FACTS AND COVERAGE

FACTS AND COVERAGE

The BMOL recognizes the need to engage in activities that:

• Honors the contributions of New Orleans musicians and cultural creators

• Educate young people on the history and heritage of Brass Bands, Parades, and Jazz Funerals

• Promotes civic engagement

The New Orleans Jazz Legacy Award (House of Blues, 1998) – this event honored twenty-five (25) men and women that had given their entire lives to the creation and performance of Jazz. Many of those honored were in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

Living Legend, Divas and Young Lions (Storyville, 1999)

Free Screening of Ken Burns Jazz for musicians ( Dillard University , 2000)

Jazz Coming Home Event Series Louis Armstrong Centennial; Nicholas Payton tribute to Louis Armstrong (Theater of Performing Arts, International House Hotel, and New Orleans Public Schools, 2001)

Satchmo in July – Celebration of Louis Armstrong’s 101 st Birthday (Historic Eagle Saloon, 2002 – 2004)

Major Jazz Funerals

• Harold Dejean, Milton Batiste, Placide Adams, Jeanette Kimball, Shorty Jones, Noel “Papa” Glass, Big Chief Tootie Montana – Yellow Pocahontas Indians, Artistic Director for Ahse’ Doug Redd

• Ray Charles Memorial Service and Jazz Funeral (The only New Orleans celebration of Ray Charles life)

• The BMOL have also participated in numerous festivals, panels, and documentations.

Post Hurricane Katrina, members of the BMOL stayed during the storm and its aftermath searching for survivors while the city of New Orleans was under water. Additionally, these same members provided invaluable assistance by organizing and implementing search and rescue missions, providing food and aiding in recovery efforts.

The BMOL‘s 2005 Annual Labor Day Parade was scheduled for September 4 th ; however, the city flooded and members of BMOL were busy saving lives. The BMOL was first to bring the culture back in October 2005 with a memorial Jazz Funeral for storm victim and celebrated chef Austin Leslie. This historic procession through the wreckage and destruction was an affirmation that our city and our culture would survive. The BMOL has participated innumerous parades and events in New Orleans and beyond. During this time, the BMOL has received extensive media coverage as the face and evidence of the survival traditional New Orleans culture, including CNN, NPR, The Nation ( www.thenation.com ), Mardi Gras Digest ( www.mardigrasdigest.com/Sec_2ndline ), The Bee Hive ( www.thebeehive.org ), Jazz Times ( www.jazztime.com/reviews/concert_review ), Hot Shots ( www.hotshotphotographic.com ), National and Local Broadcast and Print Media.

Post Katrina Activities :

• The Young People’s Project – A six (6) week tour of cities where New Orleanians were evacuated, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana to bring the cultural to the displaced citizens.

• All Saints Day Parade of Remembrance – A memorial Jazz Funeral and Parade through New Orleans (BMOL parade marshals, event sponsored by Rhode Funeral Home).

• Walking to New Orleans/Down By The Riverside – Parade and concert (BMOL parade marshals, event sponsored by Putamayo Records).

• When the Levee Broke – Film maker Spike Lee’s documentary. Extensive coverage and interviews of BMOL (slated for release in 2006).

• Congo Square event with Wynton Marsalis – First performance of new music by Wynton Marsalis and Lincoln Center Orchestra (BMOL parade marshals).

• Christmas/New Years Celebration at Lost Pines Resort- Performed for guest over the Christmas and New Years holiday at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Austin, TX.