King Cake courtesy of Lee Spruell at the 12th Night lunch at Brother's Seafood on Sat, Jun 5

King Cake
Originally uploaded by Travis Stansbury

Lee Spruell writes, "I hope you and your family have had a blessed Christmas season --- mine has been --- it has also been busy --- I have moved everything out of my classroom in Marshall and will move it into my room at Ridgewood on Jan. 2 --- I love it though --- I feel the move is going to be a positive one ---

I was in town yesterday shopping half price sales for next year's treasures ---so I stopped by the bakery across from Byrd High and ordered a King Cake for the party at Brothers on the 5th ---please let me know if there is anything else I can do --- if not I will see you there.
¡Felicidades! ------ Lee


Merci beaucoup, Lee!

Btw, don't you like the pattern of the King cake above? Fresh take and strong design.
RT

Blanc et Noir Marching Society follows the Crescent City tradition by second lining with a brass band

On the Bayou with the Money Wasters
Originally uploaded by Ed Newman

Here's an evocative shot from Ed Newman. It was 1992, Newman was a law student in New Orleans. If you want to see where the B&N vibe is coming from, please click on this photo and follow Newman's photo stream.

Blanc et Noir: make your own pins, Tshirts, felt medallions and posters

B & N mask 1
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Blanc et Noir is a krewe founded by a group of artists: Robert & Talbot Hopkins Trudeau and Jerry & Tarama Davenport.

Thus the emphasis is on original and artful costumes and paraphernalia.

Here's one design created by the Trudeaus that you can use on jackets, posters and pins. Download it by following a link back to flickr.com and above the photo, click All Sizes; there you will be able to download the image.

But you are certainly Not required to use this motif. If you create a design - Jerry Davenport has his own, which was used on lots of jackets last year - please send me a photo of it.

At the Costume Workshop on Jan 15 (site tba) I will show you how to make a freezer paper stencil to paint designs like this one atop black Tshirts or what have you. My daughter Annabel and I are going to do a run-through tomrrow.

Blanc et Noir salutes the Mystick Krewe of Apollo Shreveport; Bal Masque XXII to be Sat, Jan 19, 2008

100_0728
Originally uploaded by BrianOrrell

Says charter member of B & N Sheri Underwood, "I am going to be attending the Krewe of Apollo ball this Mardi Gras and wanted to wear something that would identify me as a Blanc member. I thought it might help in getting some new members. Do you have an idea for a good look that I could steal? I was thinking some sort of pin but I am not sure of the design. Any help you could pass along I would appreciate it.

P.S. I will be at the brunch next month. Hopefully with new members and definitely with money!"

Thanks, Sheri. Truly, the spirit of unity in Carnival is one of its great pleasures.

If you'd like to have one of Talbot's medallions, appropriate for sewing or pinning to the back of a black blazer, you may. Basically it looks like an African mask and is the symbol seen on the krewe banner. I like your idea of a pin, too. I'll try to design one and publish it here.

Anyone else with ideas? Post them, please, in the comments box.

The Bal Masque of the Krewe of Apollo will be held at the Municipal Auditorium, 705 Elvis Presley Blvd, Shreveport, on Sat, Jan 19. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased at The Vacuum Cleaner Hospital, 101 E. King's Hwy, 318-869-3197. Black tie. Valet Parking. Cash bar. Age 21 and older.

Blanc et Noir press release to the Times

masque
Originally uploaded by trudeau

For the Times Jan section on regional krewes we submitted the following . . .

Royalty:
Le Capitaine: Robert Trudeau, Comtesse: Talbot Hopkins Trudeau
Dauphin: Jerry Davenport; Baronne: Tarama Davenport

Join us:
Join the Blanc et Noir by sending a check for $30 per adult or teen (children free and welcome) to Robert Trudeau, 912 Monrovia St, Shreveport 71106.

