Video: In the Sweet Bye and Bye, as arranged by the Brass Messengers, and performed by the Yellow Hat Band (Seattle), in tribute to our friend, Ethan Johnson.

Video by Terry McBelle: The Brass Messengers played as friends and family carried Ethan Johnson’s ashes to the Cedar Cultural Center for a celebration of his life.

The Brass Messengers play one more song before going into the Cedar for a gathering to celebrate Ethan’s live with friendship, stories, food and dance. Video by Terry McBelle.

Video by Terry McBelle: Kevin Kling wrote an inspiring story for Ethan Johnson and read it at his memorial celebration.

This video was made as a tribute to Ethan T. Johnson, trumpet player for the Brass Messengers, who died from injuries in a tragic car accident in the early morning hours of September 21, 2010. Since the HONK! Festival represents part of the community that framed Ethan’s work as a musician, we felt it fitting to offer a tribute to him as part of the opening ceremony of the Fifth HONK! – October 9, 2010 (mislabeled as Oct 8 in closing credit). For the tribute, the Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society Brass Band led a version of “I’ll Fly Away,” joined by all the participants at the Festival. We are profoundly saddened by the loss of one of our own. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ethan’s family, friends, and community.

The video was shot by Cisco Santiago. Kevin Leppmann is the announcer and trombone soloist. Ken Field (on alto) is conducting. Ken and Kevin are joined by Kathleen Attfield on trumpet for the opening chorale. -Reebee Garofalo, for the HONK! Committee