Three years ago, the folks at Red Bull energy drink’s national network wanted to know who the best brass band in New Orleans was at the time. In order to find out, they called on a panel of New Orleans culture-bearers to nominate bands and vet those that applied for the freshly created “Red Bull Street Kings” (RBSK) program. The idea was simple: challenge New Orleans brass bands to compete on their own terms, in the way they are traditionally popularized–on the streets of the city, among crowds of parade-goers. Rather than in a ‘Dome or online, this ultimate battle of the bands would take place right in the middle of Claiborne Avenue in Tremé, under the historical I-10 overpass bridge.

RBSK 2010 champion bandleader, Walt Ramsey of The Stooges Brass Band judges 2013 competition. (Photo: Kim Welsh)

After several weeks of nominations, applications and first rounds, the 2010 Street Kings contenders were narrowed down to four finalists. Then on Saturday, October 23 the Soul Rebels Brass Band, the Stooges Brass Band, the Free Agents Brass Band and the young To Be Continued (TBC) Brass Band all suited up to second line one-by-one up Claiborne Avenue to their respective pop-up stages under the bridge for the ultimate challenge. Four bands marched in, but only one marched out with the first Red Bull Street Kings championship belt that afternoon–the Stooges Brass Band. Record crowds cheered on each of their favorite bands throughout all four elimination rounds, making for quite a day to remember.

The Stooges went on to record with award-winning New Orleans music producer and hip-hop icon, Mannie Fresh, at the state-of-the-art Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles, and have since traveled the globe performing for audiences on multiple tours. But the buck doesn’t stop there. Red Bull is now ready to challenge the next Red Bull Street Kings champion band. Who’s next in the ranks?

And so the drill begins again: four 2013 Red Bull Street Kings finalists have been vetted and this Saturday afternoon (October 26), the To Be Continued (TBC) Brass Band will once again compete, this time against the Pinettes Brass Band, the New Breed Brass Band and the New Creation Brass Band. Here’s the catch: the Pinettes Brass Band is the first all-female brass band to compete in the Red Bull Street Kings competition (in fact, are one of the first-ever all-female brass bands), and have promised to change the name of the title to “Street Queens,” should they be the last to march out.

The TBC Brass Band competes again on Saturday at RBSK 2013. (Photo: Kim Welsh)

Some of New Orleans’ most respected musicians and cultural leaders are set to judge the 2013 Street Kings battle on Saturday, including bandleader of the 2010 Red Bull Street Kings champs, the Stooges’ Walter “Whoadie” Ramsey, Tremé’s Kermit Ruffins and Trombone Shorty, as well as local WGNO and ABC26 TV anchor Lebron Joseph, and OffBeat Magazine‘s own publisher and editor-in-chief, Jan Ramsey. Famed trombonist and “Tremé Prince,” Glen David Andrews will once again MC the event. Q93 FM’s DJ Slab1 will also host and Mannie Fresh open the afternoon with a warm-up DJ set.

ABOUT THE 2013 RED BULL STREET KINGS FINALISTS

The Original Pinettes Brass Band is the first all-female group to compete in Red Bull Street Kings. The Original Pinettes Brass Band has toured internationally in places as far away as Turkey and regularly plays gigs around the New Orleans area.  This self-described group of sisters is out to win and rename the competition “Red Bull Street Queens.”

New Breed Brass Band cites major musical influences from funk, R&B, hip-hop and soul music.  The nine members of the band grew up playing in area high school marching bands and continue to perform in their college bands.  Formed in 2012, the band is young and so are its members, so expect them to come with lots of energy and a strong desire to be crowned Red Bull Street Kings.

To Be Continued (T.B.C. Brass Band) returns to Red Bull Street Kings in 2013 to claim a title they first fought for in 2010.  TBC are among the most prolific leaders of New Orleans’ traditional second lines and are coming out to win an opportunity to produce their own music in the Red Bull Studios.

New Creations Brass Band was founded by three brothers.  After just one year they are ready to show the city and the world that they have what it takes to dominate on the big stage.  This group of 10 musicians says it earned its place in Red Bull Street Kings through consistent hard work and the support of loved ones in the community.

The first all-female brass band, the Orignal Pinettes compete Saturday at RBSK 2013. (Photo: Elsa Hahne)

The award will be bestowed on the new Red Bull Street Kings based on proficiency in style, presentation and musical performance.  The winners will receive a an all-expense paid trip to the Red Bull Studios in New York City for a recording session under the production guidance of Trombone Shorty.

Event details…