Blanc et Noir Marching Society will lead the wildest Krewe of Highland Parade ever on Sun, Feb 10, 2 pm, Shreveport

Blanc et Noir Marching Society, Krewe of Highland Parade, Shreveport: Alexandra Cranford, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Join us on foot as B & N marches, hoops and dances the 3-mile route of the record-making Krewe of Highland Parade, 2013.

Meet anytime between 1 pm and 2 pm - when the parade rolls - at Stir Tapas, says Marion Marks.

Marks has built a fresh web site for the society at benms.org. Those are, of course, the initials of Blanc et Noir Marching Society.

There is no fee to march with Blanc et Noir.

Generous sustainers will have pitched in enough money to cover the expenses of the brass band, the K of H fees and so on.

Those who can contribute $25 to $100 for the cause of Shreveport pride, please drop your check with Marion Marks or Robert Trudeau.

Will former Shreveporter Alexandra Cranford march with B & N as she did last year when she was at KTBS? Since she's at WWL New Orleans this year we don't know, but she's been invited. Stay tuned.

Blanc et Noir Marching Society 2012, Shreveport / photo Marion Marks

Blanc et Noir Marching Society 2012, Shreveport / photo Marion Marks, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Over 50 strong, the Society marched the streets of Highland with the 6-piece Red & Black Brass Band in a show of both heritage and gentle anarchy on Sun, Feb 19, in the massive Krewe of Highland Parade.

Thanks to all who contributed funds to pay the K of H dues and pay the Red & Black Brass band. If you did not contribute already, please do so! Send a check for $25 or more to Robert Trudeau, 912 Monrovia St, Spt 71106.

Ready to roll on Sunday, Feb 19: Blanc et Noir Marching Society, fresh from the Costume Workshop at Artspace Shreveport

Blanc et Noir Marching Society Costume Workshop, Shreveport , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Zapp's chips, pasta salad and baked chicken, juice and kids, glue guns and staplers were the story at Artspace Shreveport as Tarama and Jerry Davenport hosted the 6th annual costume workshop.

Along with beautiful umbrellas and spangled jackets came the community cash. Contributing their dues to the fund used to pay the Red & Black Brass Band
were:
- Tarama and Jerry Davenport
- Stuart & Elise Orchard
- Lee Spruell
- Carl Anderson, King for 2012
also,
- Blair Thrall
- Wesley Parker
- Rachel Stuart-Haas
- Carlos Benito
- Tina Montez
- Susan Standke
- Stephanie Pedro
- Ivy Elise Johnson, Queen, 2012
And in the mail today were checks from
- Deshea Guzman
- Alix Davidson

Merci beaucoup! A few more contributions will be needed to meet the basic fees of $550 to the Krewe of Highland and $650 to the Red & Black Brass Band. Several people will pay their dues at the parade so we will surely end up even for the year.

See more snaps from the workshop at
flickr.com/photos/robert_trudeau

"Watch out for the Blanc et Noir Marching Society, that marches at the head of the Krewe of Highland Parade," Our Louisiana Magazine, Feb 2012

Blanc et Noir / Highland parade, Shreveport 08, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

In the Baton Rouge-area magazine Our Louisiana, Feb edition, in the article "Louisiana's Other Side of Carnival," we see
Chris Jay informing South Louisiana that "The Krewe of Highland is Shreveport's funky, eclectic parade that has, in the past, tossed throws such as ziplock bags filled with spahetti and meatballs; there is a float that throws hotdogs as well and one that throws spam sandwiches."

Jay continues, "In addition to the krewe's unusual throws, watch out for the Blanc et Noir Marching Society, that marches at the head of the parade. The society started out as a group of diverse Shreveport-Bossier artists and performers and they set the tone for the entire parade."

Do we want a driver? Shout from Emma and Sherry of the K of H

Red and Black Brass band, Blanc et Noir in the Krewe of Highland Parade, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

From the Krewe of Highland jefes -

"Hello fellow parade goers!

The driver's meeting will be this Wednesday, February 1st, at 6 pm at the Highland Center on Olive Street.

We call it the driver's meeting but it is often helpful if some of the members of your parade party are there as well since some of the information is for the drivers and some is for the parade participants.

If you still owe us some money, bring your check books.

Thanks for being so prompt with your parade applications. The police were WAY impressed with us this year.

There is a general parade information link that is up on the website and you can print a parade application which has the same information if you prefer to read it that way."

See you there,
Emma and Sherry

Robert Trudeau volunteers to attend the Wed meeting. I welcome fellow B&N members to join me. I will pay the K of H fee (please see above) from monies currently collected.

Don't hesitate to call me about anything at 272 6045!

