About

The Mudbug Brass Band was a Los Angeles based, 8-piece Brass ensemble dedicated to the "Second Line" tradition of the Crescent City, drawing from New Orleans traditional Jazz, R&B, Funk & Mardi Gras. In 2011, three Louisiana natives formed this band with the sole purpose of entertaining and inspiring crowds with their musical heritage. During their 10-year run, Los Angeles Magazine hailed them as a "Must-See LA Show” and a "Can't Be Missed" band, while KCBS: Los Angeles highlighted them as “Best of LA” five years in a row. Mudbug was also featured on an episode of “Reno 911” entitled ”TT’s Auntie’s Funeral” which aired on May 4, 2020.

Whether on the stage or in the streets, Mudbug participated in many high-profile events including the wrap party for "The Voice", the reopening of Pauley Pavilion and WACO’s Wearable Art Gala. They appeared on OWN Network, ESPN Sportscenter and VH1’s, Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. The group worked for Hollywood icons like, Gwyneth Paltrow, D.L. Hughley, Vanessa Hudgens, and Tina Knowles-Lawson. Headline performances included the Long Beach Crawfish Festival, Levitt Pavilion's Free Summer Concert Series and Wanderlust Festival on the Santa Monica Pier. The Los Angeles Times featured the band in 2014 when they led the "Walk the Talk" Parade through skid row in Downtown LA.

Mudbug’s first single, “Are you with me,” was self-produced in 2015 as an anthem joining everyone together through social awareness. It received radio airplay on 22 FM stations across the US and digital airplay on Music Choice in New York City. Other original singles, like "Slick and Sleazy," and “My People” explored the group’s New Orleans roots incorporating an authentic Second Line vibe. My People” was defined as "Soulful Boogie" by No Depression Journal of Music. The group also received high praise on a collaboration with Reverend Shawn Amos entitled “Keep the Faith, Have Some Fun,” reaching No.6 on the Roots Music Report for the week of July 18, 2020. Folk and Tumble described it as an “earworm song drenched in fat-sounding horns.”

The Mudbug Brass Band was proud to have followed in the footsteps of New Orleans musicians by spending their Sunday afternoons playing residencies at restaurants and their Friday nights playing Taverns and Saloons. They supported causes for the Motion Picture Television Fund, Champion for Children's Benefit and Hollywood Community Housing as well as corporations like YouTube, Google, Sprint and Sierra Nevada. With over 300 appearances, The Mudbug Brass Band was an institution delivering a taste of New Orleans to Southern California playing their last show on May 8th, 2020 and disbanding a year later.

Band

Jamelle Adisa - Trumpet / Vocals

Mike Cottone - Trumpet

Dan Weinstein - Trombone / Vocals

Matthew DeMerritt - Sax

Johann Stein - Banjo / Guitar / Vocals

Marc Bolin - Sousaphone

John Montgomery - Snare

Tim Ganard - Bass Drum

Services

Festivals
Nightclubs
Parties
Second Line Parades
Television
Film
Corporate Events
Premier Parties
Workshops
Fundraisers
Weddings
Grand Openings
Bar Mitzvahs
Funerals

Photo by Hojoon Kim

"Must-See LA Show"
Los Angeles Magazine


"Best of LA"
KCBS : Los Angeles
 

“SECOND LINE PARTY PURVEYORS”
PASADENA WEEKLY

 Press

During its six-season-and-a-movie Comedy Central run, “Reno 911” was always always known for off-the-cuff comedic riffs, and its new season on Quibi is no exception. But, bringing the law enforcement comedy back more than a decade after originally signing off, and on a digital platform, has allowed the show to take its humor to new, more polished heights. In the third episode of the revival, “T.T.’s Auntie’s Funeral,” the show pays homage to “1917” with a tracking oner that follows the members of the Reno sheriff’s department, the Mudbug Brass Band and mourners as they carry a casket out of a funeral home, through road blocks, sprinklers and a construction explosion, to the cemetery.

