His wake is tomorrow at the Charbonnet Funeral Home on St.Philip Street in his beloved Tremé neighborhood. The music was lively, the crowd cheered by the infectious music but still... the photos of Uncle Lionel lining the wall and the stage without his presence are mute reminders of his passing.
A wooden cutout of the dapper man who co-founded the Treme Brass Band with snare drummer Benny Jones, Sr. and his photos on the wall and his beloved bass drum are reminders of his passing
Longtime waitress Gladys who welcomes one and all with open arms and pt; Ed King, veteran trombone player with Tremé Brass Band and Uncle Lionel's roommate for years when the band was on the road.
The band plays on. Co-founder Benny Jones,Sr. (in red,back row) keeps a relentless beat on snare drums.
Trumpets peal to the heavens; Kermit Ruffins pays a visit
Proprietor Leona Grandison and pt. Leona makes the delicious red beans and rice that's served at the rear of the room, just lay some folding money in the tip jar and you have your bowl. Leona would love to restart her kitchen business, her kitchen ruined in Katrina. To see what Leona needs to keep this iconic lounge running the way she wants, see http://candlelightlounge.net/a-bit-about-us.html
There will be time for the tears, not just yet tonight...
Comments