Blanc et Noir financial responsibilities to the Krewe of Highland

Krewe of Highland logo, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

The Krewe of Highland takes care of the police, insurance and large-scale organization of the annual parade.

The K of H makes it easy for B & N to show up and enjoy a worry-free parade.

The fees required by the K of H to provide their support are modest: $10 per walking participant. $250 for the krewe.

Therefore I'm asking that each person pay at least $25 in club dues so we can pay both the Red & Black Brass Band and our parent organization, the K of H.

Those of you who are paying $100 are quite important! You are enabling the society to quickly meet these expenses.

Krewe of Highland Bal Masque 2012 on Fri, Feb 17, at 3101 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, 7 pm to midnight

Highland Bal Masque '11, Shreveport , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Krewe of Highland Bal Masque
7 p.m. to midnight Fri, Feb. 17.
Randle T. Moore Center, 3101 Fairfield.

Urban Legends.
Entertainment: Professor D.

Black-tie optional, costumes encouraged; masking very important.
Heavy hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar.

Admission: $40, in advance or at the door.

Tarama & Jerry Davenport welcome Blancs et Noirs to Artspace on Sun,Feb 12, 2 to 4:30 pm, for the annual Costume Workshop

Tarama & Jerry Davenport, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

The annual Blanc et Noir Costume Decorating Party will be held in the artspace Fun-A-Torium on Sunday, Feb 12, 2:00pm - 4:30pm, says Tarama Davenport.

Please bring your own supplies for creating your costume, hat, umbrella, etc.

Plates, cups, napkins, utensils and the King Cake will be provided by hosts Tarama & Jerry Davenport.

All Krewe Members, please bring your specialty dish, and some juice, soda or bottled water to share with all. If you just don't have time to cook, please pick up a prepared food such as chicken or chicken strips, pizza (meat, cheese, veggie), large sub sandwich or whatever you think everyone will enjoy.

Don't forget to bring your favorite Mardi Gras music CD.

Adds Robert Trudeau, please see ideas floated at past workshops at the B&N slideshow.

Krewe of Harambee, Shreveport, invites Blanc et Noir to march in the downtown Harambee parade on Mon, Jan 16

Krewe of Harambee, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Beverly Paige of the Krewe of Harambee has been unusually warm and inviting to B & N in recent weeks, finding a band with which we might second line if we will jump in to their parade on Mon, which is MLK Day.

Bev writes, "If you are still interested in the Krewe of Harambee Parade, you have been paired with "Beat The Streets North Louisiana All Star Band". Let me know your pleasure."

Staging for the parade begins at 11 in the MunAud area. Parade rolls through downtown at 1 pm.

Please see http://www.kreweofharambee.com/

News from the Blanc et Noir Marching Society 12th Night gathering

Blanc et Noir Marching Society board: Stuart & Elisse Orchard, Lee Spruell, Ivy Elise Johnson, Carl Anderson, Robert Trudeau, Shreveport , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Ivy Elise Johnson and Carl Anderson are queen and king of Blanc et Noir 2012 and were so inaugurated at the 12th Night lunch. Also attending but not in photo was Marion Marks.

In business discussed today -
- Invitation from Bev Paige to march in Krewe of Harambee parade downtown on Mon, Jan 16. We would second line aside a brass band or marching band that's in the parade. Stand by for more news.

- Printing of invitation cards to enhance efforts to bring more people into the krewe and parade. Marion Marks will vectorize the mask logo so that print products may be made.

- Would you like a party at Naked Bean / Centenary Tavern near parade time? It is being planned by Lee.

- A passionate presentation about Blanc et Noir will be delivered on Tues, Jan 31, at CoHabitat as part of the first TEDx Red River region talks. The speaker will be Robert Trudeau.

- A request for a KTBS News First segment on B&N has been sent.

- Pre-parade breakfast at Strawns on Sun, Feb 19, as organized by Lee Spruell. All welcome.

Brother's Seafood site of B & N 12th Night Brunch on Sun, Jan 8

Brother's Seafood, Shreveport , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

It's a Dutch treat at Brother's Seafood, Monkhouse Dr ((318) 635-1641), on Sun, Jan 8, at 1 pm. It honors the Feast of the Epiphany and Twelfth Night, the traditional start of Carnival in Louisiana.

All are welcome, including those simply exploring the possibility of marching with the krewe in the Krewe of Highland Parade on Sun, Feb 19!

Walking in the Krewe of Highland Parade is a peak experience: join Blanc et Noir Marching Society in the 2012 Krewe of Highland Parade on Sun, Feb 19

Blanc et Noir 10 , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

The Krewe of Highland Parade route is some 3 miles in length and most Blanc et Noirs second line the entire route. But you don't have to: parents pushing strollers, people whose health is at the walking level rather than dancing level - you are entirely welcome in the parade.

