Audio Slideshow | Melodies United by Loss
When I approached the corner, there they were. To Be Continued, a New Orleans-based brass band, was practicing in front of a freshly painted mural on the side of a building at Canal and Bourbon Streets.
It was amazing to see young men dressed in street clothes making sounds that were so beautiful — their cheeks full of air and voices that rang louder than the bustling noise of busy streets. Taped to the wall behind the band was a newspaper clipping about the recent death of one of its original members.
To Be Continued was founded in 2003 as a way to make money, but the band members soon realized they could make an impact on the community. For Devin Vance, a trombonist for the band, the impact was personal.
“If this wouldn’t have happened for me, I don’t know where I would be, in jail, anything, but this took me away from that,” he said. “It opened doors, it lets me see the bigger picture, to see what the world is really about.”
But another member could not escape the violence. Brandon Franklin, 22, a saxophonist and original member of the band, had just died in a domestic dispute. The band had been performing various events in his honor, and also had the heartbreaking job of serving as pallbearers at his funeral.
“Brandon was a remarkable person,” said his mother, Lucky Franklin. “He was a remarkable child. We always thought he would be something big.”
Despite its loss, the band is determined to keep spirits high.
“It is a bad thing, but it’s kind of a good thing because now we got to keep his name living, by all means necessary,” Vance said. ”And that’s what we are gonna do.”
After the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, the players seemed optimistic about moving forward and learning from the past.
“To Be Continued means everything to me. It’s my life, this is what I do,” said Darron Downs, the band’s drummer. “This is how I survive, this is our business, our company, my family, my brothers.”
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So much emotion through photos. Great message! New Orleans is a city of TRUE celebration. Life & Death. Great job Taylar! Keep it up.
I must say that although I didn’t know Brandon Franklin, the slideshow painted a great picture of how much of an amazing young man he was. Great work to the photographer. Sorry for the loss. NOLA has lost a great person. But Brandon would not like for you guys to stop… TO BE CONTINUED…..
Watching this video gave me great inspiration. Although I didnt know Brandon, I can tell that he did great things and inspired many people through the personal stories told throughout the video. He is someone you can relate to, a true person. Taylar you did a great job on this video keep up the good work. TO BE CONTINUED.. a perfect title, the legacy will never die.
This story touched my heart. I did not know Brandon Franklin, but his vision, life story, and work was captured very well. Hats off to Ms. Barrington and her journalism. Its great to know that stories are told in such an eloquent way.
May God be with Mr. Franklin’s family, friends, and band members. May they keep playing and open our hearts.
This is a very touching and real account of life – period. The good with the bad, loss being coped with in a positive and mature manner. The next time I go to New Orleans, I will be looking to hear To Be Continued – it is good to see progressive, inspired Black men in the news.
Excellent work by Ms. Barrington and team!! Keep producing good stories and not just news.
Great video, truly inspirational!
What a moving story and so glad you all had the opportunity to have such an experience. Kudos to Taylar and the rest of the team! Great Job.
This is and AMAZING Pictorial Documentary, You did an excellent job.
I was just in New Orleans in Feb. and I am certain that I shimmied and swayed to the sounds of ‘To Be Continued’ among other bands…. Saying that they are talented is an understatement.. It saddens me to know that they’ve lost a member of their ensemble… I will say this, Brandon may not be playing on BOURBON & CANAL, where I encountered ‘To Be Continued’ but playing sweet sounds within the gates of Heaven is probably alright with him….. Ms. Barrington and team depicted the true soul and passion of what these men are, who they are, and what they love…..
A true testament to the power of journalism. Brings forth a wide array of emotion that inspire and embrace all whom view it.
superb work Ms. Barrington. I look forward to all of your future works.
Wow that was really something how a band can come together to unify a sound so enriching where New Orleans is famous for what it is. Shout out to a queen within a queen Taylar Barrington. Great job sweetheart and keep it up because as rattlers we keep striking, striking, and striking.
Deputy, you did well… Loving the way you developed the story. Awesome!
Awesome work, Taylar! I can’t wait to hear all about your experience when you get back in town.
GREAT mesage Taylar! Keep up the good work!
Taylar this piece of work is nothing short of excellent. So descriptive that I couldn’t help but to visualize. Great job, and see ya when U get back!
Taylar,
We’re so proud of you. What a wonderful story and video. Keep writing and shooting!
This video and article is AMAZING Taylar! A job well done!
This was a wonderful piece. The photographs and audio clips painted a vivid picture and complemented the story very well. I must give kudos to those who worked on putting it together.
Way to go Taylar… I live the song at the beginning (I’ll Fly Away!!)