During the pre Super Bowl pep rally Second Line held in New Orleans on Saturday February 6, 2010 I had the chance to take a few great pictures of “Uncle” Lionel Batiste while he was at the French Market with the Treme Brass Band. New Orleans is full of characters, but Uncle Lionel definitely stands out! Somebody…I forgot who, said about him, “we gonna miss him, when WE die!”
Look out for the new HBO series Treme which will premiere on April 11 2010 and will feature among man local New Orleans musicians, the Treme Brass Band!
“Uncle” Lionel Batiste is a jazz and blues musician and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Born on February 1st, 1931, he began in music career at the age of 11 playing bass drum with the Square Deal Social & Pleasure Club. He is currently the bass drummer, vocalist and assistant leader of the Treme Brass Band; he is known for his kazoo playing as well. He also sings, and has recorded a cd as a vocalist. Besides inspiring younger musicians with his playing, he serves as a role model to many of them: trumpeter Kermit Ruffins calls Batiste his “total influence,” saying that Batiste “taught [him] how to act, how to dress, how to feel about life.” Internationally, Batiste has served as leader of the daily Moldejazz parade since 2000. He is arguably New Orleans most loved uncle!
![Uncle Lionel Batiste (this square photo is also available as a Canvas Gallery Wrap).](http://www.pompo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/uncle-lionel-framed.jpg)
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![Uncle Lionel Batiste (click image to view large)](http://www.pompo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/unlce-lionel-framed-2.jpg)
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![Benny Jones (a square version of this is also available as a Canvas Gallery Wrap).](http://www.pompo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/BennyJones.jpg)
More New Orleans Fine Art Photography on nolaPIC.com
![Grand Marshal Oswald Jones Second Line in New Orleans with Treme Brass Band (He was Grand Marshal in the Second Line shown in the the first episode of HBO Treme).](http://www.pompo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/OswaldJonesFramed.jpg)
More New Orleans Fine Art Photography on nolaPIC.com