Level One Band: Bringing the funk!

Galveston is known known for its sunny beaches, laid-back people and its historical homes. Oh, and let’s not forget the music scene, where The Level One Band lays down the vintage grooves of Aretha Franklin, Motown, disco, Old School Funk and just about everything in-between. Humans of Galveston caught up with Cookie Little, the director of operations for one of the hottest bands to visit the island. .

Humans of Galveston: How did you become involved with The Level One Band?

Cookie Little: In 2012 I was hired as their promoter. They realized a couple of months later that they didn’t need a promoter because the band’s name self-promotes. So I became their road manager and in 2014 they offered me the position of director of operations.

Humans of Galveston: How many members are in the band? It changes from time to time, right?

Cookie Little: It changes every now and then. Level One Band is an LLC band so we run it just like corporate America. Right now I think there’s maybe 22 people on staff.

Humans of Galveston: The Level One Band is lots of fun. What’s the group’s philosophy?

Cookie Little: It’s to have a good time. We love seeing people smile. You can tell when people are really enjoying the show when they get up and dance. And that’s what we really like to see. People who come in with an attitude, like ‘We’re gonna have fun tonight’ – that’s our main focus when we’re coming into a venue. It’s to make sure we’re we have fun and the audience has fun.

Humans of Galveston: How often does the band play Galveston?

Cookie Little: We’re here once a month, sometimes twice a month.

Humans of Galveston: You’re booked all the time, right? Every weekend?

Cookie Little: Yes, all the time. This year we mostly do Galveston, and we do The Woodlands, Katy, Spring and Clear Lake Shores.

Humans of Galveston: Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your background?

Cookie Little: I got into entertainment in the late ‘90s. I started a record label, Flat City Records, and worked that awhile and from there I branched off doing other things. I went to KCOH-AM Radio and became a promoter for the on-air personalities. From there I just started going around town and people would hire me to hold MC shows. Before all that, I worked at an oil company as a technician and that’s what brought me to Texas in 1988. I’m originally from New Orleans.

Humans of Galveston: Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your background?

Cookie Little: A good day for Cookie Little is when everything goes right, which never happens. (laughs) You know, when everything is just going smooth. That’s a real good day. They are few but everything is worth it.

Humans of Galveston: What are your thoughts about Galveston?

Cookie Little: I love Galveston. When I come to Galveston it kind of makes me feel like I’m downtown Canal Street in New Orleans. Because the people here are very friendly, outgoing and warm welcoming. I feel like I’m at home.

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Published by Bobby Stanton