The ritual death of Atlanta’s most notorious street band is one of the oldest “bits” employed by this boisterous ensemble. While they’ve expired in the middle of hundreds of performances, the band, in reality, seems unkillable. This year the motley ensemble celebrates its 50th anniversary.[...]
Why has this band survived? A constantly refreshed set-list helps, as does a very relaxed membership policy, a 100% volunteer ethos, the pleasure of the music and the entertainment value of bringing a thunderous moment into someone’s conventional day.
“In part it’s about friendship and being creative,” said Slack. “I tell people we’re very serious about being silly. It brings us joy, and it’s what we try to do for our audiences too.”