Hey everyone!

We’ve been hard at work every free day we have editing video. We’re glad to announce we’ve gone through over 100 hours of concert footage and lined it all up and trimmed the fat. We’ve also gone through half of our interviews and began cutting and editing everything down to the point where we can put it all to music.

We’re also pleased to bring you this quick snippet of footage we put together from our interview with Kermit Ruffins, one of the founding members of the Rebirth Brass Band and the current leader of the BBQ Swingers, outside of his regular Thursday night spot at Vaughn’s Lounge in the Bywater.

Thanks again for all your support and feel free to send us a message through kickstarter or send one to emailus@brassrootsmovie.com if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

NEWS:

It’s been a while since our last newsletter and it’s been for good reason. We’ve been editing like crazy and also in the process of scheduling our last music shoots and collecting b-roll.

This past weekend, we had a little fun with some of our equipment and got a chance to put one of our cameras on the top of the Benny Pete’s sousaphone with the Hot 8 and had it take a picture every 10 seconds during the Goodfellas second line that went through Uptown yesterday.

We’ve put together the over 900 pictures that were taken and added a track from the Hot 8 concert we recorded at the Blue Nile and made it our video of the week.

VIDEO:

Like we just said, it’s a view of a second line that you’ve never seen before. Presenting the Hot 8 Brass Band and the Goodfellas Social Aid & Pleasure Club in time-lapse form.

We hope this video gives people a greater understanding of the incredible spectacle that is a second line parade. Watch closely and you’ll see that this parade pretty much shut down St. Charles Ave and most of Uptown as it rolled through the city.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions about this newsletter or our project in general, don’t hesitate to write to: emailus@brassrootsmovie.com .

Summer is over! We hope you all had a nice relaxing summer. Although we had a great time our summer was incredibly busy! Thanks to our backers, we were able to achieve our Kickstarter goal and went strait to work. We filmed the Treme Brass Band at the Candlelight Lounge, the Soul Rebels at Le Bon Temps, the Stooges at Hi-Ho Lounge, and Hot 8 at the Blue Nile. We were also able to interview Trombone Shorty, Dancing Man 504, Kirk Joseph, Big Sam, SAPC Task Force, Phil Fraizer, Gregory “Koon” Veals, Stafford Agee, and Craig Klein of Bonerama. Stay tuned for updates as we wind down our production and begin finalizing Brass Roots.

Last week we announced that reached Kickstarter and that we raised over $20,000 to finish production! This is a very exciting time for us as now we have the resources to finish filming bands and interviews and begin post-production.

We’re now excited to announce that we’ll be filming the Treme Brass Band at their regular spot in the Candlelight Lounge on May 25th. We’re also in talks with several other bands about filming and will be announcing date and times as they’re nailed down.

We’re also talking with TBC, Stooges and New Orleans musician Paul Sanchez and we’ll hopefully be hammering out their interviews soon!

Unfortunately, between Jazz Fest and the end of our Kickstarter campaign, we weren’t able to produce an original Brass Roots Movie video for y’all, but we hope you don’t hold that against us. Since we know that we’ve got you in the habit of watching some amazing brass band videos, this week we’re going to link to this amazing and rare footage of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band playing a second line all the way back in 1982!

Check out this photo slideshow featuring some of the New Orleans brass band musicians that were performing at the 2011 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival!

Last week we announced that we reached our Kickstarter goal!

Since then, we’ve continued to raise money and are now well past the $20,000 we were hoping for. We still have until MIDNIGHT tonight to raise money so if you haven’t donated or know other people who haven’t, tell them it’s now or never and to go to this link:

Now that we know we have our cash, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be filming the Treme Brass Band at their regular spot in the Candlelight lounge. We’re also in talks with several other bands about filming and will be announcing date and times as they’re nailed down.

To stay ahead of the curve on all the latest Brass Roots news, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand column. If you had, you’d have already seen our video with Tom Piazza, above.

Thanks for support Brass Roots and be sure to check out all the band listings from now until next week after the jump!

We have so much to be thankful for on this holiday weekend, including more than $14k reasons over on our Kickstarter campaign!

With just 12 days to go we have to raise the final $5k to make sure we get the funding we need to finish our film. Kickstarter’s message to us has always been: “You can always raise more but never less!” meaning if we don’t get to $20k we GET NOTHING.

Donate today!

Why should you back Brass Roots with a pledge? Besides the fact that the film might not get made without your support, there’s also all the rewards we’re offering, from Mardi Gras cups to DVD copies to autographed posters, we’re giving away all kinds of Brass Roots shwag with donations.

