Dirty Catfish Brass Band’s aim is to inspire, create and instigate – but, mostly, they just want you on your feet. Undeniably tight, yet reckless as hell, Dirty Catfish Brass Band deal in powerful phrasing and performances drenched with rhythm. Invoking the sounds of brass bands and funk ensembles, the collective dares to reimagine the streets of a prairie city as one that is hot, alive, and brimming with soul. The crew strives to surprise, challenge, tickle and pay homage to the New Orleans tradition by giving it a new audience in an unsuspecting locale. From street corners to festival stages, and community celebrations to sporting events, DCBB use the power of music to bring joy to their audience. Get ready to move.
Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba and formed in the fall of 2011, Dirty Catfish Brass Band has become a constant at local festivals and venues. With over 80 performances a year they have developed a reputation as one of Winnipeg's hardest working bands and were recognized at the Winnipeg Nightlife Awards as the 2021 Entertainers of The Year.
These highly trained musicians collectively hold 12 University degrees, having studied at McGill University, University of Toronto, Humber College, University of Manitoba, Brandon University, Virginia Tech, University of Southern California, New England Conservatory, School for Improvised Music, University of Miami, and The Banff Centre.
Much like the great brass bands from New Orleans, DCBB are dedicated to offering their community a gathering place to feel the joy of music and dance. Their monthly performances at The Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club have become a constant sell out, and their joyful approach to music has been an asset to many community organizations; The Winnipeg Jets, The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, CancerCare Manitoba, United Way Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Marathon. They’ve become an in-demand horn section for collaborative projects both in the studio and on stage with artists such as The Lytics, JP Hoe, Begonia, Sweet Alibi, Ego Spank, and Royal Canoe - among others. DCBB have opened for musical acts such as Galactic, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Jon Cleary, and Five Alarm Funk.
Outside of Winnipeg, Dirty Catfish Brass Band have toured festivals and clubs across Canada performing as far west as Vancouver and as far east as Montreal. Selected festival performances include Long Day’s Night Festival (2024), JazzYYC Canadian Festival (2023), Regina Folk Festival Winterruption (2020), Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival (2019), TD Ottawa Jazz Festival (2019), TD JazzYYC Summer Festival (2019), Lethbridge Jazz & Blues Festival (2019), Regina Folk Festival (2017, 2016), Saskatoon Jazz Festival (2016).
Dirty Catfish Brass Band have three releases to their name; “Geddit” 2024, “Big Shiny Brass” 2016, and “Brass Riot”2014. Released in the summer of 2024, “Geddit” is a new collection of funky and sassy original compositions. Album singles “Down ‘N Dirty” and “Come On Now” have been featured on CBC Radio’s Saturday Night Jazz with Laila Biali. With their second release, “Big Shiny Brass” - a six track EP - DCBB give a nod to fellow Winnipeggers The Guess Who and explore their own influences over a collection of pop tunes via Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and more. “Brass Riot” presents fans with an experience reminiscent of the group’s live show. It takes listeners to many different places, showcasing both original compositions and traditional brass band standards.