Spellcasters Maritime Ball

Last night saw us at The Spellcaster Lodge for The Maritime Ball. The Spellcaster is situated underneath Quintron’s house; in the basement, referred to as the underwater dance club in one of his tracks. It was a jam packed night with musical offerings from the Heringbone Orchestra, who I missed due to a late arrivial. Second up was a punk / garage band who I think were from Alabama. Either way they were awesome.. with the drum kit finally collapsing under the violent enthusiasm of the drumer. Then we were treated to a rare appearence by local Bounce legend and also the only transsexual rapper I know of, Katey Red.







The crowd was mainly a selection of white kids and hipsters.. not a typical bounce crowd.. they probably wouldn’t receive the warmest welcome at most Bounce clubs. However these people also grew up with Bounce around them, it’s a big part of New Orleans that they rejoice in as much as any other part of the city’s heritage and culture.



The headline act was Quintron and Miss Pussycat who rocked it! Seriously, they got everyone vibed up with the swamp tech grooves.. the basement was ram packed, you could hardly move for sweaty people bouncing against each other in unison.









This really set the tone for the final part of the evening, a 4am march by the 9th Ward Marching Band. Starting off on St Claude just outside the Spellcaster we travelled along the railroad tracks and down towards the French Quarter. the band played quietly, just banging sticks to keep time.. we stopped off at Mimi’s along the way.. with the band taking over the bar and giving a superb performance. Then back on the road towards the French Quarter.. Once we hit it the band got increasingly louder in volume until they were going wild. It was amazing!







The adrenalin was pumping and everyone was going wild. The few late night drinkers and street stragglers looked on in joyful disbelief.  Our final stop on the route was One Eyed Jacks, for a much longer session.







Daylight soon rose, the clock struck 7am and me a a few new friends hit up the Clover Grill and Buorbon street. Fuelled with egg and coffee I finally cycled back home with a new friend Noy sat on the handlebars. Experiences like last night are truly unique to New Orleans, the quality of such a grass roots and diy adventure like Spellcaster, all the friendly people and the group march that makes you feel alive and connected in a way that I can’t explain thorugh words. Simply said last night was both unforgettable and awesome! 

Sunday 18 Feb 2007

Inspiration

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