Marching for the Extraordinary: The Culture and Spectacle of Contemporary Street Bands

Members of a marching band play for a large crowd on the street
 

A Panel Discussion Co-Sponsored by the Urban Democracy Lab, Arts & Activism at NYU, and HONK NYC!

The phenomenon of the radical activist DIY marching band is relatively new but has proliferated rapidly — and globally — to the point that musical marching has become an expected element of large marches and protests. Panelists will discuss the social-cultural history of this trend, as well as the aesthetic and political impact of applying the joy of music to the work of promoting peace, social justice, and civic engagement.

HONK NYC! presents musicians and performers from around the world who are dedicated to playing and preserving the grass roots tradition of brass and percussion music. Each year, HONK NYC! sponsors  school educational initiatives, workshops and performances for kids, and parades and concerts throughout New York City.

Panelists include

Sara Valentine, Steward and Director of Programming, HONK NYC! Festival

Big Chief Alfred Doucette, Mardi Gras Indian Chief

Geoff Kuffner, HONK NYC! Parade Director

Oriana Leckert, author, Brooklyn Spaces: 50 Hubs of Culture and Creativity

Paul Nagle, founder and Executive Director of the Cultural Strategies Initiative

The event will be moderated by Professor Stephen Duncombe and will include a brief performance by New Creations Brass Band.

RSVP HERE