Today we’d like to introduce you to the Red and Black Brass Band. They share their story with us below:
In March 2020 when the world shut down due to COVID-19, two roommates, Benjamin Kosberg and Dominique Burton began to get a little stir crazy in their apartment. Ben made a sincere request to Dominique, asking if he wanted to play their tuba and trombone on a walk around the block. Dominique agreed and they went out to play. Many of the neighborhood residents enjoyed the sight and sounds of the musical serenade.
One resident captured the impromptu concert on video and posted it to Twitter. The video received about 2.6 million views! The duo brought the news to the current band members and we decided to keep serenading the streets of STL; at a safe and social distance to keep joy and hope alive in the hearts of the people. Walter Beckham, Dee Coleman, D-Meaux, Dominique Jordan, Ravie Junior, Ben “Oso” Kosberg, J. Spence, and Legato White make up the Red and Black Brass Band.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The roads we marched were always fun, but things were not always smooth. Our band comprises eight members who have alternative professional lives. We currently have a professional artist/musician, two elementary school music teachers, a carpenter, a federal government employee, college recruitment agent, a security professional, and an owner of Shock City Studios. Working around our various time constraints was definitely a challenge, not to mention our family lives. Marching the streets for hours in the heat while physically adding heavy instruments also presented its challenges. Overall, the love that this city has shown us far outweighs any challenge. That alone makes it all worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are a New Orleans-style 2nd Line brass band, known for giving inspiration to the residents of STL with fun and live concerts in front of their houses as well as stage performances in local venues, festivals, and private events. We personalize our visits and appearances by celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and we have music for all ages!
We have many proud moments. Some are guest appearances from other musicians on our neighborhood tours and bringing relief and healing to those directly effected by the pandemic. We have also had the pleasure of performing for groups and events that help to make St. Louis the one of a kind city it is.
What truly makes us unique is our identity as a New Orleans-style brass band in the city of STL. We are able to adapt our sound to any environment but remain authentic to the roots of American brass band music.
We are available for hire for just about any type of event you can think of. We’ve done weddings, home going celebrations, public and private concerts, office parties…you name it. You can email us at redandblackband@gmail.com and we would love to make your event just a little more special.
How do you think about luck?
Good luck has been on our side since we began this journey. This music has increased our bond of friendship because of the lives we touch. We have also come across some amazing opportunities that continue to help us grow.
We were lucky to be received so well in the communities, always greeted by smiling faces and receiving cold drinks in the hot sun to keep us going. We were lucky to run into the former mayor of STL, Lyda Krewson as well as several state representatives and alderpersons.
We met a member of one of our brass band groups in STL, the Funky Butt Brass Band. We were lucky to run into one of the U-City Loop’s stars, world-renowned artist Mary Engelbreit for her grandchild’s 1st birthday party. The only time our luck seems to run out is when we’re presented with rain or extremely cold weather, but fortunately, the good outweighs the bad. Really, if we’re being honest, its all been just one really big blessing.
Contact Info:
- Email: redandblackbrassband@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Redandblackbrassband
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redandblackbrassband/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/redandblackbrassband
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/redandblackbb?lang=en
Image Credits
Philip Hamer
