“From the Streets of New Orleans to the Heart of Texas.”
About The Band
The Big Easy Brass Band
Founded in 2019 by the late Duane "Mudd Nelson and Lawrence "Ton" Colar, The Big Easy Brass Band was born from a shared passion for preserving and promoting the vibrant culture of traditional New Orleans second line music. Rooted in the soulful rhythms and jubilant spirit of the Crescent City, the band carries forward the legacy of the brass band tradition while infusing it with fresh energy and modern flair.
With every performance, The Big Easy Brass Band celebrates the heartbeat of New Orleans—where every note tells a story, every rhythm moves the crowd, and every parade keeps the culture alive. Whether leading a second line through the streets or lighting up a festival stage, the band remains dedicated to honoring the past while inspiring the next generation to keep the music marching on.
In the press
Fox 4 News, WFAA 8, Texas Metro News
The Big Easy Brass Band
The infectious energy and cultural authenticity of The Big Easy Brass Band have captured the attention of audiences and media alike. The band’s dedication to preserving New Orleans’ second line tradition—while spreading joy across North Texas—has earned them recognition from several major outlets:
• FOX 4 News (Dallas, TX) – Featured for their vibrant performances and cultural impact in the DFW community.
• WFAA Channel 8 (Dallas, TX) – Spotlighted for bringing the sounds and spirit of New Orleans to Texas audiences.
• Texas Metro News (Dallas, TX) – Spotlighted for welcoming the Mardi Gras social and and pleasure club of Zulu Queen when visiting Dallas Texas.
• Adeebo Productions Podcast – In-depth feature interview highlighting the band’s origins, influences, and ongoing mission to keep the culture alive.
From local stages to television screens, The Big Easy Brass Band continues to build a growing platform that celebrates unity, rhythm, and the rich legacy of New Orleans brass music.
Notable Performances
The Big Easy Brass Band
• State Fair of Texas – Dallas, TX
• Riverfront Jazz Festival – Dallas, TX
• AT&T Brass and Jazz in the Park – Dallas, TX
• Krewe of Barkus Parade – McKinney, TX
• Raising Cane’s Corporate Event – Plano, TX
• Revelers Mardi Gras Block Party – Dallas, TX
• The Villages Mardi Gras on Main Street – Dallas, TX
Cultural Collaborations , Private & Special Events
The Big Easy Brass Band
The band has proudly partnered with the Cultural Arts Departments of Dallas, Coppell, Garland and McKinney, enriching communities through performances, parades, and educational outreach celebrating the living tradition of New Orleans music.
From weddings, birthday celebrations, and corporate parties to funeral processions and community parades, The Big Easy Brass Band brings authentic spirit, joy, and connection to every occasion.
Enjoy some of our performances
We Love Reviews
This video highlights some of our clients testimonials.
Meet The Band
Duane "Mudd" Nelson
Founder/Tuba
A proud native of New Orleans, Duane “Mudd” Nelson is the heartbeat behind The Big Easy Brass Band. A graduate of John F. Kennedy Sr. High School and the University of New Orleans, Mudd began his musical journey on baritone horn before mastering trombone with the Unfaded Brass Band. In 2019, he founded The Big Easy Brass Band and embraced the tuba—bringing depth and drive to the group’s sound. Mudd’s devotion to composing, arranging, and preserving second line tradition makes him the soul of the band. To know Mudd is to love Mudd—his humor and spirit keep the music flowing and the culture alive.
Lawrence "Ton" Colar
Co-Founder/Percussion
Born and raised in New Orleans, Lawrence “Ton” Colar is steeped in the legendary Batiste family’s musical tradition. Introduced to rhythm at just six years old with his first snare drum from his uncle, Lionel Batiste, Ton carries the second line legacy with pride. As co-founder and percussionist of The Big Easy Brass Band, he brings energy, authenticity, and deep cultural roots to every performance. His mission is simple but powerful: to keep the culture alive and feed souls with good music.
Roderick "HotRod" Yarbrough
Trumpet/ Vocals
A dynamic trumpeter and vocalist from Dallas, Texas, Roderick “HotRod” Yarbrough brings fire and flair to the front line. A graduate of Carter High School and former drum major for the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul (’06–’08), HotRod channels his marching band experience into every performance. His vibrant stage presence and commanding horn work give The Big Easy Brass Band its unmistakable spark.
David Seip
Tuba
Originally from Anoka, Minnesota, Dave Seip discovered his true musical home in the sounds of New Orleans brass band music. A world champion in drum corps and a Wichita State University music performance graduate, Dave has spent decades mastering the tuba and sharing his love of second line culture. His musicianship and camaraderie have become an essential part of The Big Easy Brass Band family, where joy and connection drive every note.
Cecil Neal
Trombone
Cecil Neal—known as the heart and soul of the trombone—is a seasoned performer and educator from Dallas, Texas. A Grambling State University alumnus, Cecil’s smooth and soulful style reflects over three decades of musical excellence. As both a performer and a teacher, he embodies the essence of the second line tradition: community, rhythm, and passion. His trombone brings power, warmth, and joy to The Big Easy Brass Band sound.
Brandon Hamilton
Trumpet
From Shreveport, Louisiana, Brandon Hamilton is an accomplished musician and devoted educator with over 23 years of experience inspiring young artists. A proud graduate of Grambling State University and former member of its world-renowned Tiger Marching Band, Brandon’s musical leadership and technical skill help elevate The Big Easy Brass Band to new heights.
David Smith
Trombone
Born in Opelousas, Louisiana, David Smith studied music at Southern University, where his love for brass and groove deepened. Guided by faith, family, and a lifelong passion for music, David brings heartfelt energy and precision to every performance with The Big Easy Brass Band.
S-Ankh Rasa
Saxophone/ Percussion/Composer
A true musical prodigy, S-Ankh Rasa began his formal training at UC Berkeley at age 12 and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music at 15. By 16, he was performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival alongside legends like Dizzy Gillespie and the Modern Jazz Quartet. Over his storied career, S-Ankh has collaborated with icons such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, and Earth, Wind & Fire. His global experience, deep African percussion roots, and compositional mastery add a world-class dimension to The Big Easy Brass Band’s sound.
Jamada Holoman
Saxophone
Dallas-based saxophonist Jamada Holoman infuses The Big Easy Brass Band with soulful melodies and smooth improvisation. His tone bridges the worlds of jazz, funk, and New Orleans street music, bringing color and groove to every performance.
Joshua James
Trombone/Percussion
A proud son of New Orleans, Joshua James carries the rhythmic heartbeat of the city in his playing. Whether on percussion or trombone, he brings raw energy and authenticity to The Big Easy Brass Band’s second line tradition.
D'Andelo "Dlo" Tyler
Percussion
Hailing from New Orleans, D’Angelo Tyler delivers the infectious rhythms that drive the band’s unmistakable groove. His deep understanding of second line percussion makes him an integral part of the band’s pulse—keeping audiences moving wherever the music goes.