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 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.




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








This is my friend Anne Abler from Rio Oso, California.










On April 26 the Ytre Soløens Jazz Band of Norway performed in Economy Hall with Tricia "Teedy" Boutté. A group of Norwegian jazz fans followed the band to New Orleans and paraded around the tent with their Norwegian flags at every opportunity.



The fellow second in line here is my friend Bart Nassberg, a doctor from New Jersey. He used to have a more elaborate umbrella, but unfortunately it broke a couple of years ago.