Variety
Danlelle Turchiano
July 9, 2020

Quibi Network
RENO 911: “T.T.’s Auntie’s Funeral”
May 4, 2020

'Blue Sky', the debut release from Reverend Shawn Amos and the Brotherhood is an enjoyable bluesy romp. The fun-filled ‘Keep The Faith, Have Some Fun’ closes the record on a high note. Drenched in fat-sounding horns courtesy of The Mudbug Brass Band, it is one of those earworm songs you find yourself repeatedly singing on the way home after a show.

Folk/Tumble
Gerry McNally
April 17, 2020

Roots Music Report
Top 50 California Song Chart (No.6)
July 18, 2020

“Spread a little joy to everyone”: That’s the refrain of the last track on Blue Sky, a collaborative effort between the Reverend Shawn Amos and the Mudbug Brass Band called “Keep the Faith, Have Some Fun.” This message of joy and togetherness might as well be the motto of the Reverend’s whole record.

No Depression: Journal of Roots Music
Carena Liptak
April 16, 2020

The Reverend Shawn Amos has had a varied career, so it makes sense that B
lue Sky, the debut album from his new band, is just as diverse. The album’s biggest surprise is also my favorite track. “Keep The Faith, Have Some Fun” is a brass jazz tune featuring Mudbug Brass Band. Amos gives one of the album’s more soulful vocal performances, appearing to delight in the call and response of the vocals as well as the swell of sound generated by the Mudbugs. It sounds like the Dirty Dozen Brass Band in their prime and while it might seem like a random detour, it actually fits in with the overall vibe of the album.

AmericanBluesScene.com
Steven Ovadia
April 13, 2020

The Rev. Shawn Amos’ latest full-length studio recording Blue Sky is another strong new offering from the veteran singer-songwriter. The album’s celebratory finale, ‘Keep The Faith, Have Some Fun (ft. Mudbug Brass Band)’ is a full-on funky Dixieland opus complete with horns and percussion that would be a perfect fit at any Mardi Gras parade. The groove created by all involved is so infectious that it becomes the perfect closer for the album and in general, one of the album’s strongest entries, if not its strongest.

PhilsPicks.wordpress.com
PhilsPicks
April 13, 2020

Kenny Lattimore and Judge Faith Jenkins' fairiytale wedding had a New Orleans-inspired reception that paid tribute to the bride's Louisiana roots: Live performance by The Mudbug Brass Band.

Essence
Jasmine Grant
April 8, 2020

Jazz Fest returned to Fontana, CA. with lively colors and bluesy music emanating from Miller Park on February 22, 2020. Here, Trumpet player and vocalist Jamelle Adisa belts out a tune with The Mudbug Brass Band as the audience swayed their heads and finger snapped to the New Orleans rooted band.

San Bernardino Sun
Brian Whitehead
February 22, 2020

In July, Concern Foundation for cancer research produced it’s 45th Annual Block Party on the backlot of Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The Best of LA® on Los Angeles magazine’s street had attendees dancing to live music by The Mudbug Brass Band presented by The Broad Stage.

Los Angeles Magazine
Best of LA
July 13, 2019

Roots Music Report
Top 50 Acoustic Blues Song Chart (No.10)
June 29, 2019

The 3rd Annual Wearable Art Gala was held at Santa Monica’s Historic Landmark Barker Hangar, on Saturday, June 1st, 2019. Presented by WACO (Where Art Can Occur) Theater Center’s, Art Director Richard Lawson, president and Tina Knowles-Lawson, vice president, the night began with a star-studded red carpet entrance with Pan-Africanism sprinkled throughout. Attendees mingled in the AT&T ‘Dream in Black’ lounge while sounds of creole and hip-hop music was performed by The Mudbug Brass Band.

Los Angeles Sentinel
Kristina Dixon
June 6, 2019

Los Angeles magazine’s 13th annual extravaganza celebrated L.A.’s robust culinary scene. Nearly 3,000 guests gathered at the scenic Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu to indulge in delectable tastings from over 35 of L.A.’s top restaurants and New Orleans jazz tunes played by The Mudbug Brass Band presented by The Broad Stage.