Celebrations:
Twelfth Night brunch at Brothers' Seafood at noon, Sat, Jan 5. Costume Workshop on Sat, Jan 19, noon, location tba.

Robert

Artist Lee Spruell latest addition to B&N krewe

Artspace, Shreveport: Lee Spruell
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Lee Spruell and I met on the set of Dia de los Muertos, the recent exposition at Artspace Shreveport. I am delighted that he has sent in his check to be part of the Feb 08 parade.

Lee was on the Dia planning committe because he is in love with Mexico and its culture. A frequent traveler to Mexico, he brought ideas and materials to the Artspace show and also presented beautifully-costumed youngsters whom he'd taught folkloric dances. His ofrendas to Frida Kahlo was super-colorful and detailed.

Lee and Jerry and Tarama Davenpoprt and I want to present a costume workshop on a Sat morn in January. Drop me an email at trudeau@earthlink.net if you'd like to join us and trade ideas for costumes that are cheap and easy but imaginative and fun.

If you're ready to order Krewe of Highland doubloons . . .

Mardi Gras Doubloons
Originally uploaded by Patrick Houlihan

Hello Fellow Krewe Members,

Meeting is hereby called for Monday, December 3, 2007 at 804 Wilkinson, 6:00 pm.

As you may recall from our last meeting, we discussed having doubloons made. Since the Krewe cannot absorb the expense, we need a commitment from anyone interested. The cost is between $0.10 and $0.15 each, depending on the number that we order. I am ordering 2000 if we can get together enough interest for a minimum of 10,000. Please let me know ASAP how many you will commit to.

Thank you.

Terry
TAG1104@aol.com

Both The Times and the Red & Black Second Line Band ready to hear from Blanc et Noir

Originally uploaded by oneeyeddogblues

The Times will get info on B & N from me on its deadline for krewe info, which is Nov 30. There will probably be a Times photo shoot in Dec.

Would you please drop me an email - if not a check - to let me know you're supporting B & N in 2008?

Merci beaucoup.

This photo and the shot of Bruce Flett were shot by friend Barbara Beaird.

Bruce Flett of the Bluebirds is a charter member of the Blanc and the Noir

Originally uploaded by oneeyeddogblues

A check came in from Bruce Flett today, reminding me of how valuable Bruce has been to B & N. He supplied contract, advice and communications in our first work with the Red & Black Second Line band and has been active in getting lined up for 2008.

Bruce is both a musician and manager of musical talent - see his Bruce Flett Productions web site if you have a wedding or other special event on the horizon.

Last year his band, the Bluebirds, played for the after-parade event in Columbia Park. Hope that this year he will be with us, alongside his dancer daughter, Laura Beth, and son, Jake, in the Krewe of Highland parade.

Daryl Williams at Highland Jazz & Blues Fest on Sat, Nov 17, noon

Zillionaires at Sundown Club, Ruston
Originally uploaded by trudeau

The Highland Jazz and Blues Fest has offered synergy to B & N by presenting Daryl Williams and the Zillionaires at the opening of the fest. The second line that Highland is promoting is a respectful nod to this marching krewe.

Let's go and support the fest in Columbia Park. It runs from noon to 6 pm.

Nan and Clyde Massey, longtime supporters of the Krewe of Barkus & Meow, are also charter members of Blanc et Noir

Mardi Gras Party with Lip Service & Robert Trudeau hosted by nan & Clyde Massey
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Not only did Nan Massey respond quickly to the B & N membership drive (see an earlier post), she has sent her check for $90 this week, which includes son Andrew in the march.

Because of Barkus & Meow, I've been working with Nan and Clyde over the past 5 years. The Masseys ha've hired me to tell stories and lead the dancing at their annual party, a shindig overflowing with food and drink and vibey people. She has hosted the party variously at her house, at Java Junction and Stone's Throw Cafe. She has also included the excellent trio called Lip Service - Barbara Jarrell. Sandra Odom, Cookie Garner - in the entertainment.

