Bayou Classic

The day after Thanksgiving, crowds gather at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA,  to witness Grambling State University (GSU) and Southern University’s (SU) bands go head to head at the Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands. 

This is the kick-off of Bayou Classic weekend.

“Tonight’s energy was astounding -- It's the Bayou Classic. People are here from all over the country to witness Southern and Grambling go head to head. They loved it,” said Tre’Von “The Don” Ceasar, Southern University’s drum major, after the performances.

Southern University’s band, better known as the “Human Jukebox” set the tone for the night when they marched out of the tunnel. Their seven minute entrance of graceful movements and low chanting of  “Aye-o” captivated the audience, eyes glued to them. 

Once the Human Jukebox files into their seats, GSU Tiger Marching Band, often referred to as the “World Famed Tiger Marching Band,” makes their entrance preceded by a cameo of their Beyonce Coachella performance.

“Our Battle of the Bands performance went extremely well. The students performed as I have been preaching, motivating and even sometimes fussing. I am proud of them,” said Dr. Nikole Roebuck, Director of Bands for the GSU Marching Band. “They came together and did what they needed to do.” 

Immediately after the GSU band entered, the Jukebox fought back and pierced the air with their brass instruments. SU supporters stood to their feet jumping, pointing and agreeing with the music.

The bands alternated with different cadences and songs from the present and the past. Each time either band started, it was the same reaction -- screaming and pointing.

Being that this is Roebuck’s first year as director of bands for GSU, this was her first Battle of the Bands as director. 

“I felt confident going into my first Battle of the Bands, but there was still some nervousness considering that this was my first one in this position,” she said.

Her nervousness was not obvious as she held her own directing the World Famed band.

Toward the end of the performances SU played the Gospel song, “Let it Rain” by Bishop Paul Morton. Audience members turned on their cellular flashlights and waved them in the air. The band members lowered their instruments for an acapella moment. The arena fills with voices.

The strobe lights were moving instinctively, in every direction.

“This means so much to our culture as African Americans. The  Bayou Classic is one of the most well-known events throughout historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) around the country, ” said Ceasar. 

The Battle of the Bands is just the beginning of the Bayou Classic weekend. Families from all over Louisiana and the country come to experience the after-Thanksgiving tradition.

“The Bayou Classic is a longstanding tradition. I can remember as a little girl coming to the classic. Every Thanksgiving my family would talk about our trip,” said Roebuck. 

Ms. Deborah Livingston Clark, an alumna of  Grambling State University and Southern University, has been attending this weekend since 1967, her freshman year of college.  She demonstrated her support of both HBCUs by wearing one black and gold earring and the other blue and gold. Her whole outfit displayed this pattern.

“I never feel torn between supporting either one of the schools because I love them both very much and support them whole-heartedly,” Clark said. “I never leave the Bayou Classic without my team winning.”

The Classic is not just about the Battle of the Bands and the football game on Saturday. One would say, it is about family and togetherness. 

“The Bayou Classic is an opportunity for Alumni and family to mingle and reunite. It’s an event where we can recall old times that have been shared. It’s good family time,” said Clark.

Although the two bands go head to head, at the end, the commentator made it clear that the battle was all in love.“The Bayou Classic is an opportunity for both of these HBCUs to come  together, celebrate and showcase what it truly means to be an HBCU,” said Roebuck. “It lets everyone know that HBCUs are still alive and well.”