Epic Funk Brass Band closes out spring concert series on May 24
By Sherry Lucas
Special to The Clinton Courier
The high-energy, sassy brass sounds of the Epic Funk Brass Band will bring a lively beat to the stage at Lions Club Park in the final concert of the 2025 Spring Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24. The concert is free.
The Epic Funk Brass Band channels the infectious rhythm and vibrant joy of New Orleans’ second-line music, adding a contemporary funk twist and their own Mississippi stamp. With two tubas, bass drummer, snare drummer, three trombones, two trumpets and a tenor sax, they come to play with fun music that’ll boost spirits and bring smiles.
Founding member Eddie Newton (snare drum) recalled the initial idea for a Jackson-based band.
“It started off as a community marching band, but we never got enough people to get it going,” he said. So, the thinking turned toward a New Orleans-style brass band, gradually growing through outreach to drum up interest. Experimentation and the right collection of musicians resulted in a good mix that caught on. They’ve entertained audiences since 2016.
They draw inspiration from iconic brass bands such as Rebirth Jazz Band, Hot 8 Brass Band, New Breed Brass Band and more.
It’s the kind of music meant for people to get up and move along to, but Newton urges folks to get out of the mindset that second line bands are only for second line processions. The concert setting suits them well, too, and the party spirit perks up any occasion.
When it comes to singing, Epic Funk’s style is more chants than singing. Expect R&B songs and pop tunes to fold into the playlist, such as Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step I Take.”
“We do songs like that, but we do it with a second line feel,” he said.
“Don’t think of us just as New Orleans-style. Of course, it’s second line, but it doesn’t always have to be New Orleans or Mardi Gras-themed.…We do that, we do a lot of it, but we’re from Mississippi. We really want to create our own thing,” Newton said, as the band readies for collaborations with Southern soul and blues artists, to create something new. “We’re hoping that will kick off to something everybody loves.”
Listen up for their singles “Box Truck” and “Twisted Healing.” Epic Funk Brass Band was set to head into the studio earlier this month with blues artist Mr. Sipp to record a single and are on track to record an album of six or seven songs at the end of May.
Catch them live at Lions Club Park, though, to feel the full magic of brass plus drums and the kick that brings.
