There will be a funeral in New Orleans this Friday for Uncle Lionel Batiste, the founder of the Treme Brass Band who died at age 80 and it should be a blockbuster of a sendoff if one can use that word. Between death and burial these celebrations can last a week or more with the dancing and swaying in the streets as they honor the life of the deceased. His nephew said "He liked to wake up and dress up and walk" wearing a brown derby and sunglasses and holding a cane. He wore his wristwatch across his knuckles so he would always have time on his hands! And on the way to the cemetery the band will probably play that mournful "Just a closer walk with thee." Old Unc Lionel sounds like he had quite a life.
tjs
Next - The MEH list. (Mon.)
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