ABC Brass Band

A small, but mighty brass band dedicated to bringing you high energy funk, soul, jazz & pop music.

ABC in ACTION!

Check out the videos below to get a feel for ABC—you might just find it’s as easy (and fun) as 1-2-3.

Meet the Members

Meet the A. B. & C. of the brass band! We have Adam on trombone and vocals, Bettis on drums, with Corey on the TUBA.

  • Adam

    Trombone/Vocals

    Adam is a powerhouse performer, natural front man, and deeply skilled musician with a style all his own. With experience leading bands and launching his own projects, he’s steeped in the sounds of New Orleans jazz and brass band tradition—but always brings something unmistakably Adam to the stage. Offstage, he cares deeply about the New Orleans music community and the people who keep it alive. If you have a question and want an honest, thoughtful answer, Adam’s the person to ask.

  • Bettis

    Drums

    Bettis (Danovan Calhoun-Bettis) is a New Orleans-based drummer, bandleader, and cultural entrepreneur known for his dynamic energy, sharp musical direction, and deep roots in the city’s brass and R&B traditions. As the founder of Bettis + 3rd Degree and a core member of the Big Fun Brass Band, he blends street soul, funk, hip hop, and second line into a signature sound that moves both crowds and culture. A former Head Drum Major of St. Augustine’s Marching 100, Bettis brings precision, passion, and presence to every performance. Off stage, he’s a respected advocate for musicians, serving as Director of Engagement & Partnership at MaCCNO. Whether behind the kit or leading a parade, Bettis is all about high standards, high energy, and honoring New Orleans with every beat.

  • Corey

    Sousaphone

    Corey is a seasoned tuba player, bandleader, and founder of Big Fun Brass Band, which he built from the ground up into one of New Orleans’ most recognized entertainment companies. A proud graduate of Walker High School and Southeastern Louisiana University, Corey served as drum major, performed in regional honor bands, and later worked as assistant to the marching band director in college. After earning his music education degree and spending a year teaching, he transitioned into a full-time music career. Since then, he’s traveled the country and the world performing—always bringing thoughtfulness, skill, and a genuine love for creating unforgettable live music experiences.

ABC is all about keeping a small footprint with minimal setup—while still packing a serious punch.


They’re flexible enough to provide background music for a cocktail hour, but even when they try to lay low, they tend to draw a crowd and steal the show.

While the group can bring a vocal mic and speaker—or even mic up the whole band if needed—the real perk is that they don’t require any sound equipment or PA. They can simply walk in with their instruments, set up quickly, and start blasting!

ABC is an ideal fit for local venues without a sound system, or any space looking to draw a big crowd without needing a dedicated sound engineer. They’re also perfect for outdoor parties where electricity isn’t available.

Another bonus? They’re a small group, so they don’t need a lot of space. Perfect for smaller stages or venues that want big energy without the big footprint.