Read on for details about today’s visitation, tomorrow’s funeral service, and the jazz procession.
First a note—since Batiste’s death on July 8, 2012, numerous outlets have reported that he was 81 years old including the New York Times, the Washington Post, Offbeat magazine and Gambit. I am proud to report that TVD got it right—he was 80.
Visitation begins today at the Charbonnet-Labat Funeral Home, which is located in the historic Tremé neighborhood at 1615 St. Phillip Street and N. Claiborne Avenue just two blocks from where the iconic musician was born. The hours are from 10 AM until 5 PM. The family has requested NO CAMERAS IN THE FUNERAL HOME. The funeral plan also requested that no one wear black to the visitation of the funeral service. This is a celebration of a life well lived, not a time for mourning.
It was reported that “Uncle” Lionel wanted his funeral to take place in either the Superdome or the Mahalia Jackson Theater. The ‘Dome being unavailable, the funeral will take place in the theater tomorrow at 11 AM. Visitation will begin at 9 AM.
I have been to over 200 jazz funerals and I have rarely known where the procession will go after the service. One can speculate based on the life of the deceased, but sometimes even the brass band musicians don’t know. I have asked them.
So it’s interesting to note that the route of the procession has been announced. The parade will leave the theater after the service and proceed into “Uncle” Lionel’s stomping grounds with stops at spots that were important to him. Here’s the route:
Start: Mahalia Jackson Theater. Proceed through Armstrong Park to gate entrance to Basin Street. Right on Basin Street to North Villere St. Right on Villere to St. Philip St. Right on St. Philip St. to St. Claude Street. Left on St. Claude St. to Ursulines Avenue. Left on Ursulines Ave. to N. Robertson Street.
Stop: Old Cozy Corner. Continue up N. Robertson to the Candle Light Lounge.
Stop: Candle Light Lounge. Proceed up N. Robertson to Basin Street. Right on Basin St. to North Claiborne Avenue. Right on N. Claiborne Ave.
Stop: Ernie K-Doe’s Mother-in-Law Lounge. Continue down N. Claiborne to St. Bernard Avenue. Left on St. Bernard Ave. to Hunter’s Field.
Disband: Hunter’s Field.