The Masseys remind us that Carnival aficionados are frequently members of several organizations. And the check reminded me of their generosity.

Merci beaucoup, Nan and Clyde!

Daryl Williams, leader of the The Red & Black New Orleans Style Second Line Band, Grambling, says . . .

Daryl Williams, leader of the The Red & Black New Orleans Style Second Line Band, Grambling
Originally uploaded by trudeau

"Yes, our partnership last year was very righteous and it will continue. On Feb 3, it would be a honor for the Red & Black New Orleans Style second line band to perform in the krewe of highland parade. The band will have 7 memebers and a new and improved " Traditional New Orleans 2nd line Style ". Thanks for everything and we are ready to make a deal!"

Welcome new B & N members Ken Womack and his friend, Plus One

Yoga at the Y: Ken Womack
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Got some good news for the marching gods and goddesses of Blanc et Noir.

We will be joined in the parading by my friend and yoga instructor, Ken Womack. He is a generous, fun-loving businessman who knows his history and hustle. Tall and preternaturally limber and fit, he is a martial arts devotee as well as yoga teacher.

Have also heard from Daryl Williams, leader of the Red & Black New Orleans Style Second Line Band. Williams, of the red bassbone, says the band's repertoire and appearance have been burnished since last year. They are looking forward to playing for us again.

I am in negotiations on the price, which was $700 last year.

Williams and 3 of the Red & Black players will appear at the Highland Jazz & Blues Fest, to be held at Columbia Park on Nov 17. They are members of an ebullient bar band from Ruston called the Zillionaires.

If you love brass bands and want to see more jazz in Shreveport, become a member of Blanc et Noir

Random Brass Band action, street scene NYC
Originally uploaded by 1987porsche944

Dedicated to the proposition that funky jazz in the street is a pathway to nirvana, the Blanc et Noir Marching Society wants you to make the second year a bigger parade by joining the krewe.

Our date is Sun, Feb 3. We lead the Krewe of Highland parade in front of one of the sweetest audiences in the region.

trudeau@earthlink.net

Black and White makeup and costume a theme, not a requirement for B & N

É carnaval! / It's Carnival!
Originally uploaded by Mateus Rosada (Bisnaga)

There are a couple of inspiring things about this Carnival costume: creativity, cheapness and color. If you'd like to show off your sense of hue, you're certainly welcome to join Blanc et Noir. And we emphasize the hand-made and dance-worthy in our costumes.

Drop us an email!
Send $30.
Join, please.

Hat and sash - and brass band

Freddy Smith's Zulu Jazz Funeral
Originally uploaded by Ed Newman

These men are a direct inspiration to the Blanc et Noir Marching Society.

Mardi Gras Indians, marching men

James Yancey, a Mardi Gras Indian
Originally uploaded by Ed Newman

B & N is partly inspired by the marching tribes of New Orleans.

The money goes to pay the marching band . . .

What kind of music goes with a ham sandwich
Originally uploaded by The What Cheer? Brigade

Blanc et Noir is open for fun. A friend of mine emailed this morning, asking, "How does one join the marching society?"

Of course, it's not hard. Send in a check for $30 for each adult or teen. Kids eat free. or send me an email saying "I'm In."

Stand by for a photo session for the Times in late November.

Thanks to David Henington and Ernie Roberson, the first to send checks for 08.

Parade is Sun, Feb 3.

B & N's Marion Marks recommends that marchers toss the new Krewe of Highland doubloons

Marion Marks, Jay Marks sculpture
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Writes charter member Marion Marks: "We also will be "on board" - am waiting to hear from Matthew Linn about doubloons for the Krewe of Highland - I recommend that those be the trinkets we add to beads or whatever we carry as throws. I'm ready to place an order, but need to know how many we need. It's actually getting close to order time."

At the moment, Marks has only a ball park figure of some $100 per 500 doubloons. There will be an update next week.

