All I can say is... WOWWWW!! IFYKYK. Went here last month for a friend's birthday trip, and was told by a friend that used to live in NOLA, that this was a must-see. So glad we had an opportunity to reserve tickets (highly recommend you do) for this intimate musical experience. It highlights the incredible talent, creativity, passion and FUN these artists have for jazz and their instruments. Feeding off each other's energy and really had you moving in your seat. Front seats are WORTH the money!! Each artist got to highlight a song of their choosing and each one ATE! They left no crumbs. I must have been a smiling fool in the 2nd row seats, but music, personally, is the best way to get through me. Years in music myself, I understand the dedication and commitment it takes. You FEEL that here when they are on stage performing. Jazz and its spontaneity and history is the cornerstone to Preservation Hall. I LOVE that there is no recording/picture taking allowed (unless the artists strictly tell you otherwise). It helps keep their art intact but helps immerse yourselves with them into their craft. Living in the moment. The last song they kindly let us record/take pictures and I will treasure them until I can come back. Side note: that trumpeter (I believe his name was Will?) has a VOICE as smooth as velvet and I was mesmerized. Video shows a brief moment of the night. read more

Preservation Hall - Stage setup - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

History. You have to come here. Surprise guests all of the time. The music is just raw, performed by stellar and professional musicians. No fancy lights, smoke, huge speakers. Think- jazz in your living room and about 80-100 of your friends. Bring cash to tip the band. I wish I would've known to do that. Merch for purchase, including CDs and Vinyl. No videos or photos during the show. The time goes by so much quicker than you imagine. Def leaves you wanting to come back... read more

Preservation Hall - Stage - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Cannot miss this iconic stop on a visit to NOLA If you want to hear intimate jazz music this is a really cool venue to visit They have nightly shows where you have to buy tickets ahead of time When I visited it was super hot and they offered hand held fans but I've heard AC has been added No recording is allowed , very cool to hear acoustic performances read more

Preservation Hall - Stage setup - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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So glad we reserved tickets for this small intimate yet historical jazz venue. We heard the preservation jazz band who were phenomenal. It's about 45 min of incredibly talented musicians that keep you talking and swinging in your seats the entire time. Definitely worth the $40 to get reserved seats ( though it's just a bench) it's such a classic New Orleans venue with the music you hope you will hear when you visit We get there about 30 min before show on a weekday and there was already a line. Can't bring drinks in but they have a bar. Left w a Grammy nominated album and a cool tshirt read more

Touching your soul with a smile. Preservation hall, jazz master the Greg Stafford band, connected with me in a way that moved me, stirred my soul, felt the history of jazz in New Orleans, and appreciated the artists. Greg Stafford connected to Dixieland Jazz and the audience. Having a sing-along led by Greg and his clarinet player brought the house down. "You are my sunshine" made me think about our Saints in our family that are gone. Greg ended the set with. Participation, sing, along number, " I'll be glad when you're dead you rascal you!".... The music the words were absolutely enjoyable. If you haven't been to preservation hall , get a ticket and go you will not be disappointed. The music connect us with the spirit of New Orleans. Bravo!!! read more

Preservation Hall - Greg Stafford band leader at preservation Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Preservation Hall, New Orleans: Great intimate live jazz music venue with lots of history. Highly recommend for an authentic, unforgettable music experience. read more

A visit here will make your trip to New Orleans complete. The music and the musicians themselves are extraordinary. We bought our tickets online weeks in advance. Seating is limited so they will turn people away. read more

I wish I could tell you about the music at Preservation Hall... but honestly, this is what I'll remember instead. Trying to buy a t-shirt. We went on a weeknight and enjoyed the show, but the line after was too long to grab merch. No problem, I figured I'd just swing back another day since we were staying nearby. That turned into a three-attempt ordeal. Attempt #1: Arrived during the unknown sales hours (11am-2pm). Closed for a private event. Attempt #2: Stopped by before a show. Doors open, shirts clearly visible inside. Asked security if I could buy one, flat "no," with zero explanation of sales hours. Completely unhelpful. Attempt #3: Came back again. Doors open during a show. Asked another guard if I could quickly buy a shirt, again denied. This time I'm told sales hours are 11-2. I check my watch... it's 2:15pm. It's sad because once again I could see the shirts. So after three attempts, I couldn't give them money for a simple jazz souvenir for a person who loves the jazz. For a place that represents New Orleans jazz culture, the experience felt unnecessarily rigid and unfriendly, more like dealing with a prison visitation schedule than a music venue. Decent music, perhaps. But the customer experience? That's what stuck with me, and not in a good way. read more

