A Good Time at the Preservation Hall (New Orleans), New Orleans, Louisiana

Peanut Butter and Jelly. Yin and Yang. Nuts and Bolts. There are some things in life that just naturally go together. Another is New Orleans and Jazz. Music is everywhere in this city, jazz in particular. It is played on the streets by buskers and musicians are hired to perform at brunches in many restaurants. But I was on the hunt for a real venue, a place where I could if not learn about the tradition at least feel the tradition. I wanted a combination of talent and atmosphere. And I found the perfect place at the Preservation Hall, located in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

It’s actually many things – a venue that promotes jazz music, a non-profit organization, and a touring band. Preservation Hall was established in 1961 and today has become a premiere venue for some pretty fantastic music. The Hall gives three 45-minute sets almost every day of the year, showcasing over a hundred local jazz musicians.

They’re all considered “masters” of traditional jazz. And apparently, many of them are related to the original players – I guess some talents are passed through the blood! And jazz is in their blood. When I was there, the utter love of music seeped from each of the six musicians on the floor. It was beautifully infectious! ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).