On September 3, 2015, two New Orleans funk and jam bands played to a sold-out Varsity crowd in Baton Rouge. Naughty Professor opened up for The Revivalists, a band whose Baton Rouge following was in full attendance.
Naughty Professor opened up the night around 9 pm to a then half-filled venue, but surprised many whose intention was to see just The Revivalists. Naughty Professor had a killin’ horn section; often times it was a trumpet, alto sax, and tenor sax trio, but occasionally Nick Ellman would switch from his alto to his baritone sax and honk out some deep harmonies alongside his band mates. Sam Shahin on drums kept the group tight the entire night, and much to the delight of the crowd, had a few solos which had everyone dancing together.  By the end, a few in the crowd were requesting “6 Paper Joint,” a song which ended up closing the set. The crowd went wild.
It was a tough act to follow, but the packed-to-the-brim crowd was ready for their main act: The Revivalists. Walking out stiffly to the stage, the band assumed instruments and mics to a crowd of erupted applause. For the next 90 minutes or so, The Revivalists played crowd favorites, self promoted their new album (Men Amongst Mountains, released this past summer….go check it out), shredded solos, and even pit one half of the crowd against the other in a sing-off of their new track “Keep Going.” David Shaw, lead singer of the group, declared it a tie (but we all know those of us on the right side totally won). Towards the end of the set the crowd was successful in getting a 15 minute or so encore but everyone was itchin for more. They are warmly welcomed back to Baton Rouge any time.