Also, backers get exclusive updates with early looks at videos, audio and other media as we finish production of our documentary. Learn more by signing up for our newsletter by clicking the link on the right————————–>

Onto the video (which you would have seen by now if you donated to our Kickstarter or signed up for our newsletter):

Last week we had the pleasure to film Glen David Andrews as he was recording his new single, “Gilded Splinters”, a remix of the Dr. John classic “I walk on gilded splinters”. Glen has played with several brass bands and is a staple in the local music scene and was one of the earliest artist we interviewed about brass bands.

We were delighted to put together this music video, compiling footage of him performing at French Quarter Fest and Tipitina’s, as well as him, his band and New Orleans guitarist Paul Sanchez recording the single in Lowell, Mass. and here in New Orleans at the house of our audio engineer, Michael Seaman.

Also, we should not that the Tipitina’s footage was shot at Glen’s “Trumpets Not Guns” benefit and we encourage everyone to check out the wonderful work they’re doing.

Walter Ramsey of the Stooges Brass Band

Hey y’all, just wanted to let everyone know that we’ve launched a newsletter with exclusive information and content about our project if you want to stay up to date with all the Brass Roots music, photos and videos.

To sign up, just click the link in the column to the right or below.

Also, we have 14 days left tin our Kickstarter and just over $5k we need to raise to reach our goal! We have over 700 “likes” on Facebook but just over 100 backers so we decided to give an extra incentive for anyone that wants to make any kind of contribution. Starting today, anyone who donates $15 will receive an exclusive 4×6 Brass Roots print of a picture like the one you see above.

Not only do backers get cool rewards, they also get early access to updates on our project that include new videos, audio and other work-in-progress media that you’ll only see if you pledge. If we can get 100 to donate $15 that’s $1500!!! Help us spread the word and support New Orleans brass band music!

Speaking of, hit the jump for this week’s music schedule.

(NOTE: an asterisk * denotes a show that happens every week, all shows take place in New Orleans unless marked otherwise and cover prices may vary. Shows collected from bands’ Web sites and WWOZ FM’s Livewire and NolaMusicNow.com. If you know of a show that’s not on here e-mail us and we’ll make sure to mention it!):

– Wednesday 4/20/11 –

Treme @ Candlelight Lounge 9 p.m. $5* — Aficionados of the traditional brass band music will love hearing this band in the heart of the Treme. Led by living legends Benny Jones and Uncle Lionel Batiste these guys are still bringing the jam as well as any of the younger bands out there.

Brass-a-holics @ The 12 Bar 9:30 p.m.* — A brand new band formed by former members of the Soul Rebels, these guys combine funk, hip-hop and traditional jazz music in a way that defies the established conventions of brass band music.

– Thursday 4/21/11 –

Tornado @ Preservation Hall 8 p.m.

Stooges @ Hi-Ho Lounge 10 p.m. $5* — The winners of the Red Bull Street Kings brass band competition, the Stooges are rapidly becoming one of the hottest brass bands in the city. Watch as the rock the party on St. Claude Ave. every week.

Soul Rebels @ Le Bon Temps Roulé 11 p.m. $5* — Seeing these guys light up the back room at Le Bon Temps can be akin to a religious experience. These guys rock so hard that the bar had to install a special sound-proof door just to keep the neighbors from calling the cops every time the Soul Rebels play. Need we say more?

– Friday 4/22/11 –

Leroy Jones and the Preservation Hall Jazz Masters @ Preservation Jazz Hall 8 p.m. – A disciple of the late, great Danny Barker and founding member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, catch as New Orleans trumpet legend Leroy Jones plays with the Preservation Hall Band at one of New Orleans’ most historic and intimate venues.

Soul Rebels @ Vinyl Music Hall in Pensacola, Fla. 8 p.m. $10-$15

Hurricane @ Old Point Bar 9:30 p.m.

Brass-A-Holics @ Blue Nile 10:00 p.m.

Glen David Andrews @ The Three Muses 10 p.m. FREE

One Mind @ BMC 1 a.m.*

– Saturday 4/23/11 –

Rebirth @ Luna Bar in Lake Charles, La. 10 p.m.

Kermit Ruffins @ Blue Nile 10 p.m.

Young Pinstripe @ The Maison 10 p.m.

Soul Rebels @ Bennie’s Boom Boom Room in Hattiesburg, Miss. 11 p.m.

