In New Orleans - don't fear the tuba

[jmerring]

While reading the news on MSNBC, this morning:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35522402/ns ... sConcierge" target="_blank" target="_blank

[David Richoux]

Can you post a more direct link? MSNBC changes their site frequently and I see nothing about New Orleans or tubas on your URL...

[jmerring]

MSNBC.com (main page) on 3/12/10. Travel section. The article is titled 'What Not to do In New Orleans." It's one of several 'nots.' I hope you can find it.

[MartyNeilan]

5. Don't ...


Fear the tuba

Plenty of folks think that the humble tuba is the lonely overweight kid of the high-school marching band or the purveyor of dreary "oompah-pah" lines in Austrian beer halls. But not so in New Orleans—this king of the low brass lays down the groove in the city's funky modern-day band tradition. If you're thinking that New Orleans jazz means Dixieland, you're in for a pleasant surprise.


Instead ...


Seek out the local brass bands


Blasting tuba lines anchor street-smart groups that owe more to Bootsy Collins and Lil Wayne than to John Philip Sousa. To hear the best the city's horn masters have to offer, schedule your trip to hit the Maple Leaf Bar for the Rebirth Brass Band's standing Tuesday-night gig or catch the Little Rascals on Thursday nights at Uptown's Bon Temps Roulé.


Otherwise, keep an eye on the lineup at Tipitina's, the Howlin' Wolf, and the House of Blues. Other notable acts include the Hot Eight and the TBC Brass Band—always strong, always funky.

[Dan Schultz]

MSNBC.com (main page) on 3/12/10. Travel section. The article is titled 'What Not to do In New Orleans." It's one of several 'nots.' I hope you can find it.

Thanks for the link. I'm planning to spend a week in New Orleans in a couple of weeks before heading to the Association of Concert Bands convention in Dallas.

[tubbba]

I think he's using two goosenecks!

Clearly, he's NOT a two-bit Tuba player.


"Yeah, after weeks of lurking, I make my grand entrance with *this* post ..."

[David Richoux]

The last few times I was in New Orleans (about 9 years ago) the hot spot for Brass Bands was Donna's - on the edge of the Quarter, Rampart Street, near "Funky Butt Hall." According to their website there is still a lot happening there. There are several other newer places where the bands gather, but I have not been to them.

Maple Leaf is also good, but to really find out what is happening, get a copy of the free weekly newspaper "The Gambit" (or check them on line,) or listen to WWOZ. They both have many great listings.

[tubatooter1940]

It is very rewarding to play tuba in New Orleans.
In Jackson Square by the Cathredral, you will find several bands with a tuba or single tuba players playing the square for tips most days. I wonder if it would be cool with the locals to set up in Jackson square with a open suitcase for tips and play some tuba solo stuff. It sure would be fun.
Our annual January gig at the Tropical Isle bar on Bourbon Street is tons of fun with lively, appreciative crowds.
Tips are above average and boobie flashing is a likely possibility.
toots

[David Richoux]

I did a Jackson Square "street jazz quartet" one year (during Jazzfest) and we took in about $400 in 2 hours playing. I got the feeling that there was some sort of low level mob/gang organization that was trying to control the street music, but there was no overt pressure on us to stop playing. We did get a bunch of kids hanging around us who would tap dance while we played, but I later found out they were under the control of some older boys - they skimmed a major portion of their tips.

I don't know if this is still the situation - the flood changed a lot of the way that city "works" - but I would guess that you should give it a try and see what happens. There was a period of a few years where the cops were busting street bands (mostly because of complaints from the painters who were selling their stuff around Jackson Square.)

[TUbajohn20J]

I think he's using two goosenecks!

Clearly, he's NOT a two-bit Tuba player.

I know people that use 3, 4, and even 5 bits.