By Xavier Keyser, courtesy of Kent News
By 9:30 pm, Mattison Auditorium was on its feet, clapping and dancing to the sounds of the Hot 8 Brass Band. Originating from New Orleans, Louisiana, the “Hot 8” performed traditional Second Line parade street music with energy and vigorous funk, leaving the audience with a newfound enthusiasm and respect.
The Hot 8 Brass Band played for just over two hours, sweating, singing, and projecting to the audience. As amazing as their energy was, one couldn’t help but notice that they weren’t just playing for the audience or just for fun. They played to send a message. They wanted the audience to feel the New Orleans energy and understand both the hardships and the pleasures of living in such a place. It was authentic.
Like the city of New Orleans, the Hot 8 Brass Band has had its own tragedies. In addition to being displaced because of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, three of their past members have been killed in acts of street violence. So, as the Kent student body absorbed the band’s passionate performance, it was clear that the band played with a deeper meaning; a remembrance of their fallen brothers and a message that served to replace violence with music.
The band’s leader and tuba player, Bennie Pete, said during the performance, "I cry a lot. When we're up there performing, the lights are on and people think we're sweating, but I be broke down.” There is a common phrase in New Orleans: “If a kid has a horn in his hand, he won't have a gun." It seems that Bennie’s ideology is echoed in these words. The members of the Hot 8 Brass Band are not simply trying to be successful musicians. They are trying to elevate New Orleans and their community.
And so, with all of their enthusiasm, stage presence, and meaning, the Hot 8 Brass Band of New Orleans, Louisiana took to the stage and did what few performers can do: they shook up Kent School and gave the students a sense of their culture. They represented a dark understanding of a violent, healing city and a band of hope. It is not too often that one sees overly stressed Kent School students singing together, dancing, and clapping their hands. The Hot 8’s mission is to play to bring people together and that is exactly what they did at Kent.
