Over the past several years, we’ve made several trips to New Orleans. While there, we checked out many bars and restaurants and saw where they make the Mardi Gras floats. On one trip, we even had our own Second Line parade. Despite the many distractions, there’s one place we try to visit every time we’re in town. We head to St. Peter Street to see some classic jazz at Preservation Hall.
Preservation Hall: A Jazz Icon
Preservation Hall has been a cornerstone of New Orleans’ jazz scene for decades, and today, it seems like it’s the same as it’s always been. Of course, some things have changed over the years, like the requirement that all tickets be purchased in advance on the Preservation Hall website. There is no longer a need to wait in line at the door or pay cash.
Additionally, the hall has recently reopened after several months of renovations, which included upgrading the HVAC system and installing a sprinkler system for the first time in 250 years. 😉 Rest assured, the music room will remain unchanged. Learn more about the renovations here.
Visiting Preservation Hall
The description below is from our first visit.
Preservation Hall
726 St. Peters St., New Orleans, LA 70116
504-522-2841
Here’s a description of the venue and why it was formed from Preservation Hall’s website:
New Orleans’ Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America’s truest art forms – Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture.
The Preservation Hall All Stars
The exciting thing about seeing a show at Preservation Hall is that you don’t necessarily know who you will see in the band. You can check out the list of performers on the website, but most days, there will be shows by the “Preservation Hall All Stars”:
Preservation Hall presents intimate, acoustic concerts featuring bands made up from a current collective of 60 masters of traditional New Orleans Jazz. These musicians have learned the traditional style from the greats who played before them, and are now working to pass it on themselves.
Not to fear, the All-Stars include some New Orleans Jazz legends. Standing room admission costs $25, general admission seats are $40, and a front-row seat costs $50. You can check out the calendar and purchase tickets at their website.
Seating at Preservation Hall
I’d been warned about seating at Preservation Hall. There are a series of benches in the front and a standing room at the back. There are also benches against the wall. Even though you buy tickets in advance, there are no seat assignments. So, if you want to be towards the front, you must line up early for your showtime. Remember, the first row costs extra. Since you’re there for the music, there’s no bad seat (or space) in the house, as the hall is the size of a small storefront.
The Experience: Music and Atmosphere
Once the crowd was all in place, the band took the stage. They wasted no time and jumped right into the classic Jambalaya. I have no video or pictures of the band since they have a strict no-camera policy during the show. You should be there to enjoy and experience the music, or as they put it, “We are honored to share this experience with you, and not your screens.” For the most part, the audience followed the instructions since it was too easy to fall into a trance when listening to some of the best jazz music I’ve ever heard.
Song Requests and Fun Extras
During one of our visits, the band had a sign on the back wall with the price for song requests.
- Traditional Request $5.00
- Others $10.00
- Saints $20.00
I’m not sure if this is an everyday thing or if it depends on the band playing that day.
Final Thoughts
The 45-minute set went by in a flash. In such an intimate setting, listening to this music felt like New Orleans reaching out to hug and welcome me to the city. And in case you didn’t know, New Orleans is an excellent hugger.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
3 comments
Thank you for allowing me to reminisce all the wonderful times I went to Preservation Hall when visiting N.O. (my favorite city). Lucky to have gone multiple times for work over the years and have loved it EVERY TIME!! Your piece reminds me how much I miss N’awlins!! Hopefully visit again some day soon.
I think it would be intersting to show how much the price of admission has gone up at Prervation Jazz Hall has gone up over the years.
VERY fortunate to have gone to several big conventions in New Orleans over the years for work. It has been my favorite city since my visit one! Love going to The Hall when there. The atmosphere grabs you and once the band starts playing, you experience N.O. jazz at it’s finest.