September 10, 2020 was a bittersweet day for our city. The Treme neighborhood—the spiritual center of much of our city's unique culture—laid to rest Mr. Slyvester Francis, who for many years documented and preserved the Second Line and Black Masking traditions. Mr. Francis was a friend of our krewe, and for many years, our parade ended at his museum. As they say here, "gone but never forgotten." Mr. Slyvester will be honored with a traditional New Orleans Jazz Funeral today—and all the honor and love his life deserves. In New Orleans culture death often becomes a celebration of life. Today and every day, we celebrate Mr. Slyvester and his neighborhood, the Treme. We are excited to release this beadwork design, a recreation of the band-leader hat that you would see with the traditional brass bands. This hat, of course, is for the Treme Brass Band. It's handmade by Jeremy Stevenson of the Monogram Hunters Mardi Gras Indian Tribe. Originals are available - and proceeds will be shared between the Treme Brass Band and Feed the Second Line. It's a beautiful piece and is available for your home! Just send us an email to inquire.
