Preservation Hall is an iconic French Quarter jazz music venue that offers a house band, record label, and a foundation dedicated to the preservation of New Orleans musical traditions. For over 70 years, this venue has been the heart and soul of New Orleans Jazz, in a building with hundreds of years of historic importance.
This venue draws lovers of jazz music as well as history buffs who want to see the building. Here, you can witness performances from an ensemble of over 50 local master jazz musicians on more than 350 nights a year. Almost anytime you're here, they're playing.
Preservation Hall - one of the highlights of 10 Best Jazz Clubs in New Orleans (Read all about New Orleans here)
photo by Phil Roeder (CC BY 2.0) modified
The Story of Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall's story begins in the 1950s when Larry Bornstein opened an art gallery on Peter Street. Finding that running the gallery interfered with his ability to see concerts, Bornstein began inviting musicians to play at the gallery. Such notables as Sweet Emma Barrett, Billie and De De Pierce, and the Humphrey Brothers performed here, among many others.
In May 1961, management transferred to Ken Grayson Mills and Barbara Reid, who transformed it into a full-time music venue and renamed it Preservation Hall. In September, Allan and Sandra Jaffee took over, and the hall became what it is today: a concert venue and foundation dedicated to preserving and raising awareness of jazz music.
photo by Infrogmation (CC BY 2.0) modified
Great to Know Regarding Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall is a concert venue and a concert venue only. You won't find food or drinks here, though they do allow BYOB drinks. The venue showcases five different performances per night with rotating lineups of artists.
There is a cover charge, and it's cash only — no plastic here. It's recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid waiting in long lines for a show. No photos or videos are allowed. The venue is family-friendly but there are no bathrooms on site. The bar next door permits people from Preservation Hall to use their bathrooms.
photo by Infrogmation (CC BY 2.0) modified
Preservation Hall
Location: 726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Open: Daily from 11 am to 4 pm (box office)
Phone: +1 504-522-2841
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