The Maple Leaf Bar is very famous for its many regular acts it houses on a weekly basis. Every Tuesday night, they are the home of The Rebirth Brass Band. Now if you are looking for some real, down home, New Orleans second line brass band music, these guys are for you.
Here’s some background on the band. They were founded in 1983 by Philip and Keith Frazier, and Kermit Ruffins. There are currently nine members, and they travel the world. The band plays with many local artists like Kermit Ruffins, who is no longer a member, and Trombone Shorty.
Now their style is like nothing I’ve heard. It’s a combo of brass band, jazz, funk, and second line with a bit of hip hop and soul. It makes you want to sway back and forth with your hands in the air. If you ever catch them on the street, marching and playing, I suggest you jump in line with them and dance along because they do cause quiet a stir where ever they go.
Now I have seen them play before at The Varsity Theater in Baton Rouge, and also at Jazz Fest. They always make the atmosphere feel like you are right in the French Quarter. You can not help but snap, clap, tap, or dance along with them as they play. Just something about the music, it makes you move involuntarily. I find this amazing. So when I went to see them Tuesday night after a long and frustrating day, they seemed to have taken all the bad energy away and made me feel good all over.
Even though it gets really crowded and extremely loud, I suggest going all the way up to be right in front of the band to get a really good feel for the music. There’s just something about getting close to the band that makes your heart race in sync with the beat.
Famous fact about the Maple Leaf Bar and Rebirth Brass Band: They were featured together in the Kate Hudson film “The Skeleton Key.” So, if you ever want to break up the monotony of your week, or just get it off to a good start, go see the Rebirth Brass Band at the Maple Leaf Bar. You won’t be disappointed if you do.
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