Big Sandy & his Fly-Rite Boys Turn The Casbah Into a Post-Christmas Celebration
For a show landing just after Christmas, the crowd at The Casbah on December 26 was unexpectedly strong. The venue filled quickly, and there was a real sense that people were ready to keep the holiday spirit going, just in a different way.
The night kicked off with Deke Dickerson & The Whippersnappers, who immediately brought a burst of energy to the room. The set was fast-paced and playful, with constant movement onstage. Musicians swapped instruments throughout the performance. These switches kept the momentum high and made the show feel spontaneous and alive.
One standout moment came from the upright bassist, who at one point placed the bass on the floor and sat on it while continuing to play, drawing cheers from the crowd. The sound in the Casbah’s basement was especially tight that night, allowing every instrument to cut through clearly. Before long, people were dancing, fully pulled into the band’s rhythm. Dickerson also shared a story about first meeting Big Sandy in Nashville.
When Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys took the stage. The energy was a bit calmer but still deeply engaging. Big Sandy moved through his classics with ease, frequently interacting with the crowd. The room stayed active, with people dancing, singing along, and chatting between songs. The atmosphere felt open and welcoming, the kind of show where it’s easy to strike up conversations and leave with new friends.
The performance also carried a personal meaning for me. While I hadn’t grown up listening closely to Big Sandy, my father is a longtime fan and a rockabilly musician himself. Being able to photograph the show and video-call him from across the world, letting him experience a moment with one of his favorite artists from France, made the night special.
By the end of the set, the sense of community reached its peak as members of the audience were invited onstage to sing along. It was warm, joyful, and unpretentious, perfectly fitting the spirit of the music. On a December 26 that could have felt quiet or transitional, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys turned the Casbah into a place of shared celebration. It was the kind of post-Christmas show that reminds you why live music matters so much.
Review and Photos by @byjenngaram