Watch Gerald dance on top of a dumpster at the Jazz Funeral for Kerwin James in the Treme Neighborhood, Oct. 6 2007.

Gerald Platenburg works as an executive chef at a luxury hotel in the French Quarter, and is also heavily involved with the Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs of New Orleans.  In addition to being a member of the Nine Times Club, based in the city’s Ninth Ward, Gerald is a contributing author of Coming Out the Door for the Ninth Ward, a book that documents life in the former Desire Housing Project.

Gerald is also a member of the Social Aid & Pleasure Club Task Force, which represents several area clubs and works with the city to ensure fair parade fees.  The Task Force became active after Hurricane Katrina, when parade fees climbed in response to concerns about public safety during second line parades.

Gerald has a reputation as one of the best second line dancers in New Orleans.

Watch Gerald dance along the side of the Prince of Wales second line parade with the Stooges Brass Band in Uptown New Orleans, October 2010.