on to become a member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band for four years, which allowed him to play with musicians such as Karl Densen and Dave Matthews.
He is now the trombonist and a vocalist for his own band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Traveling from New Orleans, the band will perform Friday at High Dive, located at 210 SW Second Ave.
Tickets are being sold in advance at ticketfly.com for $10 and at the door for $12.
Glory Days Presents is the local live music and promotions company that organizes events at High Dive.
Owner Pat Lavery said High Dive has an extensive track record of bringing top-notch New Orleans talent to Gainesville.
Some of the past performers include Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rebirth Brass Band and Earphunk. Big Sam adds to that, he said.
The New Orleans trombonist referred to the band’s music style as "Noladelic."
He described it as a New Orleans mixture of funk, rock, soul, R&B, hip-hop and jazz.
Lavery chose a local Gainesville band, The Savants of Soul, to open for Big Sam’s Funky Nation.
The Savants of Soul’s lead female vocalist Chelsea Oxendine and drummer Alex Klausner said they believe their 10-man soul band is a well-suited opener for Big Sam’s Funky Nation.
"We’ve got this big horn section," Klausner said, "and I think there’s just going to be a lot of synergy between the two bands."
Big Sam also said he thought the bands would complement each other.
"I’ve been hearing a lot about them since the show was booked, and I’ve checked them up online," Big Sam said. "I can’t wait to hear them live."
The Savants of Soul and Big Sam have both previously performed at High Dive, although this is Big Sam’s first time with this band.
Big Sam said it has been years since his last visit.
The trombonist also added that the band hasn’t been in Florida as much as it should be, but the members plan on returning within the next three to four months.
He wants to get here and give the people what they want, he said.
Big Sam said he loves what he does for a living. He never imagined that music would take him, or anyone, this far.
"To really see what music brings to people is amazing," he said. "It’s a great feeling."
New Orleans-based band Big Sam’s Funky Nation will perform at 9 p.m. on Friday at High Dive, 210 SW Second Ave. Tickets are available at the door for $12.
Local band The Savants of Soul will open for Big Sam’s Funky Nation Friday. Lead singer Chelsea Oxendine said the 10-man soul band is a well-suited opener for the headlining act.
