Friday, June 18, 2010
Glen David Andrews Leads Protest Second Line in Jackson Square, Promises March on City Hall if NOPD Continues to Enforce Noise Ordinance
Posted by Will Coviello on Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 6:56 PM
New Orleans trombone player Glen David Andrews led a protest second line around Jackson Square this afternoon to protest the city’s apparent decision to suddenly start enforcing a city ordinance that prohibits playing music in the streets after 8 pm.
Andrews told reporters — three TV crews and an assortment of print and online journalists — that he was arrested in the square 15 years ago, and said that musicians like him are the reason people come to Jackson Square. He then led an impromptu second line of his 15 musicians and about 100 tourists on the route. "They say it's illegal," he said. "But we're going to do it today as a statement."
"If you’ve got a problem with the Andrews next generation, all the next generation musicians coming up in New Orleans, then why don’t you just give 'em guns and crack and send them in the neighborhoods?" asked Andrews. "Cause that’s what you’re basically doing.
"We don’t want to hear this about public safety. That’s why you’ve got a new police chief. Make him do his job," added Andrews, who is one of the city's many brass-band musicians who has played himself in the HBO series Treme.
"We have a new mayor, we think he’s a good mayor, but it’s time that he comes to the table with us," he added.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu released a statement last night saying he would "work with the City Council and the New Orleans Police Department to review the quality of life ordinances to ensure that they best serve the needs of our community." (The statement was sent out again today with the co-signature of District C councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, whose district includes the French Quarter.)
"I'm part of the fabric of what you call New Orleans," said Andrews, gesturing to the crowd of gathered tourists. "Did you all come to see me?"
The crowd cheered.
"We’re not going to have another musician getting arrested," said Andrews. "We’re not going to have another musician getting a ticket, and if we get word, if I get word of any other musicians being harassed, we’re going to get Trombone Shorty, Lenny Kravitz, the Andrews [Brass Band], Rebirth [Brass Band], Dr. John, and we’re going to march on City Hall."
—Matt Davis
Comments (13)
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I am in love with Glen David Andrews. He has an interesting past, but his passion is 100% there for the proper reason. He's a positive role model, helping younger generations into the music scene.
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This makes me want to stand up and cheer. I am so hopeful that the mayor will truly lead us out of the wilderness on this one. It is complete sacrilege to harass these musicians in the quarter.
Leader yourselves out of the wilderness. It's YOUR city, not the Mayor's. He is a public servant. MAKE HIM SERVE!
Imagine what would take place if C. Ray was still in office. On second thought, DON'T!
Glen David Andrews has a brass set that should be bronzed! Way to go GDA! This is a fight worth risking the wrath of New Orlean's not-so-finest over and I'm thrilled to see such a high profile musician out front and leading the chorus. Gob bless you and know that your army stands at the ready to support you and the cause!
“If you’ve got a problem with the Andrews next generation, all the next generation musicians coming up in New Orleans, then why don’t you just give ‘em guns and crack and send them in the neighborhoods?” asked Andrews. “Cause that’s what you’re basically doing. Am I the only one that thinks this is really patronizing and demeans these guys? Is GDA really suggesting that all young black men have to choose from is music and drugs, and that to disagree with him is to asked to be mugged or shot?
They don't want to give them guns and crack; they want to give them top hats and hold the doors to the hotel lobby with permanent smiles. Also, if there were street musicians on every corner of the French Quarter, maybe there'd be way fewer muggings.
We are protesting all over Facebook and Twitter, yahoo groups, and my Entertainment Industry, Film Industry Music Industry Meetup.com communities on web. About 3000 people know about this because of me. I am mighty proud of you, Glen David Andrews. Keep up the good work on behalf of the working man. Your fan, Susie Labry
The more things change the more they stay the same. They do shit like this all the time then it goes away in a couple of weeks and everything goes back to normal for a couple more years! All that being said I'm siding with you and all of us New Orleans musicians. When the whip comes down I'll be there to march with the rest of us. Peace Hope and Love my friend.
