Pres Hall, Ellis Marsalis, Bonnaroo and The Edge

   
The resurgence of New Orleans' Preservation Hall following Hurricane Katrina is just one of the stories taking place daily in that ravaged but resilient region. But the fate of Preservation Hall is of particular concern to Boston and the Celebrity Series because of the relationships developed over their many years of performing here. We are pleased to say things have been going well at Pres Hall, though there is, of course, so much more to be done in New Orleans...

The folks at Gibson Guitars have provided a kind of a progress report from the opening of Pres Hall back in May. It features photos, video and an article on the event, which included the appearance of U2's The Edge. Take a look at What A Wonderful World.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band has also taken its performing/fundraising operation on the road. This article chronicles their presence at Tennessee's Bonaroo 2006 music festival.

The Celebrity Series 2006-2007 season opens with very special evening at Symphony Hall this coming October 15. Preservation Hall will celebrate its 45th anniversary with a benefit performance by The Preservation Hall Jazz Band with special guest Ellis Marsalis (the wonderful, pianist patriarch of the Marsalis clan). The show is called "The New Orleans Revue" which will feature, in addition to the aforementioned, a bevy of musicians, vocalists, fan dancers, comedians, circus performers and an MC to lead it all. Proceeds from the event will go to the New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund and the Celebrity Series, Arts, Education and Communtiy Program.