Givin' thanks Rebirth style!

Kicked off Thanksgiving Break with the Rebirth Brass Band at Baton Rouge's Bogies.  It was my first time there and didn't know what to expect from this college bar scene.  After shocking the young man at the door checking IDs by my birth date year 30 years older than all others (he had been looking down when viewing), I stepped right in and had a fun time.  Rebirth ALWAYS puts on a great show and treat the crowd right.  The full band was there minus co-founder Keith Frazier on the Bass Drum, and Terrence Andrews performed in his place.  I really enjoyed meeting him and seeing all of the band members in Baton Rouge once again.


A special thanks to Rebirth, co-founder Phil Frazier, Tuba, and Derrick Tabb, Snare, and Terrence Andrews for letting me step into their rear stage space for a different perspective of the show.  I'm more than appreciative of the opportunity and experience.  (I took some nice photos of their instuments during the set break which I'll share in an album, too.) All of these shots were taken with my husband's iPhone 6.  I'm very impressed by how it handled the low light situation and more than psyeched to have grabbed a good set.

Be sure to check out the Rebirth Brass Band back in Baton Rouge on December 20 at Chelsea's!

(Creative Commons Irene Kato)

Rebirth!!!

LOVE Rebirth!!

I had looked forward to the show all week, and knowing that I'd get out with Rebirth really kept me going at work.  I usually head out on my own for Chelsea's, but this time I put it own there to my friends just in case they could go.  Cool enough that they made it and got there early enough to grab a table right next to the left side of the stage.  Front stage and the space all the way to the bar filled up for Rebirth's set which was great to see.  Taken that I couldn't move around into the crowd to dance and grab different perspectives, but that was all good.  Standing on top of a couple of chairs and scooting onto stage out of the way was awesome and lots of fun.  Thank you Phil Frazier, tuba player, for sharing your space and giving me a view of your world.

The Lagniappe Brass Band at The Maison

I was completely surprised by four of my former students from 20 years ago in New Orleans on Friday night who trekked all the way from Chicago, NJ, and DC to visit me.  We shared a great dinner at NOLA, great conversation, then head out into the New Orleans scene.

For our first stop on Frenchmen Street, we jumped into the Maison because of the crowd trying to get in. It was packed with people enjoying the brass sounds of the Lagniappe Brass Band. It was my first time checking them out, and the word that I kept feeling was 'passion'. These players worked it so well with one another and the crowd, and were very intense in each song played. As more musicians checked in at the door, they made room for them to perform and have their moment. It was a great first impression of the band, and I'll definitely check them out again. I couldn't have asked for anything better to start off our music adventure.

I love this photo set.  No matter how minimal the light source, go for it to grab what you can to tell your story.

Soul healin' with the Soul Rebels Brass Band at Chelsea's

Went out with a few friends to Chelsea's Cafe and checked out the Soul Rebels Brass Band from New Orleans. It was my first time heading out at night for live music since last spring, and the Soul Rebels really welcomed me back with their fantastic brass sounds, energy and passion. I LOVE this breed of New Orleans music, and definitely set myself free to some soul healin' that night. The Soul Rebels return to Chelsea's on January 27 for their CD release party, and I'm ready to be there again.

Check them out:
http://www.soulrebelsbrassband.com
http://www.myspace.com/soulrebelsbrassband
http://www.twitter.com/soulrebelsno
http://www.youtube.com/user/soulrebelsneworleans


Lumar LeBlanc - President, Snare Drum
Derrick "Oops" Moss - Vice-President, Bass Drum and Percussion
Edward Lee - Tuba
Marcus "Red" Hubbard - Trumpet
Julian Gosin - Trumpet
Paul Robertson - Trombone
Corey Peyton - Trombone
Erion Williams - Tenor Saxophone

Reflections in brass

 

When I see a brass band, I can't help but see the reflections in brass.  I love this one because it captures the band, the crowd, and the elements of Jackson Square.  And if you can believe it, this is the same band, the Young Fellaz Brass Band, that I crossed paths with the week before on Bourbon.

A dose of happy

9.17.11:
A nice reminder of the little things in life that bring me joy. A great New Orleans brass band, being out with my husband and friends, and playing photographer (while sitting on the front speakers, of course).

Rebirth Brass Band at Chelsea's