Let The Good Times Roll
 Photo: MulesAPilot |
Let The Good Times Roll!
When I lived in New Orleans, it really wasn't unusual to get caught up in parade traffic on a regular Tuesday night. On several occasions I saw streets closed for floats and bands to go by, when I had no idea what was being celebrated.
It doesn't matter. Just the way things are.
The company I worked for at the time has presence all over the world. At headquarters, they planned an executive conference to take place in New Orleans. Local staff was called on for on-location help, but the program was completely planned and organized long-distance by Corporate.
Each morning was kicked-off with some kind of entertainment giving attendees a taste of local flavor. French Quarter street performers on one day, a "second line" parade the next. The third day promised marching bands — The event organizer had called up a couple of high schools and invited them to play.
"Who'd they get?" one of my co-workers wanted to know.
"Oh no they di-n't," said another when the organizer named the bands. They were wide-eyed then doubled over laughing. See, these two natives knew the out-of-towners had invited rivals.
Yes, band rivals.
Marching bands are a pretty big deal. It didn't take me, as an outsider, long to figure that out. So much of the culture there is built on music, and hey, the bands are featured in Mardi Gras parades. "This one time at band camp," isn't a punchline in this culture — Pass by a bunch of kids at a bus stop, and it's the one practicing his trumpet that's cool.
Let The Good Times Roll!
So at 8:30 AM, as scheduled, the two bands lined up at opposite ends of the room. They took turns playing a number as expected... Then kept right on playing. Neither was willing to let the other guys get the last note. Their drum majors led the fun showdown outside.
This was a weekday morning in a downtown highrise hotel. Two full-scale marching bands trumpeted down a flight of stairs, through the lobby and onto the street below. It was just a one-way side street — Nothing to get upset about unless it was part of your morning commute. But if you lived in New Orleans, you probably wouldn't be bothered by such things. Late for work because a parade blocked traffic is a plausible excuse.
My co-workers and I watched through the second story window outside the conference hall, and could still hear the performance as well as any sleeping guest. It went on for a good fifteen or twenty minutes before chaperones started corralling them on the buses.
I have no idea who won, or how it ended. I was just thrilled to witness what could only be called a Blow Off.
Let The Good Times Roll!
Yes, I would bet there are parades and other celebrations all over New Orleans. After forty years of waiting for this kind of win, Saints fans deserve it!
OMG this cracks me up. Geaux Saints!!
Reply to this