Pete Seeger on banjo with Ben Jaffe on sousaphone by Shannon Brinkman

Pres Hall Jazz Band’s Signature Sousaphone Stolen; Reward Offered

Tragically, Preservation Hall Jazz Band has suffered a tremendous loss at the hands of a thief. Following the group’s performance at New Orleans Airlift this past Saturday, Ben Jaffe’s signature sousaphone went missing.

Jaffe took to social media earlier today (February 28) to announce the news. “Sadly and unfortunately the signature Preservation Hall sousaphone Tuba went missing from my vehicle parked a block away following our performance Saturday night at @neworleans.airlift I purchased this instrument shortly after Hurricane Katrina to replace the instrument I lost in the storm… We are offering a reward for its return… please call tel:504-418-0367 with any information regarding its whereabouts. NO QUESTIONS ASKED.. I have faith and confidence in the universe the horn will resurface and find its way back home,” he wrote.

OffBeat sends its heartfelt condolences and is deeply saddened by this crime.