performers

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe From a pressure cooker of rhythm, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe brings forth the most delicious variety of grooves ever sampled by a listener’s feet. Led by Karl Denson, who over the past 15 years  has collaborated with such luminaries as Lenny Kravitz, Fred Wesley and The Greyboy Allstars, the Tiny Universe creates a dynamic sound that defies categorization. The band members, Denson on vocals, tenor and alto sax and flute, guitarist Brian Jordan, bassist Chris Stillwell, keyboard player David Veith, trumpet player Chris Littlefield and drummer John Staten, have earned a reputation as kings of the unstoppable all-night show. www.karldenson.com

Big Sam's Funky Nation Presiding over his Funky Nation is Big Sam, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who blows the funk out of his trombone and refuses to let the audience sit still. Between solos and trombone riffs, Big Sam second-lines (a uniquely New Orleans style of street-dance) and gets the crowd going both in movement and in replies to his call-and-response MC-style. A talented group of jazz-trained musicians makes up the Funky Nation, bringing with them the improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that's the hallmark of big band funk. Theirs, and Big Sam's, exuberant dancing and playing, afford them a rare opportunity to let loose. Big Sam's Funky Nation has undeniable personality, as well as masterful chops! www.bigsamsfunkynation.com

Robert Jospe with John D'earth & Royce Campbell Drummer Robert Jospé, known for his inventive use of rhythmic styles leads an all star band with trumpeter John D'earth, guitarist Royce Campbell and bassist Randall Pharr. Known individually for their many national and international performances and recordings, this sizzling quartet plays a wide variety of funk, latin and swinging instrumental jazz hits and classics.  www.robertjospe.com

DJ Williams Projekt No, he's not a DJ, that is his name! The DJ Williams Projekt, hailing from Richmond, VA, is probably one of the fastest rising bands on the scene right now. When you combine a tight groovin' rhythm section, sweet horn lines, and an amazing guitar player player who plays with honest to God soul, you've got yourself a solid winner when it comes to entertaining a crowd. Complex or simple, Williams's lines become funk chops, picking up speed one minute and slamming a 180 on a dime the next with the "Projekt" backing it up all along and enhancing the ride. The band  is best described as "a soulful ensemble of jazz, on a melodic R&B vibe, laced with a grooved down hip hop back beat."   www.djwilliamsmusic.com

Juggle This! An outrageously good time awaits you at the next Fly by Night show! American comedians Stephen King and Ryan Dekoe of  Boston, Massachusetts have been performing their on-the-edge brand of “Dangerous Comedy” since 1990. This odd and  hilarious duo combine a bizarre mix of stand up comedy,  juggling, sideshow antics, and "other various skills and  proficiencies," into one extremely popular and unforgettable show. www.jugglethis.com