In the wake of Jazz Fest’s cancellation in October, Preservation Hall and the Preservation Hall Foundation announced they will postpone the 60th Anniversary Celebration Concert at the Orpheum Theater until May 6, 2022, to coincide with Jazz Fest’s jubilant return.
In a press release issued today, organizers announced: “In addition to holding an anniversary event in a way that best protects the health of our musicians and guests, one of the most important things to us in marking this milestone was being able to celebrate it with our nearest and dearest—even when they come from the ‘farthest.’ We eagerly look forward to responsibly gathering and rejoicing in 2022 with the exuberant celebration we envisioned, complete with special guests and a full house.”
Ticket buyers who purchased reserved seats or a VIP package may hold their tickets until May 6 or receive an immediate refund. For a refund, contact [email protected].
Preservation Hall intends to provide a compelling cause to visit New Orleans this October. “We are working with a number of local music venues and New Orleans & Company to showcase the best local music and food through a COVID-responsible series of events that gives music lovers from near and far a reason and opportunity to experience the best of New Orleans culture, responsibly patronize our music clubs and restaurants, support our musicians and fill our hotels.”
Founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, Preservation Hall sought to give a home to traditional New Orleans music at a time when it was surviving primarily on neighborhood streets. Integrated from its very inception during the Jim Crow South, the Hall was always a place for black and white musicians to play together for black and white audiences. It swiftly became a hallowed stage for musical luminaries—from Sweet Emma, Percy and Willie Humphrey, and George Lewis in the 1960s to 60 of the city’s most cherished and noted musicians today.
The Preservation Hall Foundation was launched in 2011 to honor and embody the Hall’s intrinsic ethos and practices. It protects, preserves and perpetuates New Orleans music through engaging and supporting musicians; providing support and services to elder members of its collective; conserving and sharing jazz music archives and spaces; providing educational experiences for students, families and the general public; and grantmaking to recognize merit and/or alleviate need, which is currently focused on serving the 60+ musicians who regularly perform at the Hall and offering free online music education resources, Preservation Hall Lessons, to teachers and students nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preshallfoundation.org.
In the past twenty years, Preservation Hall has hosted an array of musical guests from a variety of genres and nations including: Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, Airto Moreira, Alabama Shakes, Jimmy Buffett, My Morning Jacket, Del McCoury, Tom Waits, Niko Case, Nathaniel Rateliff, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jupiter and Okwess, and Flor de Toloache. The Hall, Band, and Foundation have preserved cherished tunes, traditions and treasures, while continuing to innovate, collaborate and evolve. For more information, visit www.preservationhall.com.
