Mid-South residents have probably never heard of the Stooges Brass Band, but they are one of a number of youthful organizations that are preserving the tradition of parading brass band music in New Orleans, often against astounding odds. In addition to the difficulties that young African-American men face in general, members of these bands have had to face the poverty and violence of New Orleans and then the devastation and displacement of Hurricane Katrina. Wednesday night, at Proud Larry’s in Oxford, Mississippi, area residents will have a chance to hear the Stooges in person at the Red Clay Ball fundraiser for the Yoknapatwapha Arts Council, and believe me, this band is worth the drive to Oxford, even if you live in Memphis. The tickets are $15, and that might seem a little steep, particularly the day after Valentine’s, but proceeds go to the worthy cause of furthering the arts in and around Oxford. Hopefully, I’ll see you there.
