Preservation Hall Jazz Band

SFJAZZ presents a New Orleans institution and a national treasure, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Founded in 1961 to preserve and promote the traditional jazz of the Crescent City, the band has evolved over the years to incorporate new influences and collaborations, while staying true to its roots. The band’s current lineup features some of the finest musicians in New Orleans, who deliver an energetic and joyful performance that celebrates the legacy and future of jazz. For this exclusive concert, originally filmed on Aug 18, 2023, they return to their West Coast home accompanied by members of Tank and The Bangas. 

ABOUT PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND

“The past and promise of American music” (Rolling Stone), Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a true New Orleans institution that defines the tradition of Crescent City music. The 2018 SFJAZZ Gala honorees return to their West Coast home accompanied by special guest vocalist Tarriona "Tank" Ball and multi-instrumentalist Norman Spence II of the GRAMMY-nominated soul group Tank and The Bangas.

Founded in 1961 by tuba player Allan Jaffe, the PHJB was formed to preserve the city’s priceless musical heritage and give their veteran musicians a place to play, and it instantly attracted players linked to the glory days of the 1920s. Now run by Jaffe’s son, tuba player Ben Jaffe, the group features a wealth of New Orleans talent, including longtime-member and saxophonist Charlie Gabriel (who is celebrating his 91st birthday!), versatile singer and instrumentalist Clint Maedgen, trumpeter Brandon Lewis, pianist Kyle Roussel, drummer Walter Harris, and trombonist Ronell Johnson, who joined the band in 2012.

Hailing from New Orleans, Tarriona "Tank" Ball is the frontwoman of the two-timed GRAMMY-nominated group Tank and The Bangas. The four-piece group has a rare knack for combining various musical styles - fiery soul, deft hip-hop, deep-drove R&B, and subtle jazz - into one dazzling, cohesive whole that evokes the scope of New Orleans music while retaining a distinctive feel all its own. Tank has collaborated with artists like Norah Jones, Lalah Hathaway, Robert Glasper, Moonchild, Brasstracks, and many more.