Would any of you like to split an order with me?

Says Marks, one side of the doubloon says Krewe of Highland, 08, and the flip side has a logo and the theme for Highland parade number 13: Very Superstitious.


Marion K. Marks
MMCC
2620 Centenary Blvd #228
Shreveport, LA 71104
(318) 424-0880 C:(318) 349-7063

Blanc et Noir is rolling again . . .

Artscare 07, Artspace, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Revelers of the Blanc et Noir and those who'd like to join us,

Happy to say that some members and supporters have given the club an immediate vote of confidence.

Hearty thanks to Nan Massey, David Henington and the King of Highland 08, Bruce Allen. See their encouraging messages below.

Also answering the call was New Orleans jazzman Steve Allen - former Katrina-refugee-Shreveporter - about the possibility of a Crescent City band for our parade.


Robert, You can count on the Massey family to support your endeavor. I am not sure what we owe ($30.00 x 3 = $90.00)? nan

Robert, I will mail in $30 dues. Where to and who to make the check out to?
David Henington

Robert, I'll also join at the $100 level and lend my support as King of Highland XIII.
Bruce

Bruce Allen
Bruce's Yard & Art Studio
2200 B Barkesdale Blvd.
Bossier City, LA 71112
bruce@edsemporium.com
318-834-0947

No money required at the moment, but welcomed. What we need now are pledges of support.

Checks to . . .
Robert Trudeau
912 Monrovia St
Spt 71106

Questions: 318-861-6809 or trudeau@earthlink.net

Sun, Feb 3, 08, is the Krewe of Highland parade - whether the B & N continues will be based on raising membership numbers and dues money, pdq

the Godfather of Soul, Artspace, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Maggie Martin of the Times called today and asked for a B&N press package no later than Nov 30. The Times will run their carnival overview on Dec 23, she said.

I've emailed Daryl Williams in Grambling, leader of the Red&Black Brass Band, with an inquiry.

When I last talked to Tarama and Jerry Davenport and Sheri Underwood I was discouraged about the recruitment work that lies ahead. But I've gotten my attitude back.

If we all work at it, we can make the $700 that we - approximately need to pay the band and have a big time.

What do you think? Are you in for 08? Can you get 3 or more additional members at $30 dues?

Of course, some people will support it at a higher level. Marion Marks came in at 100 bucks and them invited some cool friends to march with us. Great idea.

Drop me a line at trudeau@earthlink.net and pledge your support for 08, brothers and sisters of the cloth.

And Happy All Saints and All Souls.

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Some 160 women at a luncheon produced by the Red River Desk & Derrick Club recently did the second line, a zydeco jig and Cajun waltz with B & N founder Robert Trudeau. He calls his Louisiana heritage show, which he has been performing for 20 years, Fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau. Reach him at trudeau@earthlink.net for more info.

Faces of Katrina exhibit online at facesofkatrina.org

Second lining to close the Faces of Katrina exhibit
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Faces of Katrina was the most powerful of all the exhibits presented at Artspace, 710 Texas, says Shreveport Regional Arts Council head Pam Atchison. Today the principal elements of the Faces of Katrina are online at Facesofkatrina.org.

The site was created by Steven K Turner.

For the most recent perspective on Katrina, President Bush and all of America, see an article by John M Barry, author of Rising Tide, called Pittsburgh cabbie has a stake in saving La.'s coast.

Krewe of Highland Parade 07 / photo Kristi Hanna

Krewe of Highland Parade 07
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Numerous people mention Blanc et Noir Marching Society to me nowadays. I am hoping, imagining that recruiting marchers will be easier next year.

The Krewe of Highland Parade video: first 5 minutes of the Blanc et Noir and Red & Black second line

Red & Black New Orleans Style Second Line Band / Krewe of Highland Parade with Blanc et Noir Marching Society
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Please enjoy the video of Blanc et Noir and the Red & Black in their Krewe of Highland parade 07 debut.

