Pretty Lights ends weekend 2 of Jazz Fest proper with a second line parade through the Seventh Ward of New Orleans ending in a pop-up set under I-10.
The mastermind behind Pretty Lights Music, Derek Vincent Smith, never ceases to amaze his following and the industry. Derek dropped hints about the first electronic second line during an interview at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage‘s entertainment industry conference, Sync Up, during the first weekend of Jazz Fest. Sure enough, the whole PL crew and Raven PMG showed out Sunday evening for a music experience like no other – which was completely free.
The starting point was at Bullet’s Sports Bar & Grill on AP Tureaud where the crowd gathered for take-off. Derek had friends in masses joining him to create the unique experience. Chris Karns, Borahm Lee, Ryan Zoidis, The Soul Rebels, Trumpet Mafia, and more were present for the live parade throw down. Once the parade took off, Derek and friends had the energy in the streets on another level. The further into the seventh ward we got the more people were flooding the streets, some even from their houses along the route joined to celebrate music and happiness.
The horns followed behind a trailer with a full sound system and Derek led the parading band in musical journey playing some classic New Orleans tunes and chants. Everyone in attendance showed out with freestyles and solos on the mile long parade to the pop-up set location. The finish line was located under I-10 at Ursuline Ave. and N Claiborne Ave. At the location, the crowd found a stage placed in front of a large mural by UK artist Boxhead.
Then I realized that the Pretty Lights crew was just warming up. There was so much more in store for us aside from the second line. He brought a set list made of gold with so many classics like a super fresh “Hot Like Sauce” edit with the Trumpet Mafia.
Other treats were “Samso” horns remix, “Exodus“, “You Get High“, “Finally Moving“, “I Can See it in Your Face” and so much more. Through the first half of the set, Derek kept begging the sun to go down. Soon it finally set and we got to understand why – the crew had 3D mapping projection onto Boxhead’s creation that lit up the underneath of I-10. It was just the icing on the cake for the day’s activities that left everyone in attendance in awe.
Featured Image: Bridget Claire Miller
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