Jazz Funeral for Oliver “Squirk Man” Hunter
The “Grand Marshal of the New Orleans Cultural Nation”
A legendary grand marshal and one of the greatest second line dancers of his generation was laid to rest with an intimate jazz funeral on Tuesday, March 12. Oliver “Squirk Man” Hunter was known for his limber frame and ability to jump higher than virtually anyone else during parades.
ABOVE PHOTO: ERIC WATERS
The funeral procession began outside of Charbonnet Funeral Home in the Tremé neighborhood. Dozens of musicians, led by trumpeter James Andrews and members of his Crescent City All-stars, paraded down N. Claiborne Avenue, with a short detour into the neighborhood, before ending up at Hunter’s Field. Members of the Sudan Social Aid and Pleasure Club led the march.
Baritone saxophonists Roger Lewis of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band (on edge of frame) and Dan Oestreicher of Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue and trombonists Craig Klein of the Storyville Stompers and the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Greg Hicks of Bonerama and Stafford Agee of the Rebirth Brass make up a formidable line as the procession heads out.
“Kid” Merv Campbell
Folk artist Ashton Ramsey poses before the funeral with his handmade, double-sided commemorative fan.
Wow, whatta formidable line is right.. wish I could of been present. All hail Squirk Man!