When holiday season comes around, there’s plenty to celebrate and be excited about. This year, in addition to traditional festivities, the Louisiana Museum Foundation gave Preservation Hall fans even more to celebrate in New Orleans. The foundation’s “Fall Gala” took place on Friday, November 4, and celebrated Preservation Hall’s 50th birthday at the Old U.S. Mint, where guests enjoyed a stunning jazz exhibit. In addition to the golden anniversary festivities, the event also celebrated the grand opening of a new Jazz Venue at the mint, developed with the National Park Service to promote the importance of both the music’s history and its future.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel O. Conwill IV chaired this year’s gala, complete with entertainment by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rebirth Brass Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz All Stars who filled the air with their tunes, reminding guests why jazz is such an integral part of the city’s culture. Guests savored the delicious flavors of various local cuisines, but the real treat this year was the chance for attendees to feast their eyes on the new venue and exhibit before it opened to the public the following day.
Preservation Hall first opened its doors to music lovers in 1961 and was meant to serve as a sanctuary to protect the wonder that is New Orleans jazz when its reputation was threatened by the age of modern jazz and rock ‘n’ roll. Founders Allan and Sandra Jaffe wanted to ensure that New Orleans Jazz would never be forgotten or lost to the past, and this year’s festivities proved that the city’s music lovers will help to carry out their mission through supporting the beloved hall and its sounds for years to come.
Event at a glance
What: The Louisiana Museum Foundation’s “Fall Gala”
When: Friday, November 4
Where: U.S. Mint