Los Angeles Magazine
The Food Event 2018
October 21, 2018

Actor Jeff Goldblum with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, Dustbowl Revival and The Mudbug Brass Band are converging with many others to celebrate the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s centennial season. The event, formed from a partnership between CicLAvia, Community Arts Resources and the LA Phil, clears the roads of cars for a free eight-mile long party stretching from downtown’s Walt Disney Concert Hall to the Hollywood Bowl.

Park LaBrea News
Maura Turcotte
September 26, 2018

VH1
Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party: “Let’s Bayou Dinner”
August 29, 2018

Attendees of the Wearable Art Gala were honoring Beyoncé and her mother-in-law Gloria Carter for their humanitarian work and donated via an art auction to the Where Art Can Occur (WACO) Theater Center in North Hollywood — founded by Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles-Lawson and Richard Lawson…It was truly a family affair. Zebra-print rugs decorated the wood floor, while glamorous chandeliers hung above. Guests were entertained by an aerial silk dancer, the upbeat Mudbug Brass Band and a person on stilts in a lion costume.

Hollywood Reporter
Lindsay Weinberg
March 19, 2018

 

With the arrival of spring, it's time to shelve the chilly, moody soundtracks of winter and celebrate the return of sunshine. As if fulfilling public requests, the Mudbug Brass Band have released a kicking, sweltering single in "My People," the kind of soulful boogie that will inspire shirts to be tossed off and beer cans opened. Those who miss the Red Hot Chili Peppers before they became too serious will find much to savor here as the Mudbug Brass Band generate a similar kind of heat albeit less sexual and more loving, echoing the uplifting vibe of Bob Marley and Sly and the Family Stone.

The Mudbug Brass Band are decidedly retro; "My People" jumps with the invigorating energy of '70s soul. The urgent, sweaty bass lines and funky riffs smoke the dance floor. With so much racial division and political unrest throughout the world, the group decides to throw a party of unification; bless their hearts for that. With an electrifying horn section that recalls the Tower of Power, the Mudbug Brass Band stitches together its jazz and vintage R&B influences for a crackling good time that demands repeated spins.

No Depression: Journal of Roots Music
Stacey Zering
March 18, 2018

L.A. favorite, The Mudbug Brass Band, takes over the halls of Union Station to celebrate Fat Tuesday with a traditional Second Line Procession starting at the station’s East Portal. The 8-piece New Orleans jazz band will make their way to the Grand Waiting Room in this free performance event.

KCBS: Los Angeles
Best of: LA
Week of February 12, 2018

Laissez les bon temps rouler! New Orleans comes to L.A. for a family-centric Mardi Gras celebration at Runway Playa Vista with the eight-piece Mudbug Brass Band!

89.3 KPCC
"Family Pick!"
February 8, 2018

With the new uplifting single, "My People," the L.A.-based Mudbug Brass Band unpack the spirit of New Orleans in Southern California. Brewing an exhilarating blend of '70s funk, soul, and jazz, the Mudbug Brass Band have the instrumental chops and infectious songwriting to be the next Red Hot Chili Peppers, one powered with killer horns.

No Depression: Journal of Roots Music
Stacey Zering
January 27, 2018

We've officially found the most entertaining wedding ever. Hands down. The Mudbug Brass Band, stilt walkers, a magician, and a cigar roller all made an appearance at this insanely gorgeous and spectacular wedding, brought to life by COJ Events. After a non-traditional ceremony that included all 250 guests forming a large circle around the couple, The Mudbug Brass band led the guests from the ceremony to cocktails.

Yahoo! Lifestyle
Christine Diaz
September 21, 2017

The Mudbug Brass Band gets the good times rolling in L.A., bringing the second-line sound of the Big Easy to this free outdoor concert at Levitt Pavilion. Formed by a trio of Crescent City natives, this eight-piece L.A.-based ensemble melds traditional jazz, funk, R&B and Mardi Gras music into a spicy New Orleans mix, with a side of social awareness. Their latest single, "My People," follows up on their community anthem "Are You With Me?" song and video. This popular group has also appeared at celebrations and festivals all over the Southland, including the Long Beach Crawfish Festival and at the wrap party for The Voice.

