The high octane progressive funk quartet from Bridgeport, CT, Big Shrimp, dropped a raging set after Goose's tour ending Westville performance at Stella Blues in downtown New Haven, CT on June 29, 2025. They were supported by Drunken Doja Monkey, billed as Luke Bemand B2B Greg Knight, who performed a DJ set prior to Big Shrimp. Knight also joined Big Shrimp for a tune.
The name Big Shrimp might sound familiar, and that is because guitarist Jared Sage Cowen's prior band was named Baked Shrimp. This new manifestation has grown into an emerging foursome, including Max Perrotti (Bass/Vocals), Henry Thomas (Drums), and Daniel Cohen (Keys). They still bring high energy guitar work and well-crafted songwriting, and this show was no exception.
The after party began as the Goose fans streamed into this two hundred fifty person capacity venue that resides near the Yale University campus. Drunken Doja Monkey, featuring Bemand and Knight, played some refreshing remixes that eased the crowd into the post-Goose tour world.
Around 11pm, Big Shrimp took the stage as the venue started to fill up with fans. They unfurled their original prog rock meets funk tunes that balance complexity with a straight-forward appeal. During "Ordinary Guy," the band began to shift into the familiar rift of "Big Pimpin'" by Jay-Z. All of a sudden, Knight appeared on stage singing "Big Shrimpin'" instead of the well known lyrics. The set ended with a face melting conclusion that saw Cowen jumping and leaning into to the crowd, who loved every second.
The band returned for an encore, and delighted the crowd with "Rosanna" by Toto. Perrotti sung the well known tune, with help from Cowen. This ended a stellar set for the boys.
Big Shrimp is back in action on July 17, 2025 at Lunasea in Virginia Beach, Va. They will be in Wayne, PA on July 24th, Burgess, PA on the 25th and Hagerstown, MD on the 26th. They will make an appearance at the Karnival of the Arts 2025 in Kempton, PA as well. Head on over to their tour page for more details and announcements.
Check out more photos from the show!
Band: Big Shrimp
Date: June 29, 2025
Location: New Haven, CT
Venue: Stella Blues
Set One: Words of Wisdom, Tango [1]. Perchance, Ordinary Guy > Big Pimpin [2] > Ordinary Guy
Encore: Rosanna[3]
Notes:
[1] Last Time Played 10/17/2024
[2] Debut, Jay-Z with Greg Knight on Vocals and lyrics changed to "Big Shrimpin'"
[3] Toto
