What is the second line in New Orleans?
Exuberant dancing in the streets and sidewalks is part of the second line experience. Second line is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. The "main line" or "first line" is the main section of the parade, or the members of the actual club with the parading permit as well as the brass band.
What is the second line?
The Second Line consists of people who follow the band to enjoy the music, dance, and engage in "community." The Second Line's style of traditional dance, in which participants dance and walk along with the SAPCs in a free-form style with parasols and handkerchiefs, is called "second-lining".
How do I apply for a second line parade in New Orleans?
After choosing your Second Line parade route, you will need to file a permit with the City of New Orleans. The ‘Master Event Application’ and ‘Supplement C-Parade Form’ are available online under www.Nola.gov/OneStop and must be submitted to One Stop Shop no later than 1 ½ to 2 months prior to the parade date.
What is the 2nd Line in a parade called?
The strutting revelers who fall in behind are referred to as the second line. The leaders of the parade carry decorated umbrellas, while the other participants shake handkerchiefs while they dance. A brass band plays some beats that gets everyone dancing and moving.
Why is it called a second line in New Orleans?
The “second line” refers to the spectators who join or follow the main line and contribute to the walking parade. This is what separates a second line from any other New Orleans parade: groups are not only welcome but encouraged to follow along, allowing the second line to grow as it marches.
Why do they call it 2nd line?
The Second Line – the magazine of the New Orleans jazz club, started in 1950 – took its name from the second lining tradition, which by that time included fans of jazz music, both black and white.
How long is a second line in New Orleans?
about six to eight blocksMany second line routes are about six to eight blocks long. Also be sure to parade in the same direction of traffic. The parade escorts will close the streets for your festivities, however you may end up having to hire more escorts if you parade "against" traffic on a one-way street.
How much is a second line band in New Orleans?
between $500 and $1500Bands, lead by three to six band members, are priced based on how many musicians are present, but NewOrleans.com says can range between $500 and $1500. Here is a NewOrleans.com list of local bands & DJs. STEP 5 And 6 (OPTIONAL) Steps 5 and 6 include fun extras to your wedding second line.
Why do they wave white hankies in New Orleans?
The white handkerchiefs were often in the pockets of the gentleman in the old days, or the ladies personal handkerchief. Today any paper or cloth napkin has been used to wave in the air to allow you to join in and be part of the fun.
What is a first line in New Orleans?
The “first line” includes the brass band, along with members of the club, organization or family being honored. The second line refers to everyone else: fellow revelers or mourners and those who have just decided to join in as it moves along. In the event of a funeral, the casket may be among the front of the line.
How much do you tip your second line band?
They are appreciated, but not expected. For weddings, it's customary to tip the band $20-$25 per musician. This should be handed in an envelope to the coordinator, or the band leader.
What do you need for a second line?
Most second lines just do with white handkerchiefs and a few parasols, but you can certainly get throws like beads and go-cups. You can personalize those for your second line by custom-printing your initials, for examples, or the date of the event.
How much does it cost for a second line?
The 2ndLine app provides you flexible pricing options to keep your number active. If you are in the US, it can be purchased for $4.99 for the first month, then $9.99 subsequently. It can be purchased for less - $69.99 if you opt for a yearly option.
How long does a second line last?
about 20 minutesA second-line typically lasts about 20 minutes. Wedding second-lines are usually about 4-6 blocks long. Other parties may choose a route a bit longer, 7-10 blocks long. Anything much longer than that, and you and your guests may begin to tire.
Can you throw yourself a parade in New Orleans?
You can throw your own second-line parade for as little as $600. Whether for a wedding, birthday, or just for the hell of it, the streets of New Orleans are ready to receive you. Unfortunately, even in the New Orleans of your imagination, permits exist.
How do you throw a second line in New Orleans?
7:029:31How To Throw Your Own Second Line Parade! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet a permit from the city hire a second line band. Go down bourbon street. And take your drinks toMoreGet a permit from the city hire a second line band. Go down bourbon street. And take your drinks to go with you and have your own personal parade that's one of a kind.
How long is the second line?
Many second line routes are about six to eight blocks long. Also be sure to parade in the same direction of traffic.
What is the second line at a wedding?
What is a Second Line? One of the most popular traditions during New Orleans weddings is the famous second line parade. At a wedding if signifies the start of a new beginning of life for the bride and groom. A Brass band leads the bridal party and the guests from the ceremony to the reception venue or it may take place at the reception itself.
What is the first line of the parade?
