Review: The Original Pinettes Brass Band bring New Orleans heat to Iowa City

In the world of New Orleans brass bands, legendary names like the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Hot 8 Brass Band, The Soul Rebels, and Rebirth Brass Band have long set the standard, but none stand out quite like The Original Pinettes Brass Band. Billed as the “only all female brass band in the universe,” The Original Pinettes bring a sound and energy all their own. Trumpet player and vocalist Jazz Henry puts it plainly: “We have a flavor they can’t bring, we’re gonna do what only we can do.”

On Friday night, the Pinettes did exactly that. Taking the stage at the Iowa Arts Festival, they delivered a blistering performance infused with the spirit and swagger of New Orleans. Rather than sticking to second-line staples like “Casanova,” “Mardi Gras” and “Do Whatcha Wanna,” the band performed a dynamic set that included originals, NOLA hip-hop bangers and fresh takes on music by iconic female artists.

They transitioned effortlessly from their original “Ain’t No City” into Juvenile’s “Back That Thang Up,” then fired up the crowd with a bold, syncopated rendition of Katy Perry’s “Roar.” The voice of Annie Lennox echoed through the night as the band led a singalong to the Eurythmics hit “Sweet Dreams.” They honored the soulful stylings of Anita Baker and Erykah Badu with “Caught Up in the Rapture” and excerpts from “Back in the Day (Puff).” They even paid tribute to Amy Winehouse with a high-energy version of “Valerie.” Festival-goers also enjoyed crowd favorites like “Get A Life” and the band’s newest single “Intoxicated,” set to be released on June 14.

The Original Pinettes turned Clinton Street into a full-fledged dance party that rivaled the Second Line Sunday parades on New Orleans’ Claiborne Avenue. From the moment Mayor Bruce Teague introduced them as “a unique experience for Iowa City,” the energy never let up. Over the course of their two-hour set, their infectious sound pulled festivalgoers from every corner of the Ped Mall to the Iowa Healthcare Main Stage. The standing area in front of the stage became a sea of movement, with dancers responding to every beat.

The groove was anchored by a powerhouse rhythm section: Justina Sylvester on bass drum, Christie Jourdan on snare and Demaries “Dee” Holmes locking it down on sousaphone. The front line dazzled with harmonies, tritones and commanding solos. Veronique Dorsey, Careese Williams and Jazz Henry held the trumpet section, Dionne Harrison manned the trombone and Natasha Harris delivered on tenor sax. Every member of the front line also contributed vocals — offering everything from melodic singing to voracious rapping to spirited call-and-response that kept the audience locked in and shouting back.

But it wasn’t just the music that made the night memorable, it was the message. The Pinettes delivered more than sound; they brought soul and purpose. Near the end of the show, musical director Natasha Harris moved some audience members to tears as she stepped forward to offer words of encouragement.

“Never let anyone tell you who you are or who you aren’t,” she said. Harris urged the crowd to give the world their absolute best — and then she and her bandmates demonstrated exactly what that sounds like.

They gave us their best. And because of that, The Original Pinettes Brass Band left behind more than a show — they left a mark. Their performance will be remembered as one of the defining moments of this year’s Iowa Arts Festival, and a lasting chapter in Iowa City’s live music story.