Breadness Buzz - Valentines and Drum Lines: It's Celebration Time!

NOTE: If this is your first Breadness Buzz, or you've been part of our tribe but missed earlier posts, visit the Breadness Buzz Archive here and catch up on some Breaducation written especially for you. It's a great way to be part of this journey I started back in 2016. And now for this week's Buzz...

Valentines and Drum Lines:

It's Celebration Time!

Valentine's Day and Mardis Gras are center stage for the next several days. Mardi Gras parades have been parading since the end of January, concluding on Fat Tuesday. And Valentine's Day is being celebrated all week long!

To help you celebrate both, we've got some items sure to add some flavor and spice to the occasion.

As seen above, it starts with our gluten-neutral Artisan Sourdough Bread (Valentine Edition); pair that with a jar of Muffuletta from Lisa in Pasadena, and you're halfway to New Orleans without ever leaving home!

And if you have someone special in mind on which to bestow a memorable gift, look no further than our Extra Virgin Olive Oil + Balsamic Vinegar Gift Crate. Goes great with our sourdough bread.

There's lots of other goodies you can add to your gift box as well; come taste them at Random Acts of Breadness this week/weekend and let us put a Breadness Box together for you that will include a personal message from you!

Drum Lines...

Mardi Gras Drum Lines are a vibrant and essential part of New Orleans' cultural celebrations, deeply rooted in African, European, and Caribbean traditions. These drum lines, often part of Second Line parades, feature improvisational drumming that drives the rhythm of the procession. The snare drummer typically plays syncopated, polyrhythmic figures that inspire dancers and interact with the brass band, while the bass drummer maintains a steady beat, emphasizing the first and third beats of a measure.

The tradition evolved from West African rhythms where music and dance were central to community life. Over time, these rhythms became foundational to New Orleans jazz, jazz funerals, and modern Mardi Gras parades.

Today, drum lines are featured in both local Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs (SAPCs) and performances by high school and HBCU marching bands from across the U.S.

Notable drum sets associated with Mardi Gras include the Rogers Mardi Gras Beavertail drums, Gretsch USA Custom Mardi Gras wraps, and Slingerland Mardi Gras kits—all prized for their rare, festive finishes and historical significance. The Second Line tradition remains a living art form, celebrated year-round with parades most Sundays, especially during the Mardi Gras season.

Here's a YouTube video of one of the top parade bands in "Nawlins."

I played Tenor Drum in the Hamilton High School marching band for one season. I was a walk-on to the band; extracurricular activity for me. I tell you, it was hard work and it was HOT wearing these thick, polyester uniforms and marching/playing on HOT football fields. But I survived and am glad for the experience!

(Sorry... no photos of me in the gear from that time.)

Here's what we have at the bakery for you this week...

(Availability subject to change - visit breadness.com to see what's currently available)

— Organic Artisan Sourdough Country Loaf (fresh or frozen)
(Boule, Batard, XL Batard, XL Challah, Petite, Bread Bowls, Slider Buns/Rolls)

— Organic Artisan Cinnamon Raisin Maple Pecan Sourdough
(Petite, Rolls/Buns)

— Organic Artisan Chocolate Sourdough (Boule, Petite)

— Organic Artisan Sourdough Flatbread Crisps
(Naked, Tuscan Herb, Smoked, Chocolate)

— Organic/non-GMO Blueberry Muffins (Grain-free, Sugar-free)*

— Organic/non-GMO Breadness Brûlée Muffins (Gluten-neutral, Sugar-free)

— Organic/non-GMO Choco Chip Chookies (Grain-free, Sugar-free)

— Organic/non-GMO Sourdough Shortbread (Gluten-neutral, Sugar-free)

— Chocolate Chill (Gluten-free, Sugar-free, Keto, Vegan)

*AVAILABLE FRIDAY AFTERNOON

And our awesome lineup of Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars, along with our Butters, Garlic Bread Spreadness, Cheese, Tapenades, Nut Butter, Fruit Spreads/Jams and Sourdough Pasta and Tomato Products from Italy!

Random Acts of Breadness is located at 2214 West Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, 2-1/2 blocks east of Buena Vista on the south side of the street.

We're open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12 to 6pm, and Sunday 11am to 4pm.

Order at breadness.com/#shop, or via DoorDash. We also ship locally and nationwide.

Happy Valentine's/Mardi Gras Week!

From our hands to yours...

Randall Michael Tobin
Artisan Baker/Chef
Breadness.com

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2214 West Magnolia Blvd.
Unit A
Burbank, CA 91506
USA

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