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.