October 07, 2008
Awesomer than The Fan.
August 27, 2007
From tipster Chris:
We were driving through Carytown last night and some big group of Jazzy people were performing near the Byrd … It was a pretty cool gig. Maybe 15 people playing. The crowd varied. It was very New Orleansy.
It might be the same people that I’ve seen playing outside of NY Deli late at night. It turned out that they were advertising a church in Church Hill, but the music sounded pretty decent. for a late night.
Chase @ August 28th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Yes, I saw this and they were making beautiful music…
RCU Kensington @ August 28th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
They have been there several times over the past few months. Can hear them from my back deck…one of many reasons I just love living here!
Fiona @ August 30th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
They are the House of Praise Brass Band, straight out of Church Hill.
When I first saw them about two months ago, filing past me as I came out of the New York Deli, I thought: these guys look like they’re visiting from Down South; when they started playing, I knew they were from New Orleans, and then I learned; nope, just up Broad Street.
The church helps them purchase their instruments, and they practice, practice, practice, most of them haven’t any musical training. They are following the Biblical injunction: make a joyful noise. And, it is, oh, yes such joy is expressed. I defy anybody just to stand there with your hands in your pockets while you listen; if you are move to sway a little, you need to check your pulse for life.
I’ve missed them the past few weeks — wish I’d seen them! They usually show up after dark on Friday evenings, or at least, that was their pattern.
Harry @ August 30th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Someone should get their schedule. Maybe NYD will book them to play inside for real money–I’d go.
Daniel @ August 31st, 2007 at 12:37 pm
I agree - they sound amazing. I’ve seen them twice. It’s doubly amazing considering the men are all in long-sleeve dress shirts and they’ll play for hours even on the hottest of August nights.
The church is part of “The United House of Prayer for All People”. After I saw them the first time I looked up the church online. It’s got a colorful history, to say the least. It was founded by “Sweet Daddy” Grace, a charismatic man who (depending on who you believe) was either a saint or a total huckster. The IRS went after him hard in the ’70’s. Today they’re a little less cultish but still a rather extreme brand of Christianity.
Marc @ August 31st, 2007 at 1:05 pm
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