Goldstar
August, 2017



Los Angeles’ favorite Mardi Gras celebration is back again for their 28th straight year! The world-famous Farmers Market is pulling out all the stops in its quest to put on one of the largest Mardi Gras festivals in the L.A. region. In a three-day, family-friendly celebration, revelers will be treated to live music, arts and crafts, roving New Orleans-style bands and some of the best selections of gut-filling meals west of the muddy Mississippi. The event will also feature the finest New Orleans and Zydeco music, a strolling parade with The Mudbug Brass Band, as well as activities for kids, bead-throwing, and much more!

KCBS: Los Angeles
Best of: LA
Week of February 26, 2017

The fun doesn’t stop on Repeal Day at Del Monte's Speakeasy until after the Mudbug Brass Band's Procession at Midnight!

KCBS: Los Angeles
Best of: LA
Week of December 1, 2016

November 28, 2016, marked fifty years since the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened its gates in Griffith Park.  The party was on! The”ZooLAbration” wouldn’t start until ten that morning, but we’ve never had more fun standing in line. Topnotch musicians, The Mudbug Brass Band struck up an uptempo Dixieland selection demonstrating their expertise on songs like “Sweet Georgia Brown”.

TwoMaverix.com
Dot Cannon
November 29, 2016

Love The Mudbug Brass Band!

Vanessa Hudgens
Actress / Singer
October 31, 2016

The Mudbug Brass Band gave our office a proper New Orleans sound for a New Orleans guy on the occasion of his 50th trip around the sun. This band was legit!

ESPN Sportscenter Los Angeles
Kenny Mayne
August 9, 2016

The Mudbugs were fantastic!

ESPN Sportscenter Los Angeles
Stan Verrett
August 9, 2016

With plenty of spots in throughout town offering a taste of New Orleans, Angelenos were not without options to celebrate Mardi Gras. Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood was no exception. Aside from their exceptional cocktail offerings, Sassafras went the extra mile and had a tap-takeover by Louisiana's Abita Brewing Company, a crawfish boil (!), live music from the Mudbug Brass Band, and topped it all off with burlesque dancers.

LAist
Carmen Tse
February 10, 2016

 Hundreds of spirited revelers converged on Danny’s  for the annual Venice Mardi Gras Parade after party on Feb. 6, 2016.  The band was jamming’, drinks were flown’ and the Venice Paparazzi photo booth was rocking’, capturing all the Venetians in their costumed best.  It was a party among parties, and surely an event not to be missed. Thank you to Miss Jessica, the Gumbo Brothers, Venice Mardi Gras Krewe, The Mudbug Brass Band.

Venice Paparazzi.com
February 9, 2016

Pasadena will be transformed into a melodic wonderland for the 8th annual Make Music Pasadena Festival on Saturday, June 6, 2015. This year’s lineup is stellar and features more than 150 bands! One of five that can’t be missed is The Mudbug Brass Band: This octet makes spicy music with a funky sousaphone, skronking trombone, and twangy banjo.

Los Angeles Magazine
Drew Tewksbury
June 4, 2015

The 8th Make Music Pasadena festival takes over stages and nontraditional venues across Pasadena this Saturday June 6th 2015 with the New Orleans Second line party purveyors, Mudbug Brass Band hitting the Levitt Pavilion stage at 4:00pm.

Pasadena Weekly
Bliss
June 4, 2015

In addition to our list of great Mardi Gras events in Los Angeles, head to Union Station for a special free jazz concert (part of the Metro Presents Series) by Louisiana-rooted & L.A. based band "The Mudbug Brass Band."

