Having been born and raised in Louisiana, I have a deep appreciation of Jazz which has influenced just about every other genre of American music out there. I got super excited when I found out that Shamarr Allen was coming to Tyler, because not only am I very familiar with his music but I'm also familiar with the great work that he does in his community. I'll tell you more about that soon.

Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans!

Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs.” In addition to performing with his band, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists around the world such as Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Harrick Connick Jr, and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few.

He's Also Helping To Bring Down Crime In His Hometown With "Trumpet Is My Weapon".

What I really like about Mr. Allen is not only his music, but using his platform to inspire real change in his community. According to NPR, he created a gun-for-trumpet exchange program, called Trumpet Is My Weapon, in which kids in poor neighborhoods in NOLA can trade a gun in for a trumpet or music book. The guns are then turned over to the NOPD to be destroyed. His "GoFundMe" campaign raised over $40,000 and even received a $10,000 donation from comedian and TV star Steve Harvey.

Shamarr Allen Will Be Performing At A Free Show At Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ in Tyler.

You can catch Shamarr Allen Thursday night at Stanley's performing live at a FREE show that starts at 7:00 PM and goes until 10:00 PM. You'll find me in there NOLA down eating ribs and having a great time!