“Hot 8 music is feel good music…music with a message. It’s life music.” – Band leader, Bennie Pete
The Hot 8 Brass Band is the world-renowned New Orleans based brass troupe that blends marching music with hip-hop, jazz and funk, offering a thrilling update of the traditional brass band sound with stunning results. Founded in 1995 by Bennie “Big Peter” Pete, the original members were drawn from the Looney Tunes Brass Band and the High Steppers Brass Band. Any incarnation of Hot 8 Brass Band will boast eight or nine players of the highest rate, bringing the passion and noise through a bevy of trombones, saxophones, trumpets, snare and bass drums, all buoyed up by the immense tuba baselines of band leader Bennie Pete. These musicians over the years have been inspired by artists such as Tuba Fats, Leroy Jones, Louis Armstrong, JJ Johnson, Stevie Wonder and Jackie McLean, and have variously recorded and performed with some of those mentioned and more.
Fêted in New Orleans for their live shows in clubs, weekly appearances in second line parades and traditional jazz funerals and street marches, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Hot 8 Brass Band was propelled into the international spotlight by an appearance in Spike Lee’s film When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts. Since then the band has toured the world with their authentic and totally unique New Orleans street sound. Famous for their blistering, high energy performances – expect them to tear the roof off of the venue during this Manchester visit.
“Get your dancing shoes ready” The Independent
The Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open beforehand for delicious food and drinks.