Publicity photo of The Big Easy Live members of the band from right to left drummer Richard Henshaw, bassist Nat Theobald, lead vocalist Kendall Hunkin (center) guitarist & banjo Daniel Johnson, keyboardist Dusty Turner (far right) performing at Arizona Broadway Theater.
LAKE HAVASU CITY – If you love the dancing rhythms of New Orleans Jazz, The Big Easy Live concert in Lake Havasu is a show you may not want to miss. It was through music industry events in Arizona and the Southwest like gigs, theater sessions, and studio recordings, that brought the eight member band together. As the performers came to know one another, it was clear they shared a musical language and compatible ideas as entertainers.
While the band members are not natives of New Orleans, all share a passion for jazz, swing, and funk genres. The band has a lead vocalist while other members of the collective brought a variety of instruments that create their distinctive flair. Audience listeners will also be able to enjoy their live performance that will include a trumpet, trombone, saxophone, guitar, banjo, bass, drums, and even a piano.
The ensemble’s sound is inspired by jazz giants like Louis Armstrong, Dr. John, and Trombone Shorty. Early performances were mainly at regional venues and performing arts centers throughout the state like the Arizona Broadway Theatre and the Bearded Barber. The Big Easy Live is diverse in the amount of audiences they have played for over the years.
Sometimes it could be at a venue that seats five hundred listeners or it could be entertaining for audience members that are just a few feet away. The band primarily performs well known jazz tunes but adds their own style and personalities to the classic melodies. Their upcoming Lake Havasu show will have audience members tapping their feet and singing along to jazz favorites of the past like Jump Jive and Wail, America the Beautiful, It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing, and When the Saints go Marching in. The show will also include some surprise instrumental selections.
The Big Easy Live Concert will be happening on Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the Lake Havasu Aquatic Center located at 100 Park Avenue. The camaraderie seen within the band’s onstage performances is apparent however, lead vocalist Kendall Hunkin and pianist Dusty Turner of the group are strong believers of giving the spirit of this music that captivates and invigorates the crowd.
“There’s nothing like the shared moment of a live performance when the audience energy rises and the entire room feels unified, We love watching a crowd transform from seated observers into active participants,” said Hunkin. “When people leave smiling and saying that was fun, that’s the reward. The Big Easy Live isn’t about nostalgia alone, it’s about celebration. Whether we’re performing in a grand theater, an intimate speakeasy or a resort venue, our goal remains the same: Deliver a night that feels vibrant, joyful, and memorable. We’re honored to bring that spirit to Lake Havasu,” Turner added.
