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Treme Brass Band To Play Montgomery's Mardi Gras Block Party February 16, 2017 01:07

Photo via Associate Press

Montgomery’s Downtown Business Association (DBA Montgomery) is bringing a taste of New Orleans to the 100 block of Commerce Street in Downtown Montgomery with the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Block Party and Cajun Cook Off on Saturday, February 18th from NOON - 5pm. While the Block Party is free and open to the public, tickets are required to experience the Cajun Cook Off. Come enjoy the food, fun and authentic New Orleans vibe in the middle of Commerce Street to celebrate Carnival season - “Gump” style. Costumes are encouraged. The event is family-friendly and will go on rain or shine. Click here to follow the event on Facebook.

The Cook Off will get the party started from NOON - 2pm and feature some of Montgomery’s premiere restaurants sampling their best cajun fare. Sampling tickets will go on sale Wednesday, February 1st and can be purchased for $15 each at http://www.freshtix.com/events/cajun. All proceeds benefit Valiant Cross Academy. Tickets sold out last year so people are strongly encouraged to purchase online in advance of the event. After the Cook Off, there will be a check presentation to Valiant Cross Academy-whose students will be on hand to showcase their morning school ritual of powerful chants and prayers. In addition to the check presented from DBA, Wind Creek Montgomery will also present a check as a part of their “Make A Change” program.

Free Agents Brass Band performing in 2016 - Photo via DBA Montgomery

Beginning at 2:30pm, New Orleans’ legendary Treme Brass Band will take the stage to perform the traditional sounds of the Big Easy and bring the crowd-favorite “second line” street parade through Montgomery’s Downtown Entertainment District. Treme Brass Band gained fans around the world via the HBO show “Treme” as well as appearances in Spike Lee’s documentary “When the Levees Broke” and the popular television show NCIS New Orleans on CBS. Also on hand from New Orleans will be George Ingmire, on-air talent for WWOZ, New Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage station who will DJ during the event. 

Attendees are encouraged to visit downtown restaurants and businesses while downtown. No outside alcohol is allowed into the event but can be purchased and consumed on Commerce Street within the Entertainment District. “DBA Montgomery is excited to bring businesses and the public together to enjoy great music and food, build relationships and celebrate our community. We’re especially proud that this event will also benefit a worthy downtown non-profit, Valiant Cross Academy,” said Clay McInnis, President of DBA Montgomery.

Entertainment is sponsored by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Other sponsors include City of Montgomery, Wind Creek Montgomery, Alabama Power, Bama Budweiser, Kress on Dexter, Stamp Idea Group, RSVP, Partners Realty, Rushton Stakely, Starke Agency, Troy King, AALOS, Raycom, Sandra Nickel Hat Team, Vintage Year, Wintzell’s, Hampton Inn, Alley Bar/Aviator, Dreamland, Railyard, Saza Serious Italian and CC’s Daiquiris.

Watch highlights from the 2016 Mardi Gras Block Party here:

About the Treme Brass Band

The Treme Brass Band has been the most prominent purveyors of traditional music since drummer Benny Jones founded the band in the early 1990s, along with bass drummer Uncle Lionel Batiste. Despite Jones’ history playing with the funky Dirty Dozen, the Treme plays traditional repertoire in a loose, relaxed style. Treme’s 1996 album Gimme My Money Back (Arhoolie Records) exemplifies their approach, and includes “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” the spiritual that typically begins a jazz funeral procession in New Orleans. The inclusion of the clarinet points to Treme’s more tradition-oriented repertoire, although the band also includes more modern tunes like Rebirth’s “Do Whatcha Wanna.” In addition to being featured in episodes of HBO’s Treme, the Treme Brass Band received a National Heritage Award in 2006. The band currently plays a weekly Wednesday night show at the Candlelight Lounge.

About WWOZ 90.7 FM

WWOZ 90.7 FM is the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station, a community radio station currently operating out of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Our governance board is appointed by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation. 

About Montgomery’s Downtown Business Association

Montgomery’s Downtown Business Association (DBA) works to promote and encourage the creation and expansion of businesses and professional organizations in the downtown Montgomery area. DBA was organized and incorporated in 2010. DBA has a steadily expanding membership of downtown businesses and professional organizations. The Downtown Business Association of Montgomery, Alabama is an independent, non-profit organization established under the laws of the State of Alabama.

Their mission is “To promote the growth and vitality of the downtown Montgomery business community.” Click here to visit DBA Montgomery's official website.

About Valiant Cross Academy

Valiant Cross Academy is an all-male private school based on Christian principles with an intentional culture of structure and discipline. The school is located in the heart of downtown Montgomery, Alabama on Dexter Avenue. Click here to visit VCA's official website.

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Photo via DBA Montgomery