Second Line Parade

Come join in the fun and hear WORLD CLASS MUSICIANS at this radically inclusive event as we walk, dance and kick-off the celebration of the new show, Hot Funky Butt Jazz, opening at the Guthrie Theater in November! Walk or dance to the rhythms at Father Hennepin Park as funds are raised for Interact! Funds raised go to vital programming and supplies at Interact and artistic collaborations with highly-sought after guest artists and designers, honoring Interact's mission of radical inclusion. Registration begins at 9 AM, Parade starts at 10 AM. 

Participants who give a minimum of $50 will receive a T-shirt at the event. 

The second line is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana. The “main line” or “first line” is the main section of the parade and is led by a brass band. Those who follow the band just to enjoy the music are called the “second line.” The second line tradition is for participants to walk and sometimes twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air. It has been called the quintessential New Orleans art form— a jazz funeral without a body! It’s uplifting and fun, everyone can join and walk, dance and follow along! This event kicks off our upcoming show at the Guthrie Theater in the Dowling Studio!

Hot Funky Butt Jazz is an original musical exploring the exciting, turbulent world of 1900’s New Orleans and vibrant personalities that invented “hot music” or Jazz. The spirit of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau presides over the Funky Butt - the original jazz dance hall (which also served as a community church). The Funky Butt forms the backdrop of unheard stories of racism, rebellion and resilience. 

It’s a hot spring in 1915. A band leader from the North arrives in Storyville, New Orleans searching for musicians to join his ragtime orchestra. When he hears the musicians at the Funky Butt Dance Hall, he implores them to go on tour and make a recording. But in a South segregated by Jim Crow, dirty politics and violence, will the obstacles prevail?

Hot Funky Butt Jazz is the story of dedication and perseverance in the face of great adversity. It gives voice to important unheard stories and is filled with infectious music of turn-of-the-century New Orleans. The Interact cast of 40+ actors will be joined by Zena Moses, Eugene Harding and Jeremy Phipps from New Orleans. Local talents Sheridan Zuther and Abebi Stafford also join the cast and orchestra. Hot Funky Butt Jazz opens on Friday, November 2, 2018.

PARKING INFORMATION: Ample parking is available at meters and lots behind RiverPlace.