Blanc et Noir is about keeping alive the Carnival connection to the Crescent City. The Red & Black Brass Band, the cheap-but-interesting costumes, the umbrellas, the masks: all these are borrowed with due reverence from New Orleans.

It's not authentic. Most of us are not Black or Creole residents from Treme, New Orleans. But B&N co-founder Jerry Davenport was born and raised in the 9th Ward of New Orleans.

It's about community. Blanc et Noir musters an exceedingly diverse group, representing several of Shreveport's communities.

Subtly, it's about sustainability. We are walking, dancing or bicycling so as to avoid using a float, internal combustion engine and electricity for one sweet afternoon. We are there to show Shreveport that there is an alternative to mechanized marvels.

And the Red & Black Brass Band reminds everyone that live music is best.

Costumes should cost little more than $1.98, we like to say. Recycle some trousers, a coat, a hat and tie! Use cheap glue and fabric paint to make it come alive.

Masking is important. It's an ancient Louisiana tradition. It's mysterious and fun. But you are not required to use a mask. Face paint is easy and creative alternative. Dark glasses function as a sort of mask, don't they?

Umbrellas are not mandatory. It's so much fun to decorate an umbrella - and they are so inspired by the Big Easy - that they are very popular. But you may forget the umbrella and no one will be askance.

Nor is a black-and-white outfit mandatory. The name means "white and black" but you may costume in any color you like.

Money! The only B&N expense is that we have to pay the band. They have to rehearse, travel and perform. So we happily pay.

Your fee to join B&N is adjustable. We count on several members to pay a $100 for a family. But $50 is also royal. $25 per person is quite fine and keeps all alive. But $10 per person is also good. What about no money? A scholarship to B&N? Yes; no problem, if that's what you need.

- Robert Trudeau, Jan 1, 2012

Blanc et Noir Marching Society 12th Night brunch Sun, Jan 8, 1 pm, Brother's Seafood, Shreveport

BLanc et Noir Marching Society, Shreveport and the Red & Black Brass Band , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Please mark your calendars for the annual Dutch treat brunch at Brother's Seafood, 4916 Monkhouse Dr.

It's a warm gathering of the gang at a classic Shreveport eatery.

Blanc et Noir Marching Society umbrella and costume workshop on Sun, Feb 27, 2 to 4 pm

Blanc et Noir Marching Society workshop
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Sunday, Feb. 27

Blanc et Noir Marching Society

Umbrella & Costume Decorating Party

artspace

710 Texas Street - Downtown, Shreveport
in Fun-A-Torium (basement)

2:00p - 4:00p

(No artspace staff on duty, just Blanc et Noir Krewe, so we will all start cleaning up @ about 3:40p to be out by 4:15p)

Thank you!

Everyone, please bring a simple food dish, dessert or snacks, soft drinks,water & music to share!

Also, bring some
paper plates & cups
(napkins, utensils & ice will be provided).

Hosted by Jerry & Tarama Davenport, King & Queen 2011

318-239-4365 (h)

j_davenport@bellsouth.net

Blanc et Noir / Highland parade: Sun, March 6

Blanc et Noir / Highland parade, Shreveport 08
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Qualifying as Big Shots are David & Beth Wells, the first to deliver a $100 check to B&N for the 2011 parade.

2011 expenses include -

- $100 per man for the Red & Black Second Line Brass Band ($800)
- $200 to the Krewe of Highland for their parade expenses

Total -
$1000.

Therefore Blanc et Noir qualifies as the biggest bang for the buck in Shreveport.

Please plan on contributing $50 or $100 to the B&N fund!

Jerry Davenport, le Roi du Blanc et Noir; schedule announced

Jerry Davenport, Blanc et Noir
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Blanc et Noir Marching Society hereby announces that Jerry Davenport is king, Le Roi, and Tarama Davenport is queen, La Reine, for the society's 2011 parade.

Le Captaine is Lee Spruell.

Jerry Davenport is co-founder of Blanc et Noir Marching Society and is an educational consultant, photographer and artist. Tarama Davenport, also a co-founder, is the educational coordinator for Artspace Shreveport. Lee Spruell is a Caddo teacher and vice-president of the Hispanic Immigrant Teachers Association.

The public is welcome to join Blanc et Noir, said co-founder Robert Trudeau. "We have a commitment to the rituals of traditional New Orleans Carnival. There is no float; we march and do the second line to the music of a Crescent City-style brass marching band."