Hot 8 @ Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse @ Midnight FREE

– Sunday 4/24/11 –

Hot 8 @ Howlin’ Wolf Den 9 p.m. $5* — After years of making their name as one of the hottest second line bands in town and touring through the U.S. and Europe, the Hot 8 have landed a regular gig every Wednesday night at Club Good Times and every Sunday night at the Howlin Wolf Den.

Mainline @ Blue Nile 10 p.m.* — Another band formed by members of the Soul Rebels, Mainline combines a brass band set up with modern music to bring a one of a kind sound that shows the versatility of contemporary brass band musicians.

Free Agents @ The Green Room 11 p.m. $5*

– Monday 4/25/11 —

Glen David Andrews @ d.b.a. 9 p.m. $5* — An alumnus of the Rebirth and Newbirth brass bands, Glen David is one of New Orleans’ most electric performers. A cousin of renowned Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Glen and his band give New Orleans classics a modern twist.

– Tuesday 4/26/11 –

New Orleans Nightcrawlers @ Chickie Wah Wah 8 p.m. — A veritable “All Star” brass band, the Nightcrawlers were founded by New Orleans piano player Tom McDermott and features players from some of the best New Orleans bands including Bonerama and the Dukes of Dixieland Jazz Band.

Free Agents @ Harbor Bar & Grill 8:30 p.m. — Formed after Hurricane Katrina by wayward musicians looking to keep brass band culture alive, the Free Agents have worked themselves silly at second lines and are now one of the upcoming stage shows in New Orleans.

Kermit Ruffins @ Bullet’s Sports Bar 9 p.m.*

Rebirth @ the Maple Leaf 11 p.m. $12* — THE signature brass band show in the city and possibly the only bar in the country that commands a full house every Tuesday night. A can’t miss show for anyone serious about learning the essentials of New Orleans brass bands.

Lagniappe @ B.M.C. 11 p.m.

Every Tuesday through Saturday —

TBC @ Corner of Bourbon St. and Canal St. 7 p.m. — Staying true to their roots, TBC continues to play on the mouth of Bourbon St. for the multitudes passing by. One of the most exciting young brass bands in the city, listen to them electrify downtown New Orleans every Tuesday through Saturday.

To sign up emailus@brassrootsmovie.com, Subject: Brass Roots News

Our newsletter will provide EXCLUSIVE content including links to original Brass Roots videos, audio recordings and news about brass bands  and show listings. Sign up today!

If you have any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions about this newsletter or our project in general, don’t hesitate to write to: emailus@brassrootsmovie.com

The other BIG news is that we have 21 days left in our Kickstarter! As of this writing, we have just over $12,000 and 80 backers supporting our project. Today, we’re releasing a copy of our live recording of the Rebirth Brass Band’s “Why Your Feet Hurt?” EXCLUSIVELY to people who have pledged donations to Brass Roots. Donate today!

And speaking of Rebirth: Their brand new album “Rebirth of New Orleans” is out in stores! Purchase it here or here or here!

Derrick Tabb, snare drummer for Rebirth, is also the founder of the Roots of Music. This non-profit organization provides free after-school tutoring, music classes and hot meals to at-risk New Orleans youth. Elementary and middle-school students take part in this wonderful program that teaches them how to perform in a genuine New Orleans marching band.

Check out our video with Derrick below!

Hit the jump for brass bands listings for the week ahead.

(NOTE: an asterisk * denotes a show that happens every week, all shows take place in New Orleans unless marked otherwise and cover prices may vary. Shows collected from bands’ Web sites and WWOZ FM’s Livewire and NolaMusicNow.com. If you know of a show that’s not on here e-mail us and we’ll make sure to mention it!):

– Wednesday 4/13/11 –

Kermit Ruffins at Wednesdays at the Square at 5:30 p.m. FREE — One of the founding members of Rebirth, Kermit Ruffins has branched out successfully on his own and grown to become one of the most popular and influential New Orleans trumpeters of his generation. R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe called Kermit’s show as Bullet’s “essential.” Watch him for free this afternoon in New Orleans’ Central Business District.

Rebirth @ Antones in Austin, Texas 8 p.m. $15-$17

Treme @ Candlelight Lounge 9 p.m. $5* — Aficionados of the traditional brass band music will love hearing this band in the heart of the Treme. Led by living legends Benny Jones and Uncle Lionel Batiste these guys are still bringing the jam as well as any of the younger bands out there.

Brass-a-holics @ The 12 Bar 9:30 p.m.* — A brand new band formed by former members of the Soul Rebels, these guys combine funk, hip-hop and traditional jazz music in a way that defies the established conventions of brass band music.

