Since 1961, Preservation Hall has been the epicenter of traditional jazz music in New Orleans. In today's episode, we visit with Ben Jaffe, the band leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

After a visit to New Orleans on their honeymoon in 1961, Ben's parents Allan and Sandra Jaffe created Preservation Hall. Along the way, they helped ensure this original American music form would have a place to be celebrated and honored. Ben and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band carry on that tradition, while also helping spread the celebration of jazz music worldwide.

In today's show, we talk about the musicians, the music, the art scene in New Orleans in the early 1960s and more. You'll hear about artists from Buddy Bolden and Sweet Emma to recent collaborations with Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters.

We also talk about the Preservation Hall Foundation, and the work they do to help kids learn about jazz.

All this and more on today's show!

Resources

Preservation Hall |726 St. Peter St - live shows offered nightly, seven days a week. Preservation Hall performances are open to all ages. Tickets can be purchased at the door, though patrons usually start lining up 45 minutes early. To avoid the line, purchase a Big Shot pass on the website.

Follow Preservation Hall on Twitter (@PresHall), Instagram (@PreservationHall), and on Facebook.

Thank You

Thanks to Ben Jaffe for joining me on the podcast and for welcoming me into his parent's home. It was an honor to record this discussion with Ben about the past and future of New Orleans jazz music.

A special thanks to Paul Sanchez for connecting me with Ben. Both are ambassadors for New Orleans and always looking to connect people who share a love of the Crescent City and her music. You can listen to an interview with Paul back in episode #23.

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Thanks for listening!

Mark