Freedom's Dance: Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs in New Orleans

Though I grew up in New Orleans and thought that I knew a lot about the city's cultural history, I've learned so much from this book about the Social and Pleasure Clubs (Marching Groups, Second Liners, and Indians as we called them when I was growing up in New Orleans). I'm only half way through and eager to get through the second half. Even if I only used it to look at the pictures it would be a great 5 star book. It is visually stunning. The photos are fantastic and tell a lot of the story without words. Freedom's Dance makes you feel like you're in the city witnessing everything live because as you read, you now know everything that's going on and why. You can almost hear the music in the background as you read and view the photos. Far more educational than I ever expected. I'd HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for anyone who enjoys learning about or re-living the cultural history of New Orleans, particularly the history of the Social and Pleasure Clubs of the city. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

This book describes the NOLA culture covering the different groups, social clubs and family traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians. My husband and I both love the pictures and the stories.

This book is AMAZING!!! The history that has been chronicled by many PHD and the Photographs are outstanding. This is a "Coffee Table" book and it will be used and talked about often. You will not be disappointed.

Awesome book. Really shows the culture and the passion of the people who participate

Love this book and its essays. But especially the photos!

Photographs are stunning! Beautiful written, too! We have one and ordered a second copy as a gift.

Karen & Eric do a wonderful job of demonstrating the history, significance, and emotions of Second Lines and Social Aid & Pleasure Club. Highly recommend!

Being a member of the 2nd Oldest Social and Pleasure club (Prince of Wales) after Katrina my mission is to preserve this truly AMERICAN art form and to be engaged at the roots/street level as Mr.Marsalis eloquently stated is the genesis of Jazz. Eric and Karen have accomplished what going forward will be acknowledge as a seminal documentation.The book captures what you have to experience,"Transcendent Joy".Outstanding,the essays are "langiappe "written by some of this nation most talented writers. Buck-Jumping with pictures and words...doesn't get better. Want Bow Down!