New Orleans is famous for its unique history and captivating culture. It oozes through the ancient architecture and narrow streets of the French Quarter that still fill with echoes of decadent laughter. Visitors can taste the city’s diverse heritage with a hearty helping of gumbo or oyster po-boy. Locals feel the friendly sense of community when a neighbor waves hello from their front porch across the way. No one can argue though that music plays one of the most instrumental roles in keeping the mesmerizing energy of the city radiating, the traditions alive, and the residents marching with heads held high.
There’s nothing like watching an approaching brass band stomp down the street; to see the twirling crowd dancing towards you getting larger and larger and to hear the screams of howling instruments getting louder and louder. There is an indescribable sense of pride that exudes from all involved: the leader, the followers, the onlookers, the musicians. Before you know it, it has arrived. You can feel the gust of excitement as the players- often dressed in colorful pastels or black, white, and gold-pass by, and become completely captured in the compelling moment so unique to New Orleans.
The music never stops. I followed this summer’s Satchmo Fest 2nd line. When we hit Esplanade the torrential rain and growling thunder started. Some of the men wore all black suits with gold trim. We were a couple blocks in from Rampart and the leader cued for them to stop walking as part of the parade. They stood tall, drenched from head to toe, carrying the weight of their soaked suits and instruments but didn’t waver for a beat.
Second line season is here. Below are images from this past Sunday’s Black Men of Labor 2nd Line.
© Michelle Icahn
All Photographs Copyright Michelle Icahn , All Rights Reserved
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