Mama Brass and the Funk Parade (usually shortened to Mama Brass) is an eight-piece New-Orleans/Balkan style brass band based in Oxford, England. History Formation and first years (2014-) Mama Brass was formed in February 2014 by students of Oxford University. The band began as an unnamed street band, performing to daytime revellers on Oxford's busy shopping streets, quickly receiving a significant fan base in the area. The band has since performed at various public and private venues, including The Freud Café in Jericho, University balls and commemorations, and at Blenheim Palace. Lineup The band consists of brass instruments (tuba, trumpets, alto saxophone, and trombones), supported by a split percussion rhythm section.