On a beautifully sunny day the Hot 8 Brass Band kicked hard performing first at the Canal Street side of Spanish Plaza’s sparking fountain. Then the much-in-demand ensemble moved riverside to accompany the lovely ladies in the Blue Tarp Fashion Show who pranced and danced in front of the stage. Irvin Mayfield and his band were already set up, ready to dive right into the action. With all of his duties as leader of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and New Orleans’ musical ambassador, the trumpeter heading a straight-ahead jazz combo in such a wonderful setting gave the set a relaxed swing. Just steps away, Philip Frazier’s shiny, new golden tuba glowed as the ReBirth Brass Band got the crowd at the Zulu’s Lundi Gras Celebration groovin’. While the Zulu festivities at Woldenberg Park were cut down to one bandstand by the Aquarium of Americas and some of the traditional pomp of the reigning monarch diminished, the spirit of the club members and people prevailed. ReBirth offered up almost back-to-back shows as the band headed to a play at the outdoor stage at Harrah’s. Pumping hard, they asked, “Who you rollin’ with?” with the crowd enthusiastically responding, “ReBirth!” When fireworks burst over the river lighting up the sky and surrounding buildings, the exhilaration of the music took another leap. Keeping pace with mood, the always-dynamic Marcia Ball and her tight band closed out the night as the Proteus parade hit Canal Street. The close proximity of these three, strongly programmed, free events made for a day and night of hassle-free fun.