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Feb
05
Matters of Great Importance: Uncle Batiste’s Stolen Drum
Posted by: Alejandro de los Rios in A&E, Crime, General, Music & Nightlife, New Orleans Life, News & Politics

man without a drum

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Photograph by Greg Rhoades

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There are lowlifes and there are lowlife scum-of-the-earth piss buckets that don’t give a second thought to stealing a man’s instrument. And not just any man, mind you, or any instrument. Uncle Lionel Batiste, among the eldest of the elder statesmen of New Orleans jazz musicians, had his bass drum stolen (this, one and only hand-made bass drum) after marching with the Treme Brass Band in Krewe de Vieux.

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The man is 79 years old. He made the drum himself and used it not only to preserve the New Orleans sound of music, but to teach and mentor countless musicians under him. Unc is a city treasure and his drum is an artifact. Whoever stole that drum is either very ignorant or very hateful, but either way, they must be found, caught and made to pay.

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You do not steal a man’s drum. Especially if he’s still alive and beating it. Anyone who sees it - on the street, on eBay or wherever - that drum is stolen goods. Let’s get it back into the right hands and back into the groove.
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Comments:
Rebecca on February 5th, 2010 at 7:03 am #

Why not take up a collection to buy Mr. Batiste another drum? I realize it wouldn’t be the same, but he has to get playing again. Gambit folks, why not start a collection cup?

Angelo Young on February 5th, 2010 at 9:41 am #

I took a photo of Uncle Batiste and his drum in October 2008.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4684142&l=d74cab87df&id=647050849

Kevin Allman on February 5th, 2010 at 11:41 am #

Rebecca, we certainly will help get a new drum if necessary, but that particular drum is irreplaceable, a piece of living history.

It’s so recognizable that it’s hard to believe someone won’t spot it and do the right thing by returning it to Uncle Lionel. Or drop it off at any music club in town.

Angelo, that’s a great photo.

sheree on February 5th, 2010 at 2:41 pm #

This comment has nothing to do with the article I just wanted to post this to an arena where people read about New ORleans.

Ray Nagin and Superbowl Tickets
I am still in awe of the audacity of the mayor of New Orleans. I just finished reading an article in the Times Picyunne about this topic. The city should not be paying for you to represent them at the Superbowl in Miami. The mayor beleives it is “owed’ to him to get better tickets than the “nosebleed” that have been offered for sale, but he states “better connection” than the Saints organization. How unfortunate that this type of behavior is still going on in his mind. There are hardworking people in the city of New Orleans who would be thrilled to be able to purchase any type ticket for the Superbowl. Shame on you Ray Nagin.
A Saints fan formally of New Orleans.

Maitri on February 5th, 2010 at 3:35 pm #

Rebecca, as we understand it, the drum was handmade by him because other drums were too heavy for him to carry. And, as Kevin said, that drum is living history and a pox upon the jerkoff who walked off with it. “Oh, I’m at Krewe du Vieux and I’m drunk, wouldn’t it be great fun to walk off with this old dude’s drum?”

Snakemusik on February 5th, 2010 at 3:54 pm #

If anyone sees the drum, call 504-943-0743 - the Treme Brass Band phone number, or call the police. I’m guessing it will be more effective to call the band.

HammHawk on February 6th, 2010 at 5:39 am #

I’m told that someone dropped off the drum at the Palm Court and he has it back. True?

Pompo on February 8th, 2010 at 11:09 am #

Yes…TRUE!!! :)

Justin Goldberg on February 16th, 2010 at 11:21 am #

yes! maybe we need to give it a lojack to ensure it’s safety.

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