The Lil Rascals Brass Band/Tremé

Keith Calhoun
The Lil Rascals Brass Band/Tremé, 1986–c. 2010
photograph on paper
Courtesy of the artists

Comprised of young, African American friends in Tremé, The Lil Rascals Brass Band was led by renowned trombonist Corey Henry. They became well known for playing traditional New Orleans Jazz numbers infused with their own unique rhythms and funky style throughout the city. This photograph was taken in 1996, shortly before they released their first studio album, We Shall Walk Through the Streets of the City. A reviewer of that album wrote, “This is exactly what it would sound like if you happened to live with a lot of musically talented neighbors and they occasionally got together to play for the enjoyment of the whole neighborhood.” Their tunes were united by a marching beat, because they originated as songs played in Second Lines, or festive parades held weekly on Sundays, one of which can be seen here. Whereas the world might be familiar with Mardis Gras, the massive festival held each Spring, locals love Second Lines: raucous parades organized by Social, Aid, and Pleasure Clubs on Sunday afternoons. With strong roots in West African dance, Second-lining is considered one of the most African-retentive traditions in the United States.

Asked how they got the name Lil Rascals, Corey Henry reflects, “One of the original members’ moms called us that because we were always a pain, making all kinds of noise and trying to start Second Line parades, and nobody would follow us! It was comical, so they just started calling us Lil Rascals.” In the fertile musical neighborhood of Tremé , Henry and his bandmates enjoyed a very rich musical education. Though they disbanded in the early 2000s, Henry remains a star of New Orleans jazz, earning a Grammy as a member of the Rebirth Brass Band in 2012. 

The heavily saturated colors and frenetic texture of this image emulate the sonic vibrancy of New Orleans’ brass bands. Damage frames this shot of the Lil Rascals, capturing the young musicians and their bombastic energy. Miraculously, across space and time and despite Katrina’s wrath, one of the Lil Rascals meets your gaze.