At exactly 5:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis President and CEO Victor Goines signaled to the marching band at Compton and Washington that it was time to start the party. The blended group of musicians represented St. Louis and Goines’ hometown of New Orleans – and both in the case of the Red and Black Brass Band. The rhythm compelled parade participants and onlookers into a synchronized bop as the second line proceeded down Washington.

When the horns chimed in, their ability to captivate brought to mind a Miles Davis quote from a 1987 interview.

“When the big bands used to come in town, and up from New Orleans on the boat, if they needed a trumpet player – or a show drummer – they would pick up one when they came to St. Louis,” Davis said.

On Tuesday afternoon, the horns played with a New Orlea

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