On Tuesday, July 18, Vineyard Gumbo festivities will begin at the Tabernacle. The Tremé Brass Band, one of Crescent City’s most beloved and historic brass bands, will lead a traditional “Second Line” parade from the campgrounds to a performance at the Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. Tremé Brass Band hails from New Orleans’ Tremé neighborhood, home to generations of some of the city’s finest brass band musicians. The Tremé, like many culturally important neighborhoods throughout the city, was critically damaged in Hurricane Katrina.

The tradition of “second line parades” started when after the first line of grand marshals, honored guests, jazz bands and pallbearers at jazz funeral parades passed by, well-wishers followed in such numbers and with such joy that they were dubbed a second line. Second Line parades were so popular they now occur on their own. The spirit of the second line, everyone joining in and having a good time, is one of many popular traditions of New Orleans. The fun of participating in a second line parade reflects the inclusive spirit that makes all of New Orleans culture easy to love.

Along with the important legacy of brass bands, New Orleans has always been home to standout piano players. A cursory review of the city’s past and present keyboard masters yields a veritable who's who of piano giants, including Jellyroll Morton, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, James Booker, Dr. John, Allan Toussaint, Art Neville, Eddy Bo, and many others. The current torch-bearer of this storied tradition is Henry Butler, a stunning talent who lost his Gentilly neighborhood home in Katrina, and is working to get back to his beloved city. Henry Butler will play for the Vineyard Gumbo Gala Jazz Dinner on Thursday, July 20 »poster« and grace the stage of the Whaling Church on Friday July 21.

Galactic, New Orleans premier Funk Band, will close out the Festival on July 22nd, with a party at Outerland (formerly The Hot Tin Roof). New Orleans is full of funky music, Galactic beautifully expresses the joyful spirit of New Orleans, building original funky grooves from the roots of New Orleans rhythms — rhythms of Mardi Gras Indians, brass bands and Jazz.The New York Times described Galactic’s sound as no less than “the most danceable music on earth.”

Net proceeds of Vineyard Gumbo will benefit the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, which provides essential medical services and financial support to the New Orleans musicians and their families, and other organizations helping the people of New Orleans to preserve the rich culture of the Crescent City in these critical times.