Dues are $50 per person (scholarships & rebates may be extended) or $100 for a cohort (affinity group). Mail a check to Blanc et Noir, 912 Monrovia St, Shreveport, 71106, or call 318 861 1519 to join.

Activities include
1) Twelfth Night Brunch at Brother's Seafood on Monkhouse on Sun, Jan 9, moved up to NOON.
Pay independently ($9 - &16)
Please send me your reservation by Jan 8 at trudeau@earthlink.net.
2) Costume Workshop on Sun, Feb 27, 2 pm; location TBA.Reservation by Feb 26 as above.
Ideas and techniques in costume & umbrella decor shared. Bring needed materials such as glue, paint, scissors, fabric.
3) Parade! Marching in the Krewe of Highland Parade on Sun, March 6, 1 pm. Allons danser.

Red and Black Brass Band message to the Blanc et Noir

Red and Black Brass band, Blanc et Noir in the Krewe of Highland Parade, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Red & Black Brass Band leader Daryl Williams wrote, "My bandmembers agreed that we have not had this much fun in a very long time. Thank you very much. The B&N marching society really put on a great show this year. Props to all of the " second liners " and dancers!"

Bass Drum-Kirk " Bigg " House
Tuba-David Johnson
Sax- Earnest Miles... See More
Trumpet- Terence Bradford
Snare Drum- Ken Carter
Trombone - Daryl Williams

Blanc et Noir Marching Society and the Red & Black Brass Band rolled on Sun, Feb 14, 2010

Jett, Mad, Annalise, Zach, Lee, Jennette, Jerry: Blanc et Noir in the Krewe of Highland Parade
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Creswell Ave seemed to have bigger crowds than ever as Blanc et Noir Marching Society and the Red & Black Brass Band rolled. What a mellow neighborhood! Every step brought us smiles of affirmation from the crowd.

More people than ever danced to the band as we passed their spots. And, happily, the krewe was joined by several capable ad hoc dancers who stayed with us for much of the parade. One was an outstanding lad dressed all in black - with I'd gotten his name. One dancer was middle-aged, rumbly, stubbly and marching & dancing in tall rubber boots. Another nice development were several groups of people who spontaneously applauded the krewe and band.

If you wondered about the hula hoop girl: her name is Lisa and she teaches hula hoop dance at Lotus Center on Olive St.

The Red & Black Brass Band played the night before the parade for the Krewe of Harambee, said Jerry Davenport, and impressed everyone. In our 4th year together we thought they played better than ever. And they told us they're getting more gigs than ever.

One of my favorite developments: 15 year-old Larsson McSwain brought his long-legged dance moves to the krewe and sort of instantly learned all of Jerry Davenport's routines and kept the energy high block after block.

A shout-out to this year's Big Shots, a group of sustainers who contribute $100 or more as their membership fee: Lee Spruell, Stuart & Elysse Orchard, Marion & Ginger Marks, David & Beth Wells, MIke & Dolly McSwain.

Another shout to the Blanc et Noir Queen, Jennette Ginsberg, and King, Lee Spruell. Both have been admirable in bringing new people to our party. And a salute to my co-founders and co-admins, the tireless Jerry & Tarama Davenport.

A tip o' the top hat, too, to the Krewe of Highland, who took Blanc et Noir under its wing from the beginning: Matthew Linn, Queen Kathy Melancon and more.

The effervescence of the Krewe of Highland's Bal Masque should also get a note. It was packed (hail to the Krewe of Justinian for their neon!), it was all about dancing. The 2010 music was amazing: David Egan and Twenty Years of Trouble were hot. And they were joined by Buddy Flett on slide and by Kenny Wayne Shepherd on sunburst Strat.

Wish I had more of the names of the Krewe of Highland producers; they have given a huge gift to the city and the neighborhood.

If you want to hire the Red & Black Brass Band, their leader is trombonist Daryl Williams; reach him at basebone1898@hotmail.com.

We want to join us in Blanc et Noir! Send us an email or phone us!

The Times video: BLanc et Noir Marching Society, Shreveport and the Red & Black Brass Band

BLanc et Noir Marching Society, Shreveport and the Red & Black Brass Band
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Here's a link to the Shreveport Times video of the Krewe of Highland parade. The soundtrack is the music of the Red & Black Brass band.

Front page of the Shreveport Times: Jennette Ginsberg, Blanc et Noir in the Krewe of Highland Parade, Shreveport / photo Henrietta Wildsmith

Front page of the Shreveport Times: Jennette Ginsberg, Blanc et Noir in the Krewe of Highland Parade, Shreveport / photo Henrietta Wildsmith
Originally uploaded by trudeau