Here’s a recent post reviewing a recent performance by the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band or PHJB. The reviewer posted this on the PHJB website blog. This band always delivers! So we are really looking forward to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band performance at ECC Arts Center on Sunday, December 13, 2009. The program is called A Creole Christmas and offers the great additional option of a four course gourmet meal offered by our fabulous Culinary Arts program, for only $30, which will fit the Creole theme. Here’s the post about the performance.
Monday, October 5, 2009 | Dane Anderson
“The Preservation Hall Jazz Band was the perfect band to close the Wildflower Center stage at the Austin City Limits Music Festival Sunday. With pure delight emanating from the dancing audience, the eight-piece band brought the full magic and history of New Orleans music to life with energy and passion that underscores music as the universal language that tames even the mud-caked beasts.
Many in the audience were unable to contain themselves in chairs and rushed to the front of the stage to dance and sing along as the first few tunes caught fire. In sweat-soaked grey suits and ties, the band members grinned at the audience and smiled at each other, happy for the chance to share their music with fans who really love the genre.
The band started out hot and ended steaming, with a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “Ol’ Man Mose,” and their own versions of essentials “Tailgate Ramble,” “Shimmy,” “Sugar Blues” and “Mama Don’t Want .” Standouts included Walter Payton singing “Shimmy” with his head thrown back, eyes closed and a grin across his face during pauses. The man and the music conjured up every ghost great of New Orleans past in memory.”
This band doesn’t just play American roots music, they are American roots music.
Steve Duchrow
Director of Performing Arts Elgin Community College Arts Center
