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New Orleans Potholes Brass Band

New Orleans, LA

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French Quarter Festival 2024

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Go To New Orleans

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Iko Iko

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Do that 2nd Line

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Bourbon Street Parade

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Rob Espino-Bandleader

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Lucas Espino-Bari Sax/Clarinet

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Will Smith-Trumpet/Vocals

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Tanio Hingle-Bass Drum

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Craig Klein-Trombone/Vocals

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Roger Lewis-Bari Sax

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Shawn King-Snare Drum

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French Quarter Festival 2024

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Overview

The New Orleans Potholes Brass Band established in 1996 is led by Retired US Marine Corps Veteran, Sousaphonist Rob Espino. The group is acoustic and able to play in any setting. From festivals, Weddings, Funerals, Private, Corporate or Religious Events, to the grand ballrooms of the finest hotels, riverboats to the streets of the city. We provide quality New Orleans entertainment for any occasion.

Parade Requests- We handle all parade permits and police escorts for your 2nd line parade for an additional fee. Applications for 2nd line parades and police escort must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the event, but the City of New Orleans recommends filing 90 days in advance.


Reviews

9 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Peter J.

Peter J.

October 13, 2019
Verified review

An amazing second line for our wedding

Potholes were so easy to work with! They took care of everything and led an amazing second line for our wedding through the quarter.

Hired as: Brass Band

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New Orleans Potholes Brass Band

Thank you Peter for selecting us to work with you! The parade was all energy from beginning to end! Best of luck to you and yours!!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Norman H.

Norman H.

September 2, 2019
Verified review

Five stars all the way👍⚜️🍻

On time and very professional! Music was on point and the guest all enjoyed it.will recommend Rob and his band mates to others, thanks again!!

Hired as: Brass Musician


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Craig L.

Craig L.

June 17, 2019
Verified review

Phenomenal Band. Book Them Now!

We went to New Orleans for my brother's bachelor party and the only thing he wanted was a second line parade. I had no idea what I was doing, but came across GigSalad and was able to book a band. Rob from the Potholes reached out and was very communicative and informative about the whole process. He was helpful with getting us booked and setting up the event.

However, we were Blown Away with how Good they were the day of the event. Rob, Jerry and Will made our second line so much fun. They are excellent musicians. Each have their own background and experiences, but Will is a walking Jazz Historian. On top of being great, fun musicians, Rob and Will work with the local community to continue the tradition of Jazz in New Orleans.

You're not just hiring a great band, but you're getting great people. We would definitely hire again.

Hired as: Brass Band, Mardi Gras Entertainment, New Orleans Style Entertainment, Trombone Player, Trumpet Player

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New Orleans Potholes Brass Band

Craig, for Eagles fans, y’all were a lot of fun!! You guys also made it a really fun and successful event! Thank you for the review and for allowing us to make your visit to New Orleans fun!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Phillip M.

Phillip M.

January 18, 2026
Verified review

Great music, very professional.

The band arrived early, played a full hour, were joyful in their performance, and were the highlight of our party. Would not hesitate to rehire them.

Hired as: Brass Band


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Nancy H.

Nancy H.

August 6, 2021
Verified review

The Potholes brought the New Orleans Spirit

I hired the wonderful Potholes Brass Band for a celebration of life event at a New Orleans restaurant. Rob responded immediately to my inquiries and was a pleasure to work with. The band was on time, played the New Orleans favorites and all of our requests. The band led us through a modified second line; they were the perfect band to bring the New Orleans spirit. I highly recommend.

Hired as: Banjo Player, Brass Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment, Trombone Player, Trumpet Player

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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Gig length: 10 - 240 minutes

Insurance: $1,000,000 - General Liability

Unions: AFM

What to expect

The Potholes Brass Band is a band truly energized by a crowd's vigorous activity not to mention the antics of each band member. Our performance brings your event the most memorable experience and we will not disappoint. Professionalism all around in performance and personnel. Very easy to work with bringing a stress free environment throughout the entire time, from planning to performing your event.

About

COMPANY DATA:
• Established: 1996
• SAM UEI: LQW9G3M1CVN5
• CAGE Code: 9U9R7
• DUNS Number: (phone number hidden)64
• LaPAC Vendor Number: (phone number hidden)98

COMPETENCIES:
• Versatile Performances: Adaptable to various event settings, ensuring top-tier entertainment for diverse audiences.
• Expert Musicians: Led by seasoned professionals with extensive experience in New Orleans music.
• Event Customization: Tailored musical services to match the specific needs and themes of any event.
• Comprehensive Event Management: Including parade permit handling and coordination of police escorts.

DIFFERENTIATORS:
• Veteran Leadership: Directed by a Retired US Marine Corps Veteran, ensuring discipline, professionalism, and reliability.
• Acoustic Flexibility: Able to perform in a wide range of venues without the need for extensive sound equipment.
• New Orleans Authenticity: Genuine representation of New Orleans culture and music, bringing an authentic experience to all performances.
• Comprehensive Services: From handling logistics like permits and escorts to delivering unforgettable performances, we offer a full-service experience.

CERTIFICATIONS AND PERTINENT CODES:
• LED Hudson, Veteran and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran- Certificate Number 28104 Issue Date 6/18/2024
• SBA VetCert Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Certification Issue Date 04/29/2024
• NAICS Codes
• 711130 Musical Groups and Artists

PAST PERFORMANCE:
• Festivals: Extensive experience performing at renowned New Orleans festivals and events.
• Weddings and Funerals: Trusted to provide meaningful and memorable music for personal milestones.
• Corporate and Private Events: Delivered exceptional entertainment for numerous corporate functions and private gatherings.
• Religious Ceremonies: Provided musical services for various religious and cultural events, respecting the sanctity and significance of each occasion.
• Educational Music Clinics: Teaching New Orleans Traditional Jazz and Brass Band music through lessons with music organizations around the world. Teaching the history, style, and knowledge to preserve the music and culture of New Orleans.