Preservation Hall - Sums it up - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Tourist trap. We waited in line because of the venue's historic significance, and to be fair, the ambience does live up to that reputation. The space itself is atmospheric and charming. Unfortunately, the music was a major letdown. It felt flat and uninspired, especially given the expectations set by the venue's legacy. On top of that, there's a strict no photo or video policy during the performance, which honestly comes across less like preserving the experience and more like an attempt to hide how underwhelming the music is. Adding to the disappointment, the experience is overpriced for what you get. If you're curious for historical reasons, you might stop by once. But if you're coming primarily for great live music or value, this may not be worth it. read more

Preservation Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Preservation Hall is a must when visiting New Orleans. I highly recommend purchasing tickets (on their website) well in advance since they consistently sell out. I wasn't sure what to expect, it exceeded my expectations! The music was phenomenal, the band is fun and engaging and the ambiance was uniquely New Orleans. The space is small. They have bench seating and standing. You wait in line outside and they come and check you in about 30 min prior to show time. Once you're inside, someone will walk you to your seat, if you purchased seats. The show is only 45 min so if your only option is standing, I feel it'll still be worth the experience. read more

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What is there to say? If you love Jazz, this is place is a must visit. They book great acts in an intimate venue. We have been there a couple of times and both shows were outstanding. There are many options to watch jazz in New Orleans, but this is a special setting. It is very sparce and kind of crowded, but it really focuses your attention on the music. It can get a little hot and some people need to stand, but the shows are not that long. It is definitely worth a visit. read more

Preservation Hall - Preservation Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

So glad we finally got tickets to see the show. They are phenomenal and I'm glad they have a no phones policy. It's so immersive and the musicians are top notch. Must do experience. It's also a short show so it's low commitment. read more

Preservation Hall is a Nice idea but... 1) it's really not that historic (opened in early 1960's) 2) it's a small, crowded space with limited air flow... has AC but really tough on hot day 3) standing room space is cramped 4) seats are unassigned and on backless benches that are cramped 5) show is very short (45 minutes) If you do go... show up early to enter so you get good seat. Kinda Worth going once but much better value to go to good jazz club on Frenchmen Street. read more

Preservation Hall - Stage - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Had so much fun here! Stopped by to hear the Preservation Allstars ft Mark Braud and had a 10/10 experience! They were so good and I loved how they had a no cell phone policy, it really made everyone enjoy the present moment. Also got some cool merch to take home! Must visit if you are visiting NOLA! read more

Preservation Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I wish I could give this place ten stars. We had a wonderful time. The hall has been maintained so well to where it feels like you've gone back in time. They had a cocktail bar and the room itself was somewhat small but it made the experience that much more intimate. The band was phenomenal. I'd love to go back. Highly recommend getting a seated ticket but you'll have a great time no matter what. read more

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We went to a show at Preservation Hall for an experience with traditional jazz in New Orleans. The space itself is quite small and intimate, with a couple rows of seated benches and some standing area in the back, and they had enough people in there even early on a rainy Friday. We were glad we had bought our tickets online in advance to skip the line. The performers were very talented and all with great experience in their specific area, with several having performed with household names. The show was a little shorter than we expected, around 45 minutes, but it was enjoyable the whole time! The performers take turns singing or starring in the songs and there is a fun banter throughout the performance. Since we went in December, they also did a Christmas song sing along, which was quite fun! read more

Preservation Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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If you are ever in the French Quarter and like live traditional Jazz music, a stop at Preservation Hall is a must. This venue takes you back to the old traditional music halls of the past. No air conditioning, no fancy venue, small bench seats, or if you can't snag one of those , you stand! The show lasts about 50 min with no intermission. Truly world class musicians right up close and in your face. Pro tip, pay the extra for first row seats and you don't have to worry about the cue which lines up an hour before the performance. You still have to wait in the same line, but your seat is reserved so you can show up later. read more

