"Shake the Devil Off" screening celebrates New Orleans culture

By Lindsay Eanet
March 1, 2008

Before the showing of "Shake the Devil Off" Saturday, the Windsor Cinema audience was treated to a sample of New Orleans culture. Glen Andrews and his traditional second line jazz ensemble, The Lazy Six, performed dynamic renditions of Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World" and "When the Saints Go Marching In."

The film, about the fight to keep the St. Augustine Church in New Orleans's Treme neighborhood open and with its beloved pastor, Jerome LeDoux, showcases the importance of jazz and gospel music to the church and to the culture of the city.

"I got a call one day from a friend from New Orleans who had evacuated," Director Peter Entell says. "She called me and said, 'you have to get down here. I think there's a story here, but you've got to get down here quickly. By Thursday. So I did. I took a chance."

Entell added that while he was lauded for directing the film, he feels the title of "director" is inaccurate to describe his role with the film.

"I didn't direct anything," Entell says. "We simply filmed things as they happened."

The end of the film reveals that the archdiocese gave the church an 18-month deadline to increase membership, revenue and activity within the community or else the church would shut down.

"I went back and showed the film to parishioners just before the 18-months were up," Entell says. "As a result of the film, the archdiocese pushed back the deadline. They no longer have a deadline."

Bandleader and trombonist Glen Andrews, who performs with his band in the film, says the strong community of St. Augustine Parish is an integral part of his music and his identity.

"I live this every day," Andrews says. "I play this music from the heart. I grew up in this neighborhood. The people in this neighborhood are about believing in each other."

Andrews was baptized at St. Augustine Church.

Following the question and answer session, The Lazy Six took the stage again for an enthusiastic encore, with much of the audience staying long after lights up to hear "Shake, Rattle 'N' Roll," "Iko Iko" and other classics. Andrews then led the band out into the theatre lobby and encouraged the audience to follow the band like a traditional second line parade. They finished the set in the lobby to lively applause and a little dancing, and an encore of "Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?".

Entell says he thought the band's performance was an effective way to bring his film to life.

"It's fabulous," Entell says. "I think it was a great idea. Look at the enthusiasm, look at the reactions of the audience. They're bringing alive the issue on screen. Glen is a great ambassador for the city of New Orleans."

The band also played at the March Into March Parade on Friday. Snare drum player Renard Henry says he has enjoyed his time at the festival.

"I love it," Henry says. "We've been enjoying our time. We've really enjoyed ourselves."

Henry added that he hopes people who see "Shake the Devil Off" will act to preserve the rich culture of New Orleans.

"I hope they get the message and help us support our heritage and culture," Henry says. "We're up here supporting the culture [of True/False] and hope they connect with ours."

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"Shake the Devil Off" screening celebrates New Orleans culture

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