Sammy Miller and the Congregation, fronted by the Grammy nominated Sammy Miller, is set to bring a theatrical, interactive live jazz performance to DeKalb complete with comedy and rhythm in equal measure.

The band is coming to the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., April 10 in just one stop on a nationwide tour that’s brought their upbeat, live music from coast to coast.

Having worked individually with artists like Lady Gaga and Queen Latifah and soon to front a 2019 off-broadway show, the band as a collective is now on a mission to spread the joy of jazz to audiences that may not be familiar with the genre.

“Basically, we saw that a lot of jazz out there wasn’t accessible,” founder and drummer Sammy Miller said. “So, if you want to see something changed, be the change. We want to play music that’s accessible to all people.”

As contemporary American music has drifted away from its jazz roots, Sammy Miller and the Congregation exposes audiences to a rich genre of dynamic and upbeat sound.

Long time DeKalb residents may recognize a familiar face on the stage. Trombone player Sam Crittenden is an alumnus of DeKalb High School and joined the band after attending the Juilliard School in New York.

Jeanine Holcomb, the event manager at the Egyptian Theatre, said one of her favorite parts of the show is seeing a former classmate of hers, Sam Crittenden, living the dream and performing in front of an audience of people.

“The trombone player is a DeKalb high school alum,” Holcomb said. “It’s exciting because it’s a Dekalb native coming back to perform.”

This show goes beyond a live jazz performance. Miller said the theatrical nature of the show is an integral part of the vision of the band, and audiences having an engaging and interactive experience is a top priority.

“Jazz music has a rich history of people being incredible performers and entertainers,” said Miller. “It doesn’t make sense to me to play music, and be onstage, and have people just watch you for 90 minutes and not give them a show that’s like nothing they’ll ever experience again.”

Holcomb, too, said one strength of the show is how its theatrical nature gives audiences a different show every time.

“It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be quirky, and you’re going to leave with a smile on your face because the show changes every time they perform it,” Holcomb said.

Audiences can expect a unique show when attending a Sammy Miller and the Congregation concert. According to Miller, it’ll be nothing like viewers have ever seen before.

“It’s the best concert you’ll ever go to. It’s jazz music laced with comedy, and it’s an immersive experience,” Miller said.