NEW Orleans music does not get much more authentic than the wonderful Hot 8 Brass Band, who bring their roof-raising show to Clitheroe on Tuesday.

Hot 8 produce their musical passion and noise through a boisterous bevy of trombones, saxophones, trumpets and drums.

Throw in a jumble of jazz and soul and blend it with a street-wise, hip-hop attitude and Hot 8 provide as much razor-sharp social commentary as New York rap legends Public Enemy.

The band’s first ever UK dates proved a sensation, as did their single, What’s My Name? (Rock with The Hot 8), a madcap cover of the Snoop Dogg track.

But behind the uplifting party sounds are raw and painful memories, with three of the original Hot 8 ensemble having been gunned down on the streets of New Orleans.

“The spirit of lost friends drives the band and the music — it pulses through us all,” said leader Bennie Pete.

“Many of us began playing together at school. They were beautiful people and we miss them terribly. At every gig we talk about them before we go on stage and draw strength from what they did in their lives.

“The music we play is for them. I know they would want us to carry on with what we are doing.”

When former Hot 8 drummer Dinerral Shavers was shot driving through the city with his family, the band played at his funeral.

And in a further cruel twist of fate, Terrell Batiste lost both legs in a car accident. Although now wheelchair-bound, the trumpeter continues to tour with Hot 8.

“We are a happy, crazy sound on stage, but our songs explore the gritty highs and lows of our lives in America.

“Many of the tracks were composed by deceased members; others were written with them in mind.

“It is life in the raw and we’ve had to deal with it.”

In response to so much tragedy, says Bennie, Hot 8 recommitted their cause to bringing people together through their music to celebrate, to heal and to learn. And having survived one of the worst natural disasters in American history — Hurricane Katrina — Hot 8 have thrown themselves into the subsequent relief projects to aid their community’s redevelopment.

Their foot-stomping cover of The Specials’ hit Ghost Town was recorded as a reminder of the aftermath of Katrina.

“It was heartbreaking to see what happened to New Orleans, but while everything looks cool and beautiful again for the tourists, a lot of poor people are still dealing with many difficult issues and they need help.

“Our focus is about keeping the problems of the city in the public eye, that’s really important for Hot 8.

Bennie Pete added: “We love coming to England. It was incredible to play Glastonbury Festival a few years ago, a real blast, and I love the brass band culture of Lancashire. We’ve had to deal with a lot, but Hot 8 music is feel good music and I hope music with a message about life.”

  • Hot 8 Brass Band, Grand Theatre, Clitheroe, Tuesday, March 5. Details from 01200 421599.