Yes, it's in the Quarter; yes, it's a tourist trap; yes, it's not the cheapest ticket in town. It doesn't matter -- one foot in this storied corridor and you won't be able to wipe the smile from your face.
Obviously, the music is as important as the setting in this case, the authenticity of both will banish the nearby Bourbon Street crapshow from your brain. The floorboards pulse and creak, the walls ooze history, the musicians (top-notch and largely traditional) play their hearts out within sneezing distance (a good thing, trust) -- the place just "feels" different, doubtless because of all that history and all that music.
In a word: magical. If you weren't in love with New Orleans already, this may be the thing to do it.
I would give this a higher rating since band was amazing..the place is all about the music but it was expensive (it's kid friendly so they came along) and they only played for about 30 minutes..give me another 30 and I will give this five stars.....it's still a must see since its the real deal home grown jazz and it don't get any realer
Review Source:Amazing show! Â Very small hall (non air conditioned, dress comfortably!) so you are up close and personal with the musicians. Â No drinks / food / restrooms. Â They have shows at 8:15, 9:15 and 10:15. This is definitely a New Orleans must if you are in town.
We did the VIP option which was $30/ticket and you can just walk to the front of the line at show time and get right in, plus reserved seats. Â Otherwise, you have to line up before the show - depending on where you are in line, there are benches, seats on the floor and standing room in the back. Â I thought the VIP option was worth it depending on your party.
The only thing that made me take away a star is that the musician counted his tips from the previous show while one of his bandmates had a solo, which I thought was tacky.
179/365
You need to come here at least once. Around 8:45pm, we stood in the back of a long line for about 20 min and were able to fit in the standing room behind the rows of seats (yes, if you're short, you'd want to be at least in the front row of those standing). It's nice that people can't drink in here (everyone has had their Pat O'Brien hurricanes while waiting in line). No pictures allowed when performance is going on (but there will always be douchebags who can't even turn off their flash). The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is talented, personable, and humorous. $15/pp (cash only) may sound like a lot, but it was all in the name of supporting good music.
Review Source:This was amazing. Super intimate show with some fabulous jazz musicians, just jamming for you. Light easy-going banter, real passion at what they do. Line up 30mins-1hour before the show if you want a seat. Grab drinks wherever, they don't serve any here. It's in this amazing old building and you can just FEEL the history.
Definitely a must if you're visiting NOLA.
We were late for the 8 PM show so we were in line for the next one at 9 PM. We waited in line for almost an hour but the Pat O'Briens waiters were walking up and down the line to take drink orders. We met some friendly Aussies while in line so between drinks and chat the time just flew by
We ended up standing in the back but we had a clear view of the band since we were right behind the last row of chairs. The band was kicking (and I feel terrible now that I can't remember their name) and the setting just made it that much more fun. This is really a must-do when visiting New Orleans.
Incredible old school jazz, no alcohol, no bathrooms, limited seating, but all worth the wait and inconvenience (not to mention that Pat O'Brien's serves drinks on line which makes everything all right.) Â Really just a great throwback place that is all about the music. Â Would do it over and over again.
Review Source:This place is amazing. We got in on a Sunday evening with no wait, sat by the front row on the cushions and took in the sights and great music. You can tell all the musicians love what they do, and the highlight was the trombone player singing "What a Wonderful World". A tip: go to the bathroom before you come as the whole space is just the hall (no food or drinks either).
Review Source:This is phenomenal jazz club in the French Quarter. Â The music is amazing, the setting is intimate, and by intimate I mean very close quarters. Â You may have to stand or sit on the floor(on cushions) but you will be very close to the band. Â I sat on the floor, on cushions, probably less that five feet away from the band. It was amazing, I could hear the members of the band chat and was just about as close to the music as I could be. Â The quality was very, very high; the band played traditional jazz tunes.
Important to know about Preservation Hall, is that they are all about the music. They don't have restrooms, don't serve any alcohol or food, and you have already read my comments about the physical set up of the venue. But the music is phenomenal and makes sitting on floor, waiting in line, and no water or alcohol worth it. Â
My wife and I got in line about 7:30 on weekday evening in late May and the line was already down the street so plan ahead. Â They have an 8:15, 9:15, and 10:15 most nights of the week. We went to the 8:15 and it was packed, the seats filled up immediately and people stood in the back and sat in the front.