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Amazing jazz music in a fun, intimate, and surprisingly comfortable venue. One of the coolest experiences with live music I've ever had. I highly recommend visiting if you are in town. Book ahead I think it's pretty popular. Great air conditioning too. read more

This is the hot spot for tradtitional jazz. It's a tiny, dilapidated hall on St Peter St. where famous musicians perform. Opened in the 1950's when jazz was second to rock n roll. Larry Borenstein began inviting musicians to perform "rehearsal sessions" in the gallery itself. These sessions featured living legends of New Orleans Jazz - George Lewis, Punch Miller, Sweet Emma Barrett, Billie and De De Pierce, The Humphrey Brothers ... read more

Preservation Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Touch history experience art in real life and meet new friends. Preservation Hall is a must Do. It is such a short show you can squeeze it in! Do not pass this up- These skilled, talented, passionate musicians and artists. Entertainers. Poets. It is inexpensive, safe, and you don't have to be 21 to get in! PS- there is a bar though! And just walk in history. Please do this. read more

Preservation Hall - Humble exterior - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Things to know before you go: 1. Tickets should be purchased online in advance. If you don't want to stand for an hour, be sure to purchase "seated" tickets. 2. They have live music shows every day and several different show times to choose from. 3. They do have air conditioning now! Apparently they recently installed it and you will be glad they did. 4. No phone use or recording during the show. 5. There is no alcohol served. They occasionally host "pop up" bars, but did not have one on the night we attended. 6. It is a very small space and you will be sitting up close to the performers. 7. The show is short - lasted about 50 minutes. We saw Mark Braud and the All Star band and had the best time. The level of musical talent was incredible. read more

Preservation Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Preservation Hall is a special experience! I have been before. This time I bought front row tix for $50. Well worth it! The venue is not large, with a mix of standing room and seats. The music is always phenomenal. It's a blast and a great way to end a night out. I think the venue is ADA accessible if needed. They sell some merch as well. All staff are friendly, and the musicians are awesome. Make sure to tip! read more

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The talent, culture and history that radiates out of Preservation Hall is true magic. I felt transported into another time and the music- the energy was incredible from the Preservation Brass Band. 8 members filled the historical space with that feel good jazz music, just food for soul. 100% recommend this experience however you can get it but the VIP seats made all the difference. Feeling a part of the band was a real treat. read more

Our last evening on our recent trip to New Orleans found us attending a jazz show at Preservation Hall. Something I hadn't done since I started visiting New Orleans at the age of 11, believe it or not. The performance was outstanding, and I enjoyed watching the players perform their individual pieces. Do note, whether you're standing in the back or have actual seats on one of the benches that you purchased, you will be instructed not to video or photograph the actual show. However, the experience was cool. The cavern-like hallway that leads to the small, little room with wooden benches and the instruments at the stage area is very cool. You see the iconic drum kit, you see the standing bass, the piano, and the other horns and instruments used by the players. It leads to a mystical 40 to 50 minutes or so of the band coming in from another door to play a few jazz standard numbers. read more

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We didn't have tickets in advance, but got in nonetheless. The view is small with every spot having a good view. The house band is solid and sports great New Orleans sound las well as some background info and stories. This place is an institution and worth the visit. read more

Mixed experience. The instrumental portion was great ... the vocals, not so much. Truthfully, there was so much talking between songs ... it's already a short performance ... I would go up a star if there was less chit-chat. This is the awkward part: Bench seating - and we had two women in our row over 300 lbs.; one was close to 400 lbs, if not more. What made it awkward was that the usher said repeatedly, "you need to sit closer ... there will be 8 people in this row." She was absolutely CLUELESS. In the row in front of us they had 7 people who were on the smaller side, they had adequate room. read more

Go! Go to the show here! PH is an absolute joy. My cheeks ached from smiling. Be prepared - the venue is tiny and it's bench seating for the most part. The show is pretty short but jam packed with good times. It was definitely a favorite and I would go back in a heartbeat. read more

