BMX
BMX flatland and jazz music collide to create art
See what happened when Flatland BMX came together with the traditional second line jazz brass band parades of New Orleans.
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The sport of flatland BMX is pretty much an art and jazz music is definitely an art – both have infinite possibilities, in terms of how far you can creatively develop each.
1 min
Terry Adams and the BMX Flatland Second Line
An international BMX crew consisting of Terry Adams, Matthais Dandois, Yohei ‘Uchi’ Uchino, Benjamin Hudson, and Viki Gomez bring flare, fashion and funk in a 2nd Line on wheels.
Bringing Flatland BMX together with the traditional second line jazz brass band parades of New Orleans for a riding project was so wild and unique. When you look at flatland, it’s really more than a sport – it’s an art form that's infinite. And the same goes for jazz music. Put those two things together and it has the combination to be very powerful and authentic.
Matthias Dandois grooves to the beat
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Yohei Uchino shows off his talents
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I think the biggest athletic challenge was the fact that many of the streets were a little bit bumpy, so it wasn't an ideal surface for a flatland rider. But for us, it was more about getting out there and bringing the riding and music together in spots that might not have seen before – like in the second line of a jazz band's parade.
Viki Gomez ups the rhythm
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Leading the march
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For the riders, it was all about finding that rhythm – the right vibe – with everyone. Finding the beat of music and what tricks we’d use with the music was the challenge because most flatland BMX athletes are used to riding to different styles of music. It was interesting to see what tricks were used, how we found the beat and how we were able to make it all work.
The Second Line crew
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What I was most excited about? Simply getting out there and doing my thing, and watching what the other riders would do in that situation. Just feeling the vibe from the band – the loud noise, alone – and grabbing the energy from them and seeing where it took us.
It was great to host the other riders at home in New Orleans and join the band just a few days before the 2017 Voodoo Jam event – check out the photo highlights below:
The view from th DJ booth
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The soundtrack to Voodoo Jam
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Terry Adams
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Master of ceremonies - Scott O'Brien
© Fat Tony/Red Bull
Info: A second line is a long standing tradition in New Orleans. Proceeding the main section of a parade, or the ‘first line,’ the second line brings flare, fashion and funk. Moving in a style of traditional dance, participants walk and sometimes twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air, is called 'second lining'. It has been called "the quintessential New Orleans art form”.
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