While putting money together for the Krewe du Vieux brass bands, I wonder what they think of our parade. We cavort, giggle, stumble and stagger through the streets of the Marigny and French Quarter in strange, convoluted combinations of felt, spandex, cardboard, duct tape, glitter and other accoutrements. The musicians follow faithfully in their crisp uniforms and tight tunes. They probably think we’re insane, but hey, it’s a living. More importantly, it’s a party!
The Louisiana Weekly answered my question in Geraldine Wyckoff’s article on Krewe du Vieux from the perspective of the brass bands.
Nineteen-count ’em-19 brass bands take to the streets on Saturday night, February 7, for the Krewe du Vieux Parade. No other event in the city comes close to gathering that many brassy ensembles together. It’s one of the reasons that musicians enjoy playing the irreverent, Mardi Gras kick-off parade that buckjumps through the Faubourg Marigny and French Quarter beginning at 6:30 p.m.
… Charles [Joseph, whose band plays with PAN, the krewe of the late, great Ashley Morris] points out that many of the brass band musicians got their first taste of playing during Carnival season marching with their high school bands. Now, they’ve got their own groups providing the exuberant soundtrack for the equally exuberant, outrageously attired krewe members.
Y’eard? No other event brings together a brass band jam like we do. So, if you think we are uncultured, impolite and sinful, to hell with you. We are everything you think we are and we’ve got all the bands!
My very own Krewe de CRAPS and our wonderful Paulin Bros. Band are also mentioned in the article! Hot table!
… The members of the Paulin Brothers Brass Band are old hands at the Krewe du Vieux parade and start out early to march with the Krewe of Craps to the krewe’s den where the procession takes off. Clarinetist Ricky Paulin likes seeing all of the musicians, many of whom he remembers coming up in his father’s, Doc Paulin’s band. He digs the political satire of the parade and the barbs thrown at the politicians. But the best thing, he says, is “the people that put out all of the effort” to make it happen.
I’m glad our musicians enjoy the people and content of the parade along with playing for us. As we appreciate and boogie down with them every year. Don’t forget to come to the Krewe du Vieux parade, February 7th, 6:30 PM, Quarter & Marigny. Also purchase a ticket to our ball at the Colton School – outlets listed here. See you on the streets!
Beautiful post, Maitri! See you Saturday (if I can figure out a costume…).
Hey Maitri,
Really great little post. Of course it makes Kerry and I even more down in the dumps that we are way over in the Netherlands cold while you all are marching to the best brass music the city has to offer. Go Spermes, Go Soul Rebels, Go KDV!
The Spermes float is looking good and their spermy gift to the king last night was a hoot. Ask Billy or Christy for pictures. (This may be a coincidence, but I think Hammy in the comment before you is a Spermes marcher, too.)
We miss you! Stay warm!