The Procession and Second Line that began at the Charbonnet Labat Glapion Funeral Home on St.Philip Street lasted two hours, an epic event. My video card was filled one minute before the final dirge at Hunter's Field in which Lionel's casket was lifted into the air to give him one last boost toward heaven.
The procession heads down St. Philip Street from the funeral home. See the videos .
Spectators lined the streets, watched from their porches on St. Philip Street
Longtime Tremé resident Davis Rogan (above, whose character is portrayed on the HBO series "Tremé") was a friend of Lionel's and is often seen at the Candlelight Lounge on Wednesday nights.
Brass bands followed by second line dancers, walkers, anyone who wanted to be part of the energy of this historic procession.
The ninety degree heat? Doesn't slow things down today.
Uncle Lionel's brother Norman Batiste, leads a family contingent.
The Candlelight Lounge 925 North Robertson, where Uncle Lionel played with the Treme Brass Band every Wednesday night; Baby Doll Denise Pagnier.
Second Line on two feet, more or less, and on wheels
Thousands joined in the "Going Home" procession and more lined the elevated roadway leading to I-10.
Goodbye, Uncle Lionel.
North Claiborne a few blocks from St. Bernard and Hunter's Field. The brass bands were playing "Amazing Grace" and thousands of people sang along.
The only two funeral processions within memory that rival the size of Uncle Lionel's were the funerals of Ernie K-Doe and Tuba Fats. My video card was full one second after this photo!
VIDEOS on next post...
So, so poignant, so beautiful. Thanks for your wonderful coverage of the sendoff of Uncle Lionel!
Posted by: May Louise White | July 24, 2012 at 08:37 PM