Preservation Hall features amazing traditional jazz, and it should be a part of any visit to the area.
Catching a show at historic Preservation Hall is a singular experience. If you love jazz, it is not to be missed. The quality of the musical performance was really exceptional. The venue is original--no bar, no bathroom, no air conditioning--just music. (Of course you can bring drinks in like just about every other place in New Orleans.) Everyone sits on the floor and several benches, and it's pretty cozy. It makes for a really intimate experience with the audience interacting with the band the whole time. The musicians were having so much fun and the music was incredibly moving. I only wished they would have played for longer, I really loved it.
Review Source:Wonderful concert and an unmissable experience in New Orleans. We opted for the 'Big Shot' VIP pass to guarantee attendance as we were out of town until late that day. However, it actually looked more fun to be in with the main part of the audience so I would choose to do that if I went back. Seating is basic and the concerts are short. But I'd rather quality over quantity and the New Birth Brass Band (who are regulars) really delivered. Please note there is no bar and no toilets in the venue. However, Pat O Briens is right next door, so it's no real inconvenience.
Review Source:I was never big on jazz until my visit to New Orleans. You just can't be in the city and not develop (or further explore) a love of jazz music. And Preservation Hall is THE place to go.
I caught an 8 p.m. show and loved every minute of it. The place was packed, so despite arriving early, my group was forced to stand outside and gaze into the band, who was lively. You can just .. feel the music here, man. The whole crowd is into it and excited to be there - maybe almost as excited as the band.
It's cash only, there are no restrooms available, and Preservation Hall also doesn't serve food or beverages. It's seriously all about the music. There are plenty of places nearby to empty your bladder and grab a snack and some adult beverages, though, and you're allowed to bring them in. Arrive early, patiently wait in line, pay using exact change (protip, they love that), and enjoy yourself.
I was looking for some good jazz music and this place had a lot hits on Yelp. Â There was a line for this place so I suggest getting there a hour early before the showing. Â There are a few bars across the street so get a drink and enjoy the wait. Â
The band that played for the showing was good, but I wish it was a more uptempo beat. Â The music they played was low and slow.
Tickets are 15 dollars at the door.
LOVE this place! Â Was in New Orleans just for the day during Jazz Fest so we were happy they had the Midnight Preserves show. Â Doors opened at 11:30 and the show ended at 2am. Â They had a brief intermission around 1 so a bunch of people left. Â We stayed til the bitter end and the show was AMAZING. Â Just a few rows of benches and old cushions on the floor. Â You'll be close to the band regardless of where you sit/stand. Â $25 for a 2 hour show is a great deal! Â This venue did not disappoint. Â We lined up an hour before doors opened. Â Other people wandered into the line about a half hour before doors. Â We wanted to make sure we had seats since we are shorties. Â Will definitely come back if I'm in town.
Review Source:My friends and I purchased VIP tickets for a performance at 9 pm. Â With these tickets we didn't really have to wait in line as we had reserved seating up front (WAY up front). Â Otherwise, seating is FCFS with pillows and a couple of rows of chairs. Â Everyone else must stand, which isn't bad given that the room is quite small so it's easy to see what's going on.
This is a no frills set up to allow for enjoyment of the music where attention is focused on the musicians and their performances. Â There is no food or drink served and no restrooms. The do have a small gift shop set up to allow purchase of their CD's.
I had seen the Preservation Hall Jazz Band during the SF Jazz festival years ago and was looking forward to taking in a performance here.  Their set that night consisted of some New Orleans favorites and allowed for each musician to showcase his/her talents.  The performance lasted around 45 minutes.  It  was hard to find one person not enjoying themselves!
Well worth the time to stop by and check out the music here. Â Reservations are a must.
While this is a historic place because of the people who have played there, it is a bit of a racket. They have three shows a night (8, 9 and 10pm), 7 nights a week. Fine. They charge $15 cover. Ok. But you have to wait in line for up to an hour to get in. Not so hot. You also aren't told if you show up for the first show, you can stay for the rest of the performances. Kinda sketchy. They also don't have a bathroom. Is that up to code? They don't serve food or drinks. Lame. You can bring in things to drink if you like. All right. They have about 25 chairs for a crowd of up to 150 people. Sucky. Especially if you've waited an hour to get in. They don't have heat in there so when it's cold out, it's freezing inside. Ridiculous.