Upcoming booked events

June 2026

14

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

20

Saturday

Rob Espino

9:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)

21

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

26

Friday

Second Line

6:00pm - 6:30pm

27

Saturday

Rob Espino

9:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)

28

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

July 2026

04

Saturday

Rob Espino

9:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)

05

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

12

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

19

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

26

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

August 2026

02

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

09

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

16

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

23

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

30

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Past booked events

June 2026

07

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

05

Friday

Second Line

6:00pm - 6:30pm

May 2026

31

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

29

Friday

Second Line

6:00pm - 6:30pm

24

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

17

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

10

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

03

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

01

Friday

Second Line

6:00pm - 6:30pm

April 2026

24

Friday

Second Line Performance

6:00pm - 6:30pm

19

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

6:00pm - 8:00pm

12

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

05

Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

2:00pm - 4:00pm

March 2026

27

Friday

Second Line Performance

6:00pm - 6:30pm

13

Friday

Second Line Performance

6:00pm - 6:30pm

06

Friday

Second Line Performance

6:00pm - 6:30pm

February 2026

21

Saturday

Three Maries Omni Royal Orleans 621 St Louis St

9:30pm - 12:00am (Sun)

January 2026

17

Saturday

Cocktail Party

6:30pm - 7:30pm

New Orleans, LA

April 2024

13

Saturday

French Quarter Festival

11:15am - 12:25pm

September 2023

28

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:00am - 10:30am

New Orleans, LA

January 2023

26

Thursday

Jazz Trio Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette 817 Common St.

5:00pm - 6:30pm

19

Thursday

Jazz Trio Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette 817 Common St.

5:00pm - 6:30pm

December 2022

29

Thursday

Jazz Trio Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette 817 Common St.

5:00pm - 6:30pm

22

Thursday

Jazz Trio Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette 817 Common St.

5:00pm - 6:30pm

15

Thursday

Jazz Trio Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette 817 Common St.

5:00pm - 6:30pm

08

Thursday

Jazz Trio Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette 817 Common St.

5:00pm - 6:30pm

01

Thursday

Jazz Trio Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette 817 Common St.

5:00pm - 6:30pm

November 2022

17

Thursday

Jazz Trio

5:00pm - 6:30pm

June 2022

17

Friday

Corporate Event

5:30pm - 6:30pm

New Orleans, LA

August 2021

01

Sunday

Restaurant/Bar Event

6:00pm - 9:00pm

New Orleans, LA

August 2020

15

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:00pm - 1:00pm

New Orleans, LA

November 2019

11

Monday

Corporate Event

8:00pm - 10:00pm

New Orleans, LA

October 2019

12

Saturday

Wedding Reception

12:00pm - 1:00pm

New Orleans, LA

August 2019

31

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:00pm - 2:00pm

New Orleans, LA

June 2019

15

Saturday

Bachelor Party

3:00pm - 4:00pm

New Orleans, LA

March 2019

24

Sunday

Anniversary Party

12:00pm - 2:00pm

New Orleans, LA

Team

Rob Espino Bandleader/Sousaphone
Tanio Hingle Bass Drum
Will Smith Trumpet/Vocals
Kerry "Fat Man" Hunter Snare Drum
Brent Rose Saxophone
Craig Klein Trombone
Roger Lewis Saxophone
Shawn King Snare Drum
Lucas Espino Bari Sax/Clarinet

Set list

Aint Misbehavin
All asked for you
All of me
Apple Tree
Amazing Grace
Avalon
Basin Street
Baby Face
Big Chief
Bill Bailey
Blackbird Special
Blue Monk
Blues for Ben
Bogalusa strut
Bourbon Street Parade
Buckets got a hole in it
Bugle Boy March
Bye and Bye
Bye, Bye, Blackbird
Cada Vez
Caution
Casanova
Darktown Strutters Ball
Didnt he ramble
Doctor Jazz
Do what you wanna
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans
Down by the Riverside
Down in Honky-tonk Town
Eye is on the Sparrow
Feel so good
Feet cant fail me now
Five Foot Two
Food Stamp Blues
Georgia on my mind
Grazin in the grass
Hello Dolly
High Heel Sneakers
Hindustan
Iko, Iko, Iko
Ill fly away
Im walkin
Indiana
It aint my fault
Its all over now
Ive found a new baby
Ja-da
Jambalaya
Jesus on the Mainline
Just a closer walk
Just a little while to stay here
Lady Be Good
Lazy River
Lily of the Valley
Lil Liza Jane
Lord, Lord, Lord
Mack the knife
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mama Inez
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Milenburg Joys
Muskrat Ramble
New Orleans
New Orleans 2nd Line
Over in the Gloryland
Panama Rag
Paul Barbarin Second Line
Quit messin around
Right Foot Forward
Royal Garden Blues
St James Infirmary
St. Louis Blues
Shake it and Break it
Sheik of Arabi
Shine
Sleepy time down South
Someday youll be sorry
South
Streets of the City
Summertime
Sweet Georgia Brown
Thats a Plenty
The Preacher
Tin Roof Blues
Tipi Tipi Tin
Tiger Rag
Tuba Fats
Washington & Lee Swing
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans
Walk through the streets of the City
Watch our for them Potholes
Watermelon man
What a friend we have in Jesus
What a wonderful world
When my dreamboat comes home
When the Saints go marchin in
When youre Smilin
Whoopin Blues
Wish I shimmy Like my sister Kate
Wolverine Blues
Yo no se
You are my Sunshine

Influences and inspiration

New Orleans Music