Shane Cox grew up in Idaho, the original land of spuds. Fascinated by videos of New Orleans brass music, Shane began playing trombone and trumpet at farmer’s markets, coffee shops, and busking during the frigid winters. At 18 years old, Shane cashed in his college savings for a car and made his pilgrimage to New Orleans on a hope, a prayer, and a single tater. There he honed his craft playing on the streets of NOLA with the local brass bands. After adding a sousaphone to his arsenal of instruments, he moved to California with a slightly bigger satchel of potatoes to play with reggae, rock, cumbia, and Balkan brass bands, before eventually starting Funky Spuds.

With the mission to elevate sousaphone and brass music in general, Funky Spuds began playing a diverse array of shows including underground dance parties, jazz clubs, blues bars, and festivals. When the pandemic hit, Shane relocated to the Twin Cities.

The newly reorganized band now features Minneapolis’ premiere talents in the jazz/funk scene; David Feily (BZ3 organ trio, Rhythm Street Movement) on guitar, Pete Suttman (Dr. Mambo’s Combo) on drums, and Kevin Gastonguay (Cory Wong) on keys. Frontman Shane Cox triples on trumpet, trombone, and sousaphone. Stylistically, the band pulls inspiration from John Scofield, Trombone Shorty, and Ibrahim Maalouf.