Freedom's Dance: Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs in New Orleans

by Karen Celestan, Karen Celestan (Narrator)

Freedom's Dance is a photographic and scholarly overview of the social, aid, and pleasure club (SAPC) parade culture in New Orleans, tracking its origins in African cultures and subsequent development throughout the centuries in black New Orleans culture. Containing over 175 photographs by Eric Waters, Freedom's Dance offers the first complete look at the SAPC Second Line tradition, ranging from ideological approaches to the parade, the contributions of musicians, parade rituals such as elaborately decorated fans and sashes, and adherence to and development of traditions among the varied groups. Karen Celestan's vibrant text features interviews with previously unknown culture-bearers such as Oliver "Squirk" Hunter, Lois Andrews (mother of Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and James Andrews), Fred Johnson, Gregory Davis, Lionel Batiste and others, while scholarly essays details the rituals, historic perspective and purpose of the Second Line by SAPCs. Freedom's Dance defines this unique public-private culture and captures every aspect of the Second Line, from SAPC members' rollicking introductions at their annual parade to a funeral procession on its way to the crypt.

248 pages, Hardcover

Published February 26, 2018

Reviews

[John Brissette]

Excellent dive into the world of Second Line Culture. Stunning photography and incredible interviews.