Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Pass it On: 60th Anniversary Celebration, Quick Center, Fairfield, CT

Throughout the years we visited New Orleans many times, going there for the cuisine, the people, and of course, for the music. Whenever we remember time spent there, jazz is always at the forefront of our memories. Drawn like moths to a flame, the minute we heard jazz being played, we immediately followed the sound whether it was listening to street musicians playing or going to clubs to hear exceptional music by renowned musicians. We had the pleasure of going to hear the Preservation Hall Jazz Band play in New Orleans at their intimate venue on St. Peter Street in 2008 and again in 2011, and both times left us astounded with their legacy of music.

On Friday, November 4, 2022, we had the pleasure of hearing the Preservation Hall Jazz Band once again, this time at a much larger venue at the Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University, for the sold-out show. Founded by the late Allan Jaffe and his wife Sandra, Preservation Hall opened in the French Quarter in 1961 to preserve and continue the tradition of New Orleans Jazz music, and this tour was a celebration of their 60^th anniversary of creating music. Allan’s and Sandra’s son, Ben Jaffe, bass, and tuba player, continues the family legacy of preserving this iconic American jazz form.

The Preservation Hall Jazz touring band consisted of Branden Lewis on trumpet, Clint Maedgen on saxophone, Revon Andrews on slide trombone, Kerry Lewis on bass and tuba, Kyle Roussel on piano, and Glen Andrews on drums. Interesting to note about the band is that Clint has played with the band for 18 years, Branden has played with them for 7 years, and Glen Andrews and Revon Andrews are cousins. Branden explained that this is the first tour that Ben Jaffe was not on since his parents died, and that he was home in New Orleans keeping the venue going.

Preservation Jazz Hall Band
Quick Center for the Arts

If you have ever visited New Orleans, the song, Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans, written by Eddie DeLange and Louis Alter in 1947, will have great meaning. We have not been back to New Orleans for several years so having the opportunity to hear the Preservation Jazz Hall Band perform their unique style of music in Fairfield, Connecticut, was truly special.

The band opened with the rollicking 1918 song, Hindustan, with each of the musicians taking a solo to "cook the gumbo" so well that the audience could almost taste the multi-layered flavors and nuances of New Orleans. Next on the set list was the instrumental march, Gettysburg, followed by the jumping Bourbon Street, which conjured up images of one of the most famous streets in New Orleans.

Throughout their 90-minute performance, the talented Preservation Hall Jazz Band musicians kept the audience engaged with their wide repertoire of music that had toes tapping, fingers snapping, and heads bobbing to the rhythm. If it had been allowed, you can rest assured that the audience would have been on their feet dancing in the "second line" with or without parasols and waving their handkerchiefs.

While the musicians in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band have changed throughout the past 60 years, the constant is great music and great musicians who learned how to play by watching their elders and continuing the tradition of iconic New Orleans Jazz, and for that we are deeply grateful. In keeping with tradition, after receiving a resounding standing ovation, the band returned to the stage to close the performance with the song, When the Saints Go Marching In.

Revon Andrews and Edward F. Nesta

As a lagniappe (a New Orleans term for a little something extra), a reception followed the performance complete with Mardi Gras beads, glasses of Mionetto Prosecco, snacks, and a selection of delectable chocolates from the Quick Center sponsor, Bridgewater Chocolate. Best of all, was the meet and greet with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band musicians making the evening a resounding success, and one that many will remember for a very long time.

Until next time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts!

The Preservation Jazz Hall Band Musicians

For information on the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and touring information, please visit the website: www.preservationhalljazzband.com. For their tour schedule, please visit the website: https://www.preservationhalljazzband.com/tickets

Preservation Hall Jazz Band – social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/preservationhalljazzband
Instagram: www.instagram.com/preshallband @preshallband
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/preshallband @preshallband

Until next time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts!

The Quick Center for the Arts always has something wonderful happening with lectures, art receptions, opera, concerts, dance, plays, and so much more, so be sure to visit their website for upcoming events: https://quickcenter.fairfield.edu

A Sampling of the Exciting 2022 – 2023 Upcoming Performances at the Quick Center

To see their complete 2022-2023 Season Program, please visit: https://quickcenter.fairfield.edu/season-brochure/index.html

Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, Connecticut 06824-5195
United States
Box Office: 203-254-400
Toll-Free: 1-877-ARTS-396
Email: quickboxoffice@fairfield.edu
Website: https://quickcenter.fairfield.edu
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/FairfieldQuick
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/fairfieldquick/

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