Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge Hosts: Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys with Kinda Fonda Wanda- Sponsored by Summit Brewing Co.

Swing Dance Lessons by Miss Shannon’s Dance Class

Rockabilly Hall of Fame band Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys perform their rockabilly, rock & roll, honky-tonk, R&B, soul, and doo-wop music around the world. This rockin’ quartet is considered one of the torch bearers of American roots music.

Since forming in 1988 in Southern California, Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys have become one of the world’s most beloved Americana/Roots acts, drawing from the deep musical waters that flow just beneath the surface of Rock & Roll’s fertile soil. A childhood passion for Country, Doo-Wop, and Rhythm & Blues 45s led Sandy (born Robert Williams) to pursue a singing career as a teenager, beginning a life in music that continues decades later. 

And as his personal record collection continues to grow (75,000 and counting), so does the depth of the musical influences that stream through his songwriting and singing style. A critically acclaimed tribute to Tex-Mex hero Freddy Fender, released at the beginning of the 2020 lockdown, points the way forward for Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys as they continue on a path of musical growth. After nearly 35 years on the road, and more than two dozen releases to their credit, they remain key figures on the ever-changing Americana circuit, both on record and in live appearances.

Kinda Fonda Wanda is a high-octane, rock ‘n’ roll, honky-tonk experience inspired by the “Queen of Rockabilly” Wanda Jackson. The band features Amanda White, a vocal powerhouse and compelling band leader. Minneapolis Star-Tribune said: “Amanda White has a voice that is glorious and a heart full of passion for Wanda Jackson. And, Alan Subola is beyond words on guitar.”

Prior to the outdoor music event, Miss Shannon of “Miss Shannon’s Sock Hop” will be giving free swing dance lessons to get you ready for Big Sandy!

Click here to learn more & buy tickets.

The Award-Winning* Under the Canopy series at The Hook & Ladder Theater returns with its uniquely seasonal urban footprint to the Longfellow neighborhood of South Minneapolis in 2024. *Voted Best in MN 2021 by Star Tribune readers.
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The Hook has committed to having a food truck Under the Canopy throughout the 2024 season for our guests. Come hungry and enjoy dinner with the show!