Preservation Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

It's not what I expected. It was located in Preservation hall, they must have finished the renovations. When you arrive you go to Preservation hall and get in line. We were around 10th in line. We arrived at 3pm The place is set up to be old looking. Seating is on benches with no backs. We reserved front row seats. We were on the front row stage left. You can take pictures before the show starts. No photos or videos during the show. The show was phenomenal. Classic Jazz at its finest. The show lasts an hour. Don't forget to tip the band. After the show you can buy souvenirs in the lobby. They sell Christmas ornaments, records, T-shirts, pads of paper, ect. read more

Preservation Hall - It looks like preservation hall has finished the renovation and it's open. - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

What a surreal experience joining a group of people here on the first night after the remodel. I have probably passed by this place a few times while walking around the quarter but didn't find it until the day of. It has such a humble entrance, just a small plaque with the name on it. I actually bought the wrong date, but the ticket office exchanged it for me with no question after I emailed them over the weekend. After chatting with a group of older folks while waiting at the door and sharing some beers, I was told it was the first night they re-open after the long period of remodeling. The air was electrified even while waiting outside. Inside the hall it's a small room that could only fit 50 people or so? It was just rows of benches. Perhaps this is how people appreciated jazz back in the days. Time flew by and after many songs and audiences cheers, I thought it was too short. This place is a must visit. read more

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I am a professional musician and this place is the real deal. Not only are they legendary, but the quality of music is still at the top of what they do. It is a very small venue, definitely reserve seats in advance. There are just a few wooden benches to sit on, no backs on chairs. But, this is the kind of experience you travel the world to see. Totally pure and authentic soul. You will not regret it! read more

Preservation Hall - Entrance - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Amazing place and customer service. The people are so friendly and the music is amazing. It' takes you back in time. read more

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The show was excellent, but too short at under an hour. I think they would do better to have two 80-90 minute shows per night. read more

Preservation Hall - Preservation Hall stage - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Cozy music venue. The BEST jazz artists!! Great service and a not to be missed experience! read more

Preservation Hall - Stage - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Tight quarters - sitting elbow to elbow on benches (if you choose general admission seating - $40 ea), no padding. After seeing how close front row is to the band, glad we opted for our seats, which ended up being on the 4th row. Small room, decent acoustics. Were able to get a drink before the show started. Enjoyed the history lesson given before each song performed. Lots of solos in each song, which highlight the level of talent brought by each performer. We saw the Preservation Legacy Band ft. Gregg Stafford. Prepare to interact with the performers and sway to the music. read more

We had a great time here. Intimate performance with extremely talented and engaging ensemble. We sat down and it was pretty tight. Glad we didn't do standing though as it was packed. read more

For a guy who fell in love with music in high school jazz band and never outgrew it, Preservation Hall was a religious experience for me. It's small and looks like it could fall apart at any moment, but the history and the energy holds the place up. I know people do a lot of things because they saw them on someone else's travel bucket list, so don't waste the seat if you aren't into this because the place is so small that anyone just taking up space should go back to Bourbon Street for $20 frozen daiquiris. read more

Preservation Hall - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Preservation Hall is a historic venue that offers an intimate setting for great music. You can sit on a bench or stand in the back. We chose to stand which was the right choice because the benches are so close together and don't have much leg room and they cram 20 people on it. It looked crowded and uncomfortable. We were asked to basically push ourselves against the wall because the show was sold out. By the time the show started we were shoulder to shoulder with others who also chose to stand and it was hot and uncomfortable. The music was great, but experience would have been more enjoyable for everyone if they limited the number of tickets sold instead of packing you in like a sardine, but I'm guessing they don't rely on repeat customers so it's not their problem. read more

Went here many years ago and I see I never typed in a review. You can get standing tickets but we paid a premium to sit in the front. Definitely worth it to listen to some great Jazz. As others stated it is very small and they don't serve food or drinks. Definitely worth going to. read more

Yes yes yes!!! We went last night and it was fantastic!!!! Would go again in a second! Intimate and historical. Great take for sure. Well run spot! read more

I was there too long ago to comment, but my memories are still sweet. Ambiance was Bourbon Street; music was all that Dixieland jazz. Al Hirt was a hit in those days. And I fell in love. read more