How to Join a Jazz Funeral Procession
New Orleans style Jazz funerals consist of a street procession, usually lead by a brass band followed by the deceased's friends and family ("first line") and then bystanders ("second line"). Practiced almost exclusively by the city's African-American community until the 1960s, the music-filled street parades have paid homage to the lives of famous musicians like Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Professor Longhair as well as everyday Crescent City residents.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Watch the "first line." The friends and family of the deceased, any members of an affiliated social club or "krewe" and the brass band playing music march down the street to or from the church or cemetery, dancing and joyously celebrating their loved one's life. Many jazz funeral arrangements are made beforehand, so if you knew the deceased personally, you'll be included in the "first line."
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2
Spot the other "second liners." As the parade progresses down the street, bystanders and passers-by who are moved by the music or knew the deceased in passing may join the parade. "Second liners" often twirl umbrellas or parasols or wave handkerchiefs as they follow the first line down the street.
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3
Enter the line at an appropriate time. If you're a "second liner" join at the very end of the procession or at least wait until the band and family members have walked past. It's considered rude for a second-liner to cut into the family's or band's procession.
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4
Groove to the music. Jazz music provides the foundation for the procession, so get into the rhythm of the band's music. If you don't know anything about the deceased person, ask one of the participants and salute the departed with a toast or the wave of a handkerchief.
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5
Follow the parade until the band stops or the first-liners disperse. You may continue the celebration at a nearby club or bar. In New Orleans, a jazz funeral celebrates the life of the deceased as much as it mourns their death.
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