Hot 8 Brass Band

When the New Orleans-based group Hot 8 Brass Band formed in 1995, the ensemble was initially confined to performances during second line parades, traditional jazz funerals and jazz night clubs. After the tragedy that was Hurricane Katrina befell The Big Easy, the band received international attention after it appeared in Spike Lee's documentary on the aftermath and governmental follow-up to the hurricane. Hot 8 Brass Band also performed several times on National Public Radio, which helped establish the group as one of the premier New Orleans marching band acts that's able to blend elements of hip-hop, funk and blues into its characteristic jazz sound.