Uncle Shoehorn's Big Easy a Tribute to New Orleans Heritage Music

Tribute to New Orleans Heritage Music

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The Big Easy Experience

Uncle Shoehorn’s Big Easy brings the magic of New Orleans to life. For 25 years Uncle Shoehorn has paid homage to the indelible mark made by New Orleans heritage music, boosting any and all material that is heavy on the “groove”.

A Big Easy show delivers infectious and irresistible grooves from New Orleans legends like:

The Meters
Neville Brothers
Dr. John
Trombone Shorty
Galactic
Professor Longhair
Pres. Hall Jazz
Dirty Dozen Brass
Fats Domino
Rebirth Brass Band
Allen Toussaint
and many more!

Uncle Shoehorn also proudly BOOSTS grooves from other sources – wherever the groove is strong. This includes:

Soul and R&B Classics

from artists like James Brown, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, The Commodores, Billy Preston, Sam & Dave, Sly & The Family Stone, Etta James, the “Blue Eyed Soul” of Van Morrison, and many others.

Roots, Rock, Rhythm & Blues

from artists like BB King, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Little Walter, Lowell George, Ry Cooder, Delbert McClinton, Butterfield Blues Band, Big Bill Broonzy, Chuck Berry and many others.

Big Easy Style “Voodoo’ed Dead”

The only band to have created funky-fried horn arrangements for several sets worth of Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band material, bringing a GROOVE-INFUSED twist to make the Deadheads shake their bones! Big Easy “Dead” Parties always fill the room with happy hippie heads!

What the People Say

Reviews & Testimonials

During 50 years as a full-time musician, I have seen it all. The great ones, the lucky ones, the gimmicky ones, the posers, the frauds and the truly talented. In the end, one thing separates the real pros from those just going through the motions on stage: AUTHENTICITY. It’s the highest compliment I can bestow on my peers because, whereas taste in music is subjective, authenticity is not. To get up on stage as a front man, like Tony Vee does, and assemble a band of superlative, adroit, and like-minded musicians is hard enough. To make it gel and at the same time make it seriously musical, without leaving out the fun (or the funk) is something that few bands can pull off. See this powerhouse of a band for yourself. Go for the show, stay for the party. Authentically fun!

Jonny Rosch

Original Blues Brothers Band | Bo Diddley | Joe Walsh

What’s in a name? When I first heard of this band named “Uncle Shoehorn”, I didn’t know what to expect! But when I heard hundreds of people raving about them, I had to hear them for myself and managed to make it to one of their performances. A band with a full horn section and I could tell by looking at them, they were the real deal – especially as they launched into their first number. I have to admit, as a person who’s worked with the biggest names in the music business, these guys were right there! NOLA Funk & Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Classic Soul, all with “A-1” vocals – they’re the real deal. Take it from me, “Uncle Shoehorn” will be a name that’ll roll off your tongue like the Beatles or any other name that catches attention. If you get the chance to see them, don’t miss the opportunity. You’ll thank me!

Don Oriolo

Gold Record Music Producer, Felix the Cat Artist, Owner of Blue Arrow Farm

Uncle Shoehorn’s Big Easy and the New Yorleans Horns always brings enormous energy and a crowd to match. Great selection of material from all the favorites of New Orleans rich tapestry of musical culture. Never an empty seat when they bring their party to the Cove Castle and I highly recommend them to any venue that wants to draw out the strong constituency of music fans who love the New Orleans sound.

Bobby Pereira

Owner of Cove Castle on Greenwood Lake

Uncle Shoehorn’s Big Easy with its full band including a 4-piece horn section is led by the incomparable Tony Vee who blends his funky New Orleans sound into traditional Grateful Dead yielding a unique and enjoyable take on the music.

The Rockland News

Newspaper Serving Rockland County NY and Surrounding Areas

2026 Festival Appearances

Dancin’ In the Streets at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

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Rochester Fringe Festival – Sept. 18, 19, 20

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Uncle Shoehorn Another World Festival 2026

Another World Music Festival – Sept. 11, 12, 13

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Where the Good Times Roll Next

Join the Groove Krewe at these Upcoming Events

May2

Dancin’ In the Streets Festival – Nyack NY

Our first time performing at this Dead & Jerry-themed street festival hosted by the kind folks at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar in Nyack, NY. Shoehorn’s Funky DEAD Party, as well as Dead Meat, Mashed S’Buds and more!

4PM – 10PM | Free Event

EVENT INFO

May15

Uncle Shoehorn’s Grateful Dead Invitational Jam – Guest: David Krumholtz

Actor, musician, David Krumholtz joins the boys on percussion and vocals. Come hang, the rollup doors will likely be open and Orange County’s FAVORITE Dead Nite will spill out onto the decks!

Doors at 6:30PM
Tickets $10 presale or $15 at the gate

See Event – Get Tix

Jun12

Uncle Shoehorn’s Beach Party at Crystal Lake

Thrilled to be returning to one of our favorite spots for a Shoehorn Party – the lovely Crystal Lake Beach in Oakland, NJ. Pack a cooler, grab a chair, put some flowers in your hair. Ticket link to be activated soon as they go on sale. A great way to spend an early summer Friday evening. Toes in the sand. Bring pic-nic and your favorite bevvies and come party with Uncle Shoehorn.

Gates at 6PM

EVENT DETAILS & TICKETS

Jul18

Uncle Shoehorn at Fence Road Brewery in Warwick, NY

Charlie Holmgren’s new and TRULY AMAZING Fence Road Brewery is already a raging success. Absolutely gorgeous facility, delicious menu, full bar and of course, Charlie’s amazing craft brews. Come check out Warwick’s coolest new place to hang. Plenty of room indoors and out. NO COVER!

EVENT INFO

Aug8

Shoehorn’s First Annual Clam Bake at Trail’s End Tap House

Join the boys for a good old fashioned clam bake, SHOEHORN style. Hosted at drummer Warren’s Trail’s End Tap House in Greenwood Lake, NY, this event will feature a DELICIOUS clambake dinner prepared by Tony Vee himself. Beer, Wine, Cocktails and two sets of Uncle Shoehorn’s Big Easy which goes really well with seafood!

EVENT INFO AND TICKETS

Aug29

Warwick Valley Winery’s Dead Fest 2026

After a two-year hiatus, Uncle Shoehorn’s Big Easy returns to the storied Warwick Valley Winery for Dead Fest, an event the band had a hand in originating more than a decade ago. We’ll be breaking out some fresh Funky DEAD Party materials in honor of our return. Saturday, Aug 29

Tickets and Lineup TBD

Sep5

Uncle Shoehorn’s Corn Fest VII on Wright Family Farm

Back for a SEVENTH year, enjoy a perfect late summer day on the fabulous Wright Family Farm. Food, drink, live music and all the farm family fun. Corn Maze, Candy Cannon, Pedalcar Racetrack, Cow Train Rides, artisan vendors and so much more.

Tickets and lineup TBA

Sep11

Another World Music Festival

3 Days • 30 Bands • 3 Stages on the pastoral Winkelblech Farm in central Pennsylvania. Allow yourself to be transported into another dimension where peace and love will surround you and the wonderful music will lift you up and fill your heart with joy! Comfortable camping, vendors, and a night sky bristling with stars!

MORE INFO & TICKETS

Sep18

Rochester Fringe Festival – 3 Shows

Ya boys’ll be appearing at the largest, most successful multidisciplinary performing arts festival in New York State, and one of the region’s most anticipated festivals each year. From Friday 9/18 thru Sunday 9/20. Three shows at the Biltmore Lounge – one of dozens of festival venues in the city.

EVENT INFO AND TICKETS