There are brass bands all over the world, but just like for food, when it comes to brass, there’s no place like New Orleans.

The tradition is deep.

Brass bands have long been and continue to be an integral part of the city’s life, performing at funerals, parties, parades, picnics, Mardi Gras, festivals. Young Louis Armstrong’s greatest ambition as a young child was to “make it” by becoming the member of a brass band.

The tradition is alive and well today. Bands form, start by playing in the streets and if they cut it, make a name for themselves first in New Orleans, and then beyond.

Here’s the story of one New Orleans-born brass band, the Lil Rascals that’s part of the new wave of brass band music pioneered by the Dirty Dozen and Rebirth and others.

Here’s the web site for the: L’il Rascals Brass Band.