Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College welcomes New Orleans’ own Hot 8 Brass Band, May 5
Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College welcomes New Orleans’ own Hot 8 Brass Band, May 5
DURANGO, Colo. – The sound of New Orleans comes to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, as the Hot 8 Brass Band takes the stage Thursday, May 5, 2011, 7:30 p.m.
The Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans street music for more than a decade. Coaxing a unique sound from their well-loved and well-worn horns, the players offer performances infused with the funk and energy that has inspired a love for New Orleans music worldwide.
Hot 8 was founded originally by Bennie “Big Bennie” Pete (tuba), Jerome Jones and Harry “Swamp Thang” Cook (bass drum) in 1995. Its players are all natives of New Orleans – and many began playing together in high school. Once coming together professionally to perform traditional New Orleans brass band music, they joined the traditional Second Line parades hosted each Sunday by the Social Aid and Pleasure Club, and have participated ever since.
Described as “Defiant Swing” by the New Yorker, the Hot 8 has toured internationally and is a celebrated performer at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Following Hurricane Katrina, Hot 8 garnered national recognition, featured in a variety of news reports as well as in Spike Lee’s documentary, “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.” Hot 8’s work with the Finding Our Folk Tour has brought music and instruments to evacuee shelters, the temporary trailer parks and communities throughout the US providing temporary homes to displaced New Orleans residents.
In the years since Katrina, three members of Hot 8 have lost their lives due to violence on New Orleans’ streets, and in response to these tragic setbacks, the Hot 8 Brass Band has recommitted itself to bringing people together to celebrate, heal and learn through its unique brand of music.
Tickets for Hot 8 Brass Band – $20/$27/$32 – are available on-line at www.durangoconcerts.com or by calling 970.247.7657, or at the Ticket Office in Downtown Durango at 7th and Main Ave. All sales final.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m., with doors to the Concert Hall and concessions, serving beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, opening at 6:30 p.m.
The Community Concert Hall is a not-for-profit, multi-use performance venue located on the campus of Fort Lewis College. Its ability to bring a diverse spectrum of shows to Southwest Colorado is made possible through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, and the city of Durango, as well as through financial and in-kind contributions from generous members of the community.