Have learned a number of things about matching iMovie editing to the YouTube format, such as X-nay on the scrolling credits. Font's too small.

Eventually - maybe in June - I will have time to upload other parts of the debut march. And maybe re-edit the credits on this one. Everyone's name is in that list, btw. Except Bob Thompson, the clarinet player.

From the Spike Lee movie sessions: the requisite UM-brella

The requisite UM-brella
Originally uploaded by Nola Nik.

One day a moviemaker in this area is going to say "Let's recreate a bit of the Crescent City in downtown Shreveport" and members of Blanc et Noir, I'm sure, are going to be cast as dancers. I better register our web site with the talent agencies to make sure they don't overlook us.

Finished the opening segment - the first 4 minutes - of the B & N parade video. It should be on Youtube at the Trudeau11 site by Thur morning, Mar 22.

I'm planning to lightly edit a few more segments and eventually add them to the Youtube catalog.

Indian marching societies roll on the Crescent City Super Sunday, too

Super Sunday 2007
Originally uploaded by skeletonkrewe.

The Indians gather on Mardi Gras day and on the Sunday closest to Saint Joseph's day called Super Sunday.

Trudeau & Marion Marks, followed by clarinetist Bob Thompson and Andy Snelling as caught by KTBS; there's a video clip, too

B & N as caught by KTBS
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

KTBS, Channel 3, did a nice promo on Blanc et Noir in advance of the Krewe of Highland parade. Alas, Lois McFarland may have gotten her parade-stopping illness by her promo duty. We were on site with Rick Rowe and the BBQ Krewe at 5 am on a d*mned cold morning. We did short segments in frigid wind until after 7 am. Regrets, Lois.

On the KTBS website there is a section called the ArkLaTex Blog and under Mardi Gras you will find clips of the Krewe of Highland parade. When B & N and the Red & Black New Orleans Style Second Line Band went by the Channel 3 camera, we were taking a break. The krewe looked sharp nonetheless, if I may say so.

Blanc et Noir pre-parade pose / photo Kylie Donley

Blanc et Noir pre-parade pose / photo Kylie Donley
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

It certainly is nice that these parade photos continue to surface. Thanks, Lois and Kylie.

Photog's son, Adolfo, under the shade of Panderina's umbrella

The Mardi Gras Parade
Originally uploaded by killy.

While Blanc et Noir brought a lot of neat umbrellas to the Krewe of Highland Parade, the one that catches my eye over and over was made by Panderina Soumas. It was simple but highly effective in its eye-catchingness.

Talbot, banner maker, was responsible for a lot of the small color-panel umbrellas. She brought numerous extras to the parade and passed them out. She even had enough left over to give to the mayor and his wife as they sat baking in the sun in the Caddy convertible.

Photo by Killy Chavez.

Davenport reminds B & N that the second line can be excuted low and down

The Mardi Gras Parade
Originally uploaded by killy.

Photo by Killy Chavez. Thanks, Killy!

Red & Black 07: leader and player of a red trombone, Daryl Williams

The Mardi Gras Parade
Originally uploaded by killy.

Photo by professional photographer Killy Chavez, Houston.

Carnival debut of B & N on Creswell / photo Killy Chavez

The Mardi Gras Parade
Originally uploaded by killy.

Blanc et noir photo op: Mayor meets top teen, Mac Orchard / photo Elysse Orchard

Blanc et noir / photo Elysse Orchard
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Mayors like it when they meet the community's doers, the can-do people who are trying to improve the culture.

And I'm happy that a savvy 14 year-old like Mac Orchard, CMHS student, got a chance to meet our cool, young mayor.

Getting better acquainted with the Mayor: Blanc et noir 2007 / photo Elysse Orchard

Blanc et noir 2007 / photo Elysse Orchard
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

One of the many sort of accidental and unexpected advantages that accompany launching a public venture like a krewe is the people you meet. Getting better acquainted with Cedric Glover was a pleasure.