The first line is usually a brass band and the ones being honored, the newlyweds. The newly married couple leads the second line holding uniquely decorated umbrellas or parasols. Many couples opt to add a grand marshal, an energetic local who heads the parade.
What is the New Orleans tradition?
One of New Orleans favorite traditions comes from the African-American culture, Mardi Gras Indians. Even though the origin of the tradition is unknown, the century old tradition of certain New Orleans’ African-American males dressing on Mardi Gras Day in elaborate Indian costumes has become a staple of our community.
Where did the second line originate?
The Second Line has its origins in traditional West African circle or ring dances. The Second Line tradition was brought to New Orleans by enslaved Africans, where it became a ritual for Africans in America, especially in various processions, including funerals. Some scholars believe that the West African ring featured children drumming with adults dancing that in turn, forced the ring to straighten into a line. Others note the similarity of the steps – exaggerated, stylistic strutting – to dances performed in Congo Square by the enslaved given the day off on Sundays. These dances were officially banned for a time because they were deemed threatening to the white inhabitants of the city, and their resurgence in the Second Line culture suggests a similar celebration of individual freedom.
What is the second line in the parade?
The Second Line is a tradition in parades organized by Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs (SAPCs) with brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. The "main line" or "first line" is the main section of the parade, or the members of the SAPC with the parading permit as well as the brass band. The Second Line consists of people who follow ...
What is the difference between jazz funerals and second line funerals?
Another significant difference from jazz funerals is that Second Line parades lack the slow hymns and dirges played at funerals (although some organizations may have the band play a solemn selection toward the start of the parade in memory of members who died since their last parade).
Who was the grand marshal of the second line in the French Quarter?
Local Jazz singer Jane Harvey Brown leads the way as grand marshal for a brass band at a second line in the French Quarter in New Orleans. "Sons of Hope and the Annual Parade of the Young Veterans", New Orleans c. 1902. Exuberant dancing in the streets and sidewalks is part of the second line experience.
What is second line drumming?
Second line drumming styles became a feature of early jazz drumming and the New Orleans Rhythm and Blues of the 1950s. The Rebirth Brass Band and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band feature traditional second line drumming styles. Drummers such as Billy Higgins and Idris Muhammad adapted second line drum figures to modern jazz.
steve gardner
Andreas- Check out Vital Informations new CD...Steve Smith does alot of it.
Michael Welzl
Heh heh :) Seriously though, check out some books on it. Or probably the very best thing you could do is get the three DCI videos on New Orleans drumming. Seeing them pointed me in a new direction, eventually completely changing my drumming around. Seriously. You gotta listen to the music the drummers you adore listen to.
Lyle Caldwell
played off the ideas of the first line (here's the snare part). The second
Lyle Caldwell
Well, between the two of our posts, maybe someone will get it. I'm from
Overview
The Second Line is a tradition in parades organized by Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs (SAPCs) with brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. The "main line" or "first line" is the main section of the parade, or the members of the SAPC with the parading permit as well as the brass band. The Second Line consists of people who follow the band to enjoy the music, dance, and engage …
Origins
The Second Line has its origins in traditional West African circle or ring dances. The Second Line tradition was brought to New Orleans by enslaved Africans, where it became a ritual for African Americans, especially in various processions, including funerals. Some scholars believe that the West African ring featured children drumming with adults dancing that in turn, forced the ring to straighten into a line. Others note the similarity of the steps – exaggerated, stylistic strutting – t…
Second line drumming
A second line snare drummer commonly follows the brass band, playing off the marching beat with improvised polyrhythmic figures that can inspire second line dancers or, if the band is improvising, the band itself. Second line drumming styles became a feature of early jazz drumming and the New Orleans Rhythm and Blues of the 1950s. The Rebirth Brass Band and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band feature traditional second line drumming styles. Drummers such as Billy …
Modern second lining
Second line parades are part of the cultural heritage of New Orleans.
The locally best known second line parades are held by clubs and benevolent organizations. Some have long histories; the oldest such organization still holding regular parades is the Young Men Olympian Junior Benevolent Association, founded in 1884. During the "second line season", lasting most of the year with breaks for holidays (including Mardi Gras) and the hottest part of summer, …
External links
• Fat City Brass Band, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdxDDcULwKQ, www.facebook.com/fatcitybrassband
• Nick Spitzer, "Rebuilding the 'Land of Dreams:' Expressive Culture and New Orleans' Authentic Future" Southern Spaces, 29 August 2006
• Nick Spitzer, "Love and Death at Second Line" Southern Spaces, 20 February 2004.