The cost of permits for second lines went up abruptly this week from about $1300 to $3600 due directly from pressure from the NOPD following last month’s violence at a major second line. A spokesman for one of the major social aid and pleasure clubs says ” . . . I think they are attempting to discourage the smaller groups. Also they are attempting to insure that there are no other incidents similar to the shooting at the last second line parade, Seems like the police are beefing up to minimize the threat of violence. While I was taken aback by the increase, I think the safety of club members and the public is paramount . . . Post Katrina, and entering the election season I think the city does not want another black eye.”

My initial reaction was the same but I also understand the stifling effect this will have on smaller clubs and I don’t think that violence is more common at the smaller second lines, quite the opposite, actually. The shooters like the bigger crowds because they have more cover and anonymity and more chance they’ll run into someone with whom a score must be settled. Why don’t they just have a one-on-one shootout at high noon, like the wild west? Quit wreckin it for the rest of us.

This weekend Zulu is presenting a church service and honorary jazz funeral in honor of members who have passed on Post Katrina. 1:00pm Saturday 2/11 2538 Jackson Ave. St John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church.

Related posts:

1. Need Your Help: Mardi Gras Second Line Routes
2. Are New Orleans Clubs Racist?
3. A Settled State of Disarray
4. Just a Quickie
5. What can we do about this?