the delta review

Founded 1963 Relaunched 2019. The Postmodern South.
the delta review

the delta review

Founded 1963 Relaunched 2019. The Postmodern South.

Second-Lining Uptown with the Men of Class

Some scholars believe that second-lines in New Orleans derive from West African practices of parading and drumming around a village in order to bless it or protect it from evil. But in New Orleans, the day’s activities involve more than parading and playing music, for the procession stops at a number of places where the social aid and pleasure club that is parading will salute another club. This takes on the aspect of ritual, and thus second-lines serve to build ties and alliances within New Orleans’ inner-city neighborhoods, 10/21/12

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Second-Lining on the Scaffold

#212 Men of Class Second Line 2012 (by John Shaw)

You could say this dancer took his second-lining to new heights when he climbed up on the scaffolding of a pumping station being remodeled on Broad Street in Uptown New Orleans. The Stooges Brass Band are providing the groove, 10/21/12

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)
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Across the Bridge into the Uptown

The Men of Class second-line proceeds across the bridge into Uptown New Orleans, where a second-liner climbs up on the scaffolding of a pumping-station that’s being remodeled. I have noticed that part of the phenomena at second-lines is dancers climbing up on ledges, roofs or other high places so as to be noticed by the crowd, or perhaps to be able to see the whole parade stretched out beneath them, or maybe both. 10/21/12

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Men of Class Second-Line beginning at the Yacht Club

The Men of Class began their second-line at the Yacht Club on South Broad Street, with the Stooges Brass Band. I wasn’t aware at the time that my homeboys in the TBC Brass Band were marching with the Treme 12 second-line downtown, because that second-line wasn’t listed on the WWOZ schedule.

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Slice Pizzeria (@SLICENola) on Magazine Street, Uptown, New Orleans

The average second-line runs four hours, so it’s important to get a decent meal beforehand if you plan on walking the whole parade route. Slice Pizzeria (@SLICENola)  in Uptown New Orleans on Magazine Street is a great, fun place to get some really good pizza before the second-line (or the Saints game, for that matter). It’s best to visit them in person, but if that’s not possible, visit them at http://slicepizzeria.com/, follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SliceNola or like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SlicePizzeriaStCharles.

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Tea Cakes at Velvet Espresso Bar (@ThrowACupcake), Uptown NOLA

Next door to Dirty Coast is the Velvet Espresso Bar (@ThrowACupcake) which offers gourmet coffee drinks and tiny little cupcakes known as “tea cakes.” On Sundays when the Saints play, the cakes are designed like little football helmets, and they feature the numbers of Saints players. It’s actually a lot of fun as well as delicious. Visit http://throwacupcake.com or friend them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/velvet.espressobar. You can also follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ThrowACupcake.

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Getting Your New Orleans Gear At @dirtycoast

I woke up at 5 AM Sunday morning in Monroe, checked out of the hotel, ate breakfast and headed out for New Orleans for a second-line that started at 1 PM. I made better time than expected and got there early enough that I was able to head to Dirty Coast (@dirtycoast)on Magazine Street for a new T-shirt. Visit http://www.dirtycoast.com/ to get your New Orleans T-shirts when you’re not in New Orleans. You can also like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Coast-Press/6107254790 or follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dirtycoast. And when you’re in New Orleans, visit their storefront and check in on Foursquare to unlock discounts. 

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Relaxing at the River Grille in Monroe, Louisiana

After the Grambling game, I drove back to Monroe to have dinner at the River Grille with my homeboy Vitus Shell, who is a graphic designer and hip-hop promoter in Monroe. The River Grille is a relatively new restaurant, located in north Monroe near the junction of Bayou Desiard with the Oauchita River. It’s a fairly small place, with a neighborhood bar-and-grill feel, but it features great food and a beautiful view of the water. You can like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-River-Grille/259318470777820.

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