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Sunday second line: The other free church
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So it is Sunday in New Orleans, and you are looking to recharge your batteries for the work week. If you are like most of us who might be looking for something besides the occasional church hop, why not check out a Sunday second line?
Similar to church, minus the collection basket, the New Orleans’ weekly second line parade offers a great way to literally bounce back into the new week. Run by various Social Aid and Pleasure clubs of the metro area, these informal parades traverse the local streets infusing the air with billowing brass band sounds, offering a contagious beat you can not help but start dancing to!
The tradition of the second line traces its roots back to the Jazz Funerals of historical African slave communities. These funerals would offer wonderfully joyous music to celebrate the passing of the human soul into heaven, rather than just death of the physical body.
Today these parades, held every Sunday afternoon, are composed of the “main line” and “second line”. The main line is the Social Club running the parade. Dressed in matching suits, brightly colored patent leather shoes, and colorful sashes these guys are hard to miss. The Grand Marshal can be found waving a brightly adorned umbrella or blowing a whistle to get the beat started. Other members of the main line wield trumpets, tubas, and drums.
The second line is, well, you. Any bystander who is moved by the authentic New Orleans Jazz beat is welcome to participate-free of charge!
If you decide to attend a second line, do not be surprised if you have sore thighs come Monday morning due to your free-spirited dancing on North Rampart. Do not worry about skipping out on church; we will pray for you.
