One of the best and cheapest time-machine rides in town, with no-frills decor and genuine old-time jazz nightly.
The place is gracefully worn. An ornate iron gate welcomes you, offering a glimpse of the lush courtyard in back. Inside the gray, bombed-out-looking structure, a couple of paintings provide what passes for atmosphere. Crowd-wise, the clientele is more often foreign than local, with a large portion of the average audience hailing from Europe and South America. No matter their nationality, all patrons stand--there are no seats.
The music here is authentic with a capital "A." The Hall offers down-home, traditional New Orleans jazz every night, performed by a mixture of old and new talent. Six nights a week, respected local musicians such as Gregg Stafford, Wendell Brunious and Leroy Jones take turns hosting the proceedings, fronting the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The band takes a rest on Sundays,
Preservation Hall History:
Preservation Hall is located in the French Quarter, just three blocks from the Mississippi River. The Hall has served many functions over the years. Originally built as a private residence in 1750, the hall has evolved into a tavern, inn, photo studio and an art gallery. The inside of the hall contains portraits of the musicians who first filled it with the beautiful sounds of New Orleans Jazz.
Preservation Hall opened its doors in 1961. The hall was created as a sanctuary, to protect and honor New Orleans Jazz which had lost much of its popularity to modern jazz and rock n roll. Allan and Sandra Jaffe, the hall's founders, wanted a place where New Orleans musicians could play New Orleans Jazz, a style, they believed, should not disappear.
Today, over 40 years later, the hall is still going strong. On any given night, the hall is filled to capacity with people eager to hear New Orleans jazz played by veteran musicians in their 70's and 80's and younger musicians learning and embracing music that is both sweet and very beautiful. |
