Dixieland Music for Funerals by Dixieland Stomp New Orleans Funeral The traditional New Orleans funeral is a celebration of life; at the grave site, wake or memorial. Live music gives tribute to a loved one. From “Just A Closer Walk with Thee” to “When The Saints Go Marching In”, this traditional musical send off symbolizes life’s journey and lifts the spirits. At the church or funeral home:  Slow Hymn Music      Amazing Grace, Chopin’s Funeral March, Just A Closer Walk, Were You There, Down By the Riverside, Sweet Sweet Spirit, What A Friend We Have in Jesus, The Roll is Called Up Yonder.  At the Grave:  Slow and Somber Amazing Grace, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Down by the Riverside, Every Time I Feel the Spirit, Flee As A Bird, Just A Little While to Stay Here, Just A Closer Walk, Just Over in the Glory Land, Onward Christian Soldiers, That Old Time Religion, Shall We Gather at the River, Sweet Sweet Spirit, Were You There, What A Friend We Have in Jesus, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. After the Burial: Faster tempo march to celebrate a life well lived When the Saints Go Marching In, Bourbon Street Parade, Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, Just A Little While to Stay Here, Just A Closer Walk, Onward Christina Soldiers, Oh Didn’t He Ramble, Second Line

For veterans we also can perform the Military Taps                                                            Our standard dress for funerals is all black

 NEW ORLEANS FUNERAL TRADITION
A typical Dixieland Jazz funeral begins with a march by family, friends, and neighbors, led by a Jazz band, from the home, funeral parlor or church to the cemetery. The band plays somber songs and hymns. After the ceremony, a procession start and they "cut the body loose". After this the music becomes more upbeat, often starting with a hymn or spiritual number played in a swinging fashion, then going into popular New Orleans favorites. There is up tempo music and dancing to celebrate the life of the deceased. Those who follow the band just to enjoy the music are called the second line, and their style of dancing, in which they walk and sometimes twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air, is called second lining.

For more information contact:  David Neill -   413-686-5027 or  tbn8@aol.com

photo by Vance Chatel Design