When you introduce a new festival in Shreveport-Bossier, you have to do it big and the Louisiana Film Prize is doing just that with their kickoff event this weekend.
The film festival will celebrate its debut with a street party, 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 5 at 700 Texas St. in downtown Shreveport featuring internationally-renowned New Orleans band Big Sam’s Funky Nation.
And if you know about New Orleans funk, you already know you’re in for a treat.
The band’s frontman, Sam Williams, made a name for himself on the music scene as a member of the legendary Dirty Dozen and Soul Rebels brass bands before stepping out to form his own band.
Since then, he’s been racking up awards and fans everywhere with his call-and-response MC-style of funk and high energy delivery heard on crowd favorites like “Big Ole Booty” and “See Me Dance.” Williams has also been featured as a recurring guest star on HBO’s hit, New Orleans-based series Treme.
The street party is free and will also feature local band Engine. The Louisiana Film Prize Festival, set for Oct. 5-7, will showcase the works of 20 filmmakers, all chosen as finalists to compete for a $50,000 grand prize.
Get a preview of what a Big Sam’s Funky Nation show is all about in this live performance of “See Me Dance.”
