As Lionel Batiste, Sr., walks around the Tremé neighborhood where he’s spent his life, people wave from their front stoops and car windows shouting, “Hey Unk!” He knows everyone and everyone knows him, from those leaning on canes to toddlers in strollers. While times have changed, Uncle Lionel keeps up with all that’s going on, observing his world while strolling the sidewalks, marching in a parade or hitting his bass drum on a bandstand.

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