When Caddo Magnet High opened in the mid-1980's, Cedric Glover enrolled and impressed us with his spirit of academics and inquisitiveness. So I've known him many years. But I haven't had an opportunity to chat him up since the campaign.

Beads, sequins, feathers, marching: send Trudeau your observations on the Blanc et Noir's debut

Originally uploaded by hhowell.

Looking forward to seeing or hearing your remarks about the debut of Blanc et Noir Marching Society. Whether a member of the krewe or an interested onlooker, I would appreciate your response. Brief or detailed, I will devour your feedback.

Email trudeau@earthlink.net or leave your remarks on the machine at 318-861-6809. Merci beaucoup.

Crescent City cousins: A Walking Krewe captured by a Flickr.com photog

Walking Krewe
Originally uploaded by NCB641.

W h a t a sash!

Looks like a much smaller krewe than ours. The photog on flickr.com implied this was taken on St Charles Ave. Delachaise St crosses The Avenue near Louisiana Ave.

Struttin' by Centenary College: SHV 2007 Mardi Gras 066

SHV 2007 Mardi Gras 066
Originally uploaded by lobobox.

Thanks, David Hennington!

This article by maggie martin was the first major story on B & N. I don't think I've published it here. So, here 'tis:

Marching group, youth krewe new to this year's festivities
January 11, 2007

WHO THEY ARE
ORGANIZATION: Blanc et Noir Marching Society.
WHAT: a group that marches with a brass brand in Mardi Gras parades.
MEMBERSHIP: Open to the public.
DUES: $25.
FOUNDER: Robert Trudeau.
INFORMATION: 861-6809, trudeau@earthlink.net or blancetnoirmarchingsociety.blogspot.com.

By Maggie Martin
maggiemartin@gannett.com

The horns will toot! The umbrellas will sway! The participants will dance!
So sound the whistle for the new Blanc et Noir Marching Society.

It premieres Feb. 18 at the Krewe of Highland Parade that struts its stuff in the Highland neighborhood, with new Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover serving as parade marshal.

With Blanc et Noir, Mardi Gras may never be the same.
Founder/Mardi Gras fan Robert Trudeau certainly hopes so.
Such groups, with a brass band, traditionally march in front of the regular Mardi Gras parades, getting people excited and roused up about the main event to come.

"We wind around the street and do a second-line dance. We might leave five or two minutes in advance of the parade," Trudeau said. "A lot of what we do is improvisation."


Mardi Gras fans can root for Blanc et Noir when the Highland Parade gears up at Columbia Cafe and meanders through the Highland neighborhood.
Loosely, that means, up and down Creswell, in and around Highland, down Herndon and Olive, past Centenary College, ending up eventually at Columbia Park where there is live music before and after the parade.
Capping off the day at the park "" Carnival de Columbia.

Highland krewe founder Matthew Linn, owner of Columbia Cafe, thinks the society will fit into the groove of Highland's parade.
"We are fun and off-center. We are not your stereotypical marching or truck parade," Linn said.

Like the Highland parade marchers, society members are not absolutely committed to the four-mile parade.
"You can do one mile and drop out. You can start up and stop when you meet up with your friends," Trudeau said. (Linn said those who sign up for Highland can come in at side roads or start or stop as they want.)
Trudeau says you never know what a good line dance is until you get the crowd involved. "It is magical," he said.

Blanc et Noir signed up with Highland when Linn told him the group could piggyback with the krewe's insurance.
"He came to our meeting and he recognized the idea was important to the continued development of the local celebration," said Trudeau.
Trudeau hopes this is the beginning of the growth of marching societies locally.
They are more inexpensive than traditional parades, he said. "You don't need to pay for a float. It is a lower investment," he said. "We would welcome other marching societies."
Anyone can join Blanc et Noir.

