The Hot 8 Brass Band performs at Sixth & I Synagogue on Thursday, June 6, 2013 in Washington, DC. Photo By: Anthony Washington
The Hot 8 Brass Band brought the sounds of New Orleans to the DC Jazz Festival at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue.
The DC Jazz Festival has turned into one of the best musical festivals in the tri-state area. In its 9th year, the 12-day festival includes more than 125 performances at more then 40 venues all across the city including Sixth & I Synagogue, The Hamilton Live, The Howard Theatre, The Kennedy Center, and Bohemian Caverns to name a few. One of the best things about the festival is its “Jazz In The ‘Hoods” program presented by Events DC. “Jazz In The ‘Hoods” brings jazz to 21 neighborhoods throughout the city so jazz lovers never have to go far to hear some of the best jazz artist in the world.
The Hot 8 Brass Band’s performance at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue on Thursday, June 6, 2013 was not part of the “Jazz In The Hoods”, but it did include some of the best jazz artist in the world.
The New Orleans based Hot 8 Brass Band brass band plays in the traditional brass band style while mixing in elements of hip hop, funk, and r&b into their music. The Hot 8 Brass was founded in 1995 by tuba player Bennie Pete, Jerome “Bay Bay” Jones (trombone) and Harry “Swamp Thang” Cook (bass drum). The band first received national notoriety when they appeared in When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, the 2006 documentary about Hurricane Katrina by director Spike Lee.
The groups latest album “Tombstone” was released on May 14, 2013. The album is is dedicated to the fallen members of the Hot 8 Brass Band. Four of the band members have died over the years. Three members of the band were shot and killed. This has lead to the bands involvement in “Silence is Violence,” an anti-violence campaign that “calls upon both citizens and public officials to achieve a safe New Orleans across all communities.”
This was the second time I had the chance to see and photograph the band live. The first time was “In The Den” at the Howlin’ Wolf in New Orleans when I was in the city for a week in 2011 (photos here). The band was just as engaging, energetic, and fun at a Sixth & I as they were at the Howlin Wolf back in 2011.
As the band began its set for the night, it did not take long for fans of the band to get up from their seats and head to the front to dance. Soon after, trumpeter Terrell Batiste said to the crowd, “We are a New Orleans brass band we do not expect you to sit down.” Eventually the front of the stage was filled with people dancing and having a great time while the band played some of their newer songs as well as old favorites like It’s Real , What’s My Name Rock With The Hot 8, and a cover of Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing. A umbrella did pop-up, and I think a second line was attempted, but I think too many people were having a good time dancing to even notice in the dimly list venue.
I have to give it to those who are from New Orleans who now live in the DC/MD/VA tri-state area. If there is a New Orleans based band or musician near by, they always come out and support them. This night was no different. There were a number of people in the crowd from New Orleans.
The Hot 8 Brass Band really embody the soul of New Orleans. With everything that the band has gone through over the years, they have stayed strong and brought great music and good times to people around the world helping them dance away any pain, stress, or grief that they may have.
The DC Jazz Festival continues until Sunday, June 16. Visit http://dcjazzfest.org for more information.
Enjoy the photos!
More Photos:
DC Jazz Festival: Hot 8 Brass Band – Images by Anthony Washington