KCBS: Los Angeles
Best of: LA
Week of February 16, 2015
 

Fat Tuesday is upon us and, in keeping with the recent spate of Big Easy-inspired restaurants in Downtown LA, Union Station is hosting The Mudbug Brass Band. This eight piece ensemble will thrill rush-hour commuters and the otherwise jazz curious...No one will be throwing beads and people won't carouse through the concourse with Hurricanes in hand, but they will still enjoy the Mudbug's brassy celebrations of this mortal coil.

LA Downtown News
"The Don't Miss List"
February 16, 2015
 

At Tastemade Studios in Santa Monica, their Mardi Gras event was packed with people, hopping to festive music, provided by Mudbug Brass Band.

The Offalo
Wholestic Eater
February 16, 2015
 

"The Mudbug Brass Band will lead a Bourbon Street-worthy dance procession for about a mile as the 14th annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade hits the boardwalk."

The Argonaut
Shanee Edwards
February 11, 2015
 

The Mardi Gras bash being thrown by Tastemade, a video network who raised $25 million in funding last year, seems like a great way to spend part of their marketing budget. Dishes will include Orleans & York, Gumbo Mumbo, Little Jewel's, Jambalaya, and Uncle Darrow’s Mardi Gras pasta, which partygoers can pair with Stillhouse Moonshine Hurricanes or Groundwork Coffee’s cold-brew Sazeracs while grooving to tunes from the Mudbug Brass Band. 

Los Angeles Magazine
Andy Wang
February 4, 2015

So you want to experience the jazz and funk of a traditional Mardi Gras but you can’t get out of Los Angeles. Not to worry — Metro Presents is bringing Mardi Gras to you! Swing by Union Station on Tuesday, Feb. 17 to check out the Mudbug Brass Band, a Louisiana-rooted but Los Angeles based 8-piece New Orleans Jazz band dedicated to the Second Line tradition.

The Source
Anna Chen
February 4, 2015

 

The Mudbugs brought a piece of New Orleans to the Central Coast! It was very important to us to have some of my husband's Cajun heritage in our wedding and the Mudbugs were exactly what we were looking for! They led our Second Line, which was one of the most memorable elements of our wedding...our guests loved it!

Carats and Cake
Emily & Matthew
August 30, 2014
 

"The parade had the feeling of a royal procession as the joyous rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In" was played by The Mudbug Brass Band."

KCET
Lisa Locascio
May 28, 2014

 "The Mudbug Brass Band blew "Sweet Georgia Brown" as they led the Walk the Talk parade participants from Gladys Park northwest to 5th and Main street."

Los Angeles Times
Gale Holland
May 25, 2014

This weeks must-see LA shows include The Mudbug Brass Band at Union Station's 75th Anniversary celebration!

Los Angeles Magazine
Raquel Pena
April 29, 2014

"Party like it's 1939: L.A.'s Union Station, turning 75, plans fun that includes The Mudbug Brass Band!"

Los Angeles Times
Christopher Reynolds
April 24, 2014

"If you get a chance to see the Mudbug Brass Band, seize it with both hands!"

Hugh Laurie
Actor / Musician
February 23, 2014

"The Mudbug Brass Band led the 12th Annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 9, 2013!"

Venice Paparazzi.com
February 14, 2013

"The Foundry on Melrose in West Hollywood has one of the most festive patio atmospheres around! Sure, summer may be running out, but there are plenty of "Mudbugs" left to be found."

Los Angeles Times
Chris Erskine
August 4, 2012


"I'm at The Foundry & Angelinos are moving to music! Go Mudbug Brass Band!"

Liz Rizzo, Director
July 15, 2012


"The Mudbug Brass Band gives an Authentic Vibe to the Crawfish Boil at The Foundry on Melrose."

E *Star LA
Roy Choi
July 13, 2012

"The Mudbug Brass Band led the 2nd Annual Second Line at Bixby Knolls First Friday Mardi Gras Celebration"

Bixby Knolls First Fridays
February 3, 2012

"The Mudbug Brass Band led the inaugural Second Line at Bixby Knolls First Friday Mardi Gras Celebration"

Bixby Knolls First Fridays
March 4, 2011