Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings history, sound of New Orleans music to Kittanning

By Rex Rutkoski, VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH
Preservation Hall is not just a singular entity.
The venue in New Orleans, the record label and the acclaimed international touring band all bearing the name do have a singular mission: showcasing and nurturing one of America's greatest indigenous national, cultural treasures -- New Orleans jazz.

"This music is American music. This is our history, something that all citizens can get behind, something we should all be proud of," says Ben Jaffe, who will lead the beloved, multi-generational group of musicians into Kittanning for a free riverside concert at 8 p.m. Saturday.

It promises to be a highlight of the season of Arts on the Allegheny performances at the Murtha Amphitheater in Riverfront Park, along the Allegheny River, says the organization's Mary Ann Valasek.

"We selected the Preservation Hall Jazz Band because they supported our mission of presenting high-quality, diverse entertainment here, and because they would provide a new experience for much of the audience," she says.

"A couple of our committee members have heard them perform in New Orleans at Preservation Hall, and we agreed that the lively, engaging style would be a real crowd pleaser -- something that just goes well with a summer night," Valasek says.

"Most people who know nothing about us or New Orleans jazz leave totally surprised at what they experience," says Jaffe, tuba and bass player and creative director of the band and venue, as well as son of Preservation Hall co-founders, Allan and Sandra Jaffe.

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