Second Line - Part 1

The second line tradition originated in New Orleans funerals, in which the hearse would be followed by a brass band. The mourners would march behind the band - that is, they were the second line behind the hearse. The mourners would carry parasols to protect themselves from the sun. Over time, the practice of marching with umbrellas became separate from funerals, and second-liners now march and dance whenever a band plays music that moves them. Certain numbers always get the second-liners going: Bourbon Street Parade, Joe Avery's Piece, When the Saints Go Marching In, Joe Avery's Second Line, Whoopin' Blues. . . Each second-liner has a distinct style, from the dance step to the decorations on the umbrella (or whatever else the dancer carries - they don't all have umbrellas). It's a sight when the Economy Hall tent really gets going - hundreds of dancers all moving to the same beat but all moving differently (sort of like collective improvisation in traditional jazz).

Here is my friend Bart Nassberg, a doctor from New Jersey. Unfortunately, his umbrella broke during the second weekend, and he had to use a plain, undecorated umbrella. I'm sure he'll have a new one by the next Jazzfest.



Brass bands usually have a Grand Marshall to lead the second-liners. They often wear something to show that they are with the band - in this case a sash.









A brass band usually performs with a Social Aid and Pleasure Club. These organizations were originally for funeral insurance, from the days when insurance companies in the south wouldn't do business with black people. Each club would pool its resources to provide for the final expenses of its members. The club members would also march as mourners in the second line. The SAPCs still exist and show up as mourners at funerals (I don't know whether they still provide the insurance function). Here is the Lady Jetsetters Social Aid and Pleasure Club dancing in the second line with the Young Tuxedo Brass Band. Most SAPCs have banners that they carry when they march, but the Lady Jetsetters lost their banner in Katrina.







This is my friend Anne Abler from Rio Oso, California. She is particularly proud of her shoes.



This is Gabrielle Schneider. I don't know how old she is - six or seven, perhaps? She is a very good dancer and loves attention (perhaps a bit too much). It's obvious when you see her that she wants to be a performer.



This is Helen from the New Orleans Jazz Society. She has several different umbrellas and outfits that she uses for second-lining.



Here is Second-Line Eddie. He's one of the most enthusiastic dancers in Economy Hall. Often, he's the first one up and moving when the music starts and the one that the line forms behind. He lives in New Orleans, and I understand his house was flooded in the Katrina disaster.