Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sunoco Performance Theater, 7:30pm | XPN Welcomes
Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s (PHJB) name derives from the renowned music venue within New Orleans’ French Quarter. Founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, the group has traveled worldwide, spreading their mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz.
Over the years, the landmark building has been home to a variety of businesses including, a tavern during the war of 1812 and a photo studio. It wasn’t until the building housed an art gallery, where then owner Larry Borenstein, began holding informal jazz sessions for his close friends. It was through these famous sessions, which eventually led to the birth of what Preservation Hall is today.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band began touring in 1963 and for years, several bands successfully toured under the same name. Many of the group’s charter members performed with jazz pioneers from the early twentieth century, including the legendary Louis Armstrong.
In November 2009, PHJB announced the release of a benefit album, in order to showcase one of America’s greatest indigenous national, cultural treasures ─ New Orleans Jazz. With its debut, the band’s latest and critically acclaimed album, Preservation: An Album to Benefit Preservation Hall and The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program (February 2010), quickly reached #1 on Billboard Heatseeker chart.
“Our community is deeply rooted in a tradition of using music to rejoice, heal and overcome adversity,” says Ben Jaffe, PHJB Creative Director and band’s tuba player. “My goal on this project was to create new works steeped in the New Orleans Tradition with artists from diverse musical genres and backgrounds, who all share a mutual admiration and deep appreciation for our cultural heritage.”
Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center, for British Royalty or the King of Thailand, Preservation Hall Jazz Band continues to embody a joyful, timeless spirit. Under the direction of Ben Jaffe, current band members include: Mark Braud, trumpet/vocals; Charlie Gabriel, clarinet/sax/vocals; Clint Maedgen, reeds/vocals; Joe Lastie, Jr., drums; Freddie Lonzo, trombone; and Rickie Monie, piano.
Buy Tickets or call 717-214-ARTS (2787).
Click here for the official web site.