– Thursday 4/14/11 –

Survivors @ Preservation Hall 8 p.m.

Rebirth @ Warehouse Live in Houston, Texas 10 p.m.

Stooges @ Hi-Ho Lounge 10 p.m. $5* — The winners of the Red Bull Street Kings brass band competition, the Stooges are rapidly becoming one of the hottest brass bands in the city. Watch as the rock the party on St. Claude Ave. every week.

Soul Rebels @ Le Bon Temps Roulé 11 p.m. $5* — Seeing these guys light up the back room at Le Bon Temps can be akin to a religious experience. These guys rock so hard that the bar had to install a special sound-proof door just to keep the neighbors from calling the cops every time the Soul Rebels play. Need we say more?

– Friday 4/15/11 –

Soul Rebels @ Wanee Festival in Live Oak, Florida 11:45 a.m.

Dirty Dozen @ Wanee Festival in Live Oak, Florida 5 p.m.

Leroy Jones and the Preservation Hall Jazz Masters @ Preservation Jazz Hall 8 p.m. – A disciple of the late, great Danny Barker and founding member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, catch as New Orleans trumpet legend Leroy Jones plays with the Preservation Hall Band at one of New Orleans’ most historic and intimate venues.

Hurricane @ Old Point Bar 9:30 p.m.

Rebirth @ the Kessler Theater in Dallas, Texas 10 p.m.

Brass-A-Holics @ The Maison 10:00 p.m.

Glen David Andrews @ The Three Muses 10 p.m. FREE

Young Pinstripe @ d.b.a. 10 p.m. $5

One Mind @ BMC 1 a.m.

– Saturday 4/16/11 –

Baby Boyz @ Tulane’s Crawfest 11:45 p.m. FREE

The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders @ Tulane’s Crawfest 3:15 FREE

Rebirth @ the Middle East Nightclub in Boston, Mass. 8 p.m.

Soul Rebels @ Blue Nile 10 p.m.

The Pinettes at The Maison 10 p.m. — New Orleans only all-female brass band, watch these ladies blow as good as the boys and pave the way for a new generation of brass bands!

Hot 8 @ Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse @ Midnight FREE

Lagniappe at The Maison 1 a.m.

– Sunday 4/17/11 –

Hot 8 @ Howlin’ Wolf Den 9 p.m. $5* — After years of making their name as one of the hottest second line bands in town and touring through the U.S. and Europe, the Hot 8 have landed a regular gig every Wednesday night at Club Good Times and every Sunday night at the Howlin Wolf Den.

Mainline @ Blue Nile 10 p.m.* — Another band formed by members of the Soul Rebels, Mainline combines a brass band set up with modern music to bring a one of a kind sound that shows the versatility of contemporary brass band musicians.

Storyville Stompers @ St. Anna’s Episcopal Church 10 p.m.

Free Agents @ The Green Room 11 p.m. $5*

– Monday 4/18/11 —

Glen David Andrews @ d.b.a. 9 p.m. $5* — An alumnus of the Rebirth and Newbirth brass bands, Glen David is one of New Orleans’ most electric performers. A cousin of renowned Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Glen and his band give New Orleans classics a modern twist.

– Tuesday 4/19/11 –

New Orleans Nightcrawlers @ Chickie Wah Wah 8 p.m. — A veritable “All Star” brass band, the Nightcrawlers were founded by New Orleans piano player Tom McDermott and features players from some of the best New Orleans bands including Bonerama and the Dukes of Dixieland Jazz Band.

Free Agents @ Harbor Bar & Grill 8:30 p.m. — Formed after Hurricane Katrina by wayward musicians looking to keep brass band culture alive, the Free Agents have worked themselves silly at second lines and are now one of the upcoming stage shows in New Orleans.

Kermit Ruffins @ Bullet’s Sports Bar 9 p.m.*

Rebirth @ the Maple Leaf 11 p.m. $12* — THE signature brass band show in the city and possibly the only bar in the country that commands a full house every Tuesday night. A can’t miss show for anyone serious about learning the essentials of New Orleans brass bands.

Lagniappe @ B.M.C. 11 p.m.

Every Tuesday through Saturday —

TBC @ Corner of Bourbon St. and Canal St. 7 p.m. — Staying true to their roots, TBC continues to play on the mouth of Bourbon St. for the multitudes passing by. One of the most exciting young brass bands in the city, listen to them electrify downtown New Orleans every Tuesday through Saturday.

This gallery is a tribute to some of our favorite New Orleans trumpeters.