Olympia Brass Band

The ever-popular "Nawlins"-based group Olympia Brass Band will be ready to close down the Saturday night picnic for the 14th time. Expect to see the fringed umbrellas a la New Orleans cropping up in the crowd as Olympia Brass Band plays its soulful, sassy music.
The festival is one of the long list of occasions for which the band performs. It plays at banquets, parties, dances, grand openings, Mardi Gras parades and festivities and traditional New Orleans jazz funerals. The band regularly packs them in at the Preservation Hall concert series in New Orleans.
In addition to the traditional Dixieland jazz, its repertoire includes songs of a great variety of styles and periods: Blues, marches, Tin Bread Alley and spiritual. 
The origin of the present Olympia goes back to 1883: It was the first black brass band of New Orleans, founded following the pattern of the French military bands. In its beginnings, the main activity was to perform for funerals of members of black societies. 
To make sure the group's style of music continues, a group called the Young Olympians has been organized. 
Richard Matthews has taken over the role of manager and grand marshal since his father, Milton Batiste Jr., died in 2001. 
"I'll be the guy with the umbrella," says Matthews, who usually brings about seven musicians to the festival.
Matthews says the group has reorganized.
"You have to change or you fall apart."
He encourages faithful fans and newcomers to witness their performance.
"It's going to be a great show and don't miss it. Go to the church service on Sunday morning. There's going to be a lot to do the whole weekend."