Admission is $25 and the money goes mainly to pay the brass band they will hire and the banner to identify the group.

Costumes can be anything, even a tux.
Artist Tamara Davenport and musician Bruce Flett are among those who already have joined.
Flett, a member of the popular Bluebirds, is intrigued by the history of the marching societies that go back at least 100 years.
"Fun is the main reason I am doing it, although I always go to the Highland parade with my kids," said Flett, an electric bass player who will be blowing on a trombone for this gig.

Davenport, a veteran at local Mardi Gras events, is looking forward to the camaraderie as much as anything.
"We don't have marching societies here like they do in New Orleans. ... I am looking forward to it," she said.
She is not sure what she will wear, but she will definitely have an umbrella to lead the way.

One of Trudeau's earliest New Orleans Mardi Gras memories revolves around pre-parade events.
"People came and the brass band played. They were flexible in their activities," Trudeau said.
He wants to bring that merriment to Shreveport-Bossier City with Blanc et Noir.
He wants the good times to roll.

Swingin by Centenary College: SHV 2007 Mardi Gras 067

SHV 2007 Mardi Gras 067
Originally uploaded by lobobox.

Thanks to David Hennington!

Blanc et Noir photo by Charlsie Shaver

Blanc et Noir
Originally uploaded by Charlsie.

Another view of the krewe - this one at less than peak performance. We certainly need a break here and there.

You can follow photos from flickr.com to the source and find a button on top of the photo that says ALL SIZES. If you maximize the view you can often find amazing detail (depending on how the photog loads the pics to flickr).

Blanc et Noir's Crescent City cousins: Joe, Mary, Smitty , Dorie and Anthony

Joe, Mary, Smitty , Dorie and Anthony
Originally uploaded by skeletonkrewe.

We hope to trade art with the Skeleton Krewe of NO and I hope one day there will be guest appearances between NO and Spt. At least, I'd like to see some St Charles Ave Skeletons visit us on the Sun before Fat Tuesday.

Happily, B & N had skeletons in our inaugural parade: Stuart & Elysse Orchard and son Mac.

Ernie Roberson riding the LSU float in the Krewe of Highland Parade

Ernie Roberson riding the LSU float in the Krewe of Highland Parade
Originally uploaded by Red River Blog Jam.

Ernie is a member of B & N and vocal supporter but didn't march with us as has been committed to the LSU float for years. His emails have provided terrific feedback for B & N.

Photo Kathryn Usher.

Carolina Chavez & son Adolfo getting ready to parade

getting ready
Originally uploaded by *annabel*.

Photo Annabel Trudeau.

Blue boa: Amber McCarthy Trudeau

Amber
Originally uploaded by *annabel*.

Photo Annbel Trudeau.

Killy Chavez, Blanc et Noir parade photog and Adolph Trudeau, bannerista

Blanc et noir
Originally uploaded by *annabel*.

Photo by Annabel Trudeau.

A variation on the B & N theme: cadaverous jester Jett Trudeau

Jett
Originally uploaded by *annabel*.

Photo by Annabel Trudeau.

B & N medallions by Talbot

Originally uploaded by *annabel*.

Very similar to the jacket design created by Jerry Davenport, the flag was designed by Robert and produced by Talbot Hopkins Trudeau. Made of felt and glue, the medallions were pinned to jackets.

Also in the photo: Houstonian Carolina Chavez.

black/white/red / photo Annabel Trudeau

black/white/red
Originally uploaded by *annabel*.

Allons danser! Davenport and Trudeau.

glitter and paint / photo Annabel Trudeau

glitter and paint
Originally uploaded by *annabel*.

Merci, cher.

the society / photo Annabel Trudeau

the society
Originally uploaded by *annabel*.

Thanks, Annabel.

Also, the video you shot of the parade is terrific. We've looked at most of it and editing ideas are running round my brain. Estimated editing time, about a week.