The only redeeming quality is the music. I would say the musicians were some of the best I've heard. But this is something I would only do once in my life. Maybe I could go back, but not when it's cold at night (it's was so uncomfortable and even though I was "dancing" - there was no room - I couldn't warm up) and only if I made it to the first show and you bet your arse I wouldn't leave. I would stay for all three sets!
So...the music is awesome. There is no doubt. And the room itself is very cool. Problem is, I couldnt see most of the room. I couldnt see the stage. Or the band. All I could see was the heads of everyone standing in front of me. I tried standing on tippy toes, I tried wedging myself up against the back wall. Nothing really helped, so I gave up on the idea of actually seeing the band and just listened.
Great experience, just wish I could of gotten a little more out of it.
I've been to 5-7 shows here and have not been anywhere near disappointed ever.
The first time I went, we bought VIP tickets and sat RIGHT up front, which was slightly overwhelming. Every since, I've either had a seat on the floor or stood in the back, and I prefer that. You do have to wait in line, which is a bummer, but it's right nextdoor to Pat O's so I would recommend just sending someone in for some drinks and hanging out with your friends. The show will definitely be worth the wait.
Cover is usually around $15 and it is always worth it. I really like that this place is ONLY about the music. You don't come here to drink and happen to hear some music. There's also no smoking, which is a nice break from all the other places on the street. Possibly my favorite thing was a promotion they had last summer where locals got in free to the Saturday 10pm show--if you had a local license/Entergy bill the cover was free!! Plus, during the summer the Quarter isn't so clogged with tourists so hanging out down there isn't so unbearable. I hope they repeat that promotion every year!
I have come to think that anybody who can come to a set here and not find themselves swaying to the music must not have a soul.
$15 a person for a 45 minute set which is pretty average
The music is the old school jazz, i think one if the guys sings jn creole language too. Get there at 30 minutes earlier if you want to sit on one of the benches, otherwise there are plenty of rooms for you to stand in the
one thing that bug me a little was the band captain kept on checking the time, he looked at his watch after every song, it made us feel like he was in a rush to go home ( we went to the 9pm set); at one point he said: ok this is the last song and then he checked his watch again and realized he still got plenty of time left)
You should still check out this joint if you have never been, and especially if you want more old school jazz. Cash only, no bathroom, no pictures
Preservation Hall is just one of those places you HAVE to go to in NOLA. You really get a great jazz show here, even if it is brief (you will be glad it isn't too long after you have been sitting on the floor, sitting on a hard wood bench, or standing in the back).
If you don't want to wait in line, drop some extra cash on the "Big Shot" seats you can reserve in advance. I was so glad that I did this - rather than spend an hour or more waiting in line, we strolled up a few minutes before our show time and were ushered to our reserved seats before anyone else even stepped foot inside. Totally worth it.
The performers rotate and they do spend a little too much time on individual performances - I wish they spent a little less time promoting each individual and a little more time on performing together. But overall it is always a great show - not to be missed.
Visting New Orleans? GO TO PRESERVATION HALL!!!!
Aside of being restored to look like it did back in the good old days, the atmosphere an live performances are out of this world. It gets crowded quickly and you may or may not have to wait a good amount of time before getting in, but it's all worth it. No trip to NOLA is complete without a stop here.
Definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We went at a less popular time (9PM on a Tuesday night in January), which meant no waiting in line. We showed up about 30 minutes early and the lady outside said we should come back right before show time.
25 minutes later, there were only two couples ahead of us.
As others have mentioned, the room is small, but there was ample standing room in the back the night we went (~25 ppl in the room altogether). I was surprised at the end of the 45 minute set when the band announced they were taking a quick break and would be back to perform again. We were allowed to sit in for the 10PM set as well! Some people left, others waiting outside came in and the show went on. So it pays to check them out on a slower night!
The music was outstanding, the musicians talented and charming. They take your requests for $5.
Quick Tip: Pop over to Pat O'Brien's beforehand to grab a drink to sip on during the show.
Funky and tiny. Â We opted for the "Big Shot" seats complete with a souvenir Big Shot lanyard and tag. Â Cost for the Big Shot seats: $30 each. Â Allowed us to walk right up without waiting in line.
Was hoping to see some traditional brass. Â Instead, we saw a review of great musicians (thrown together at the last second) and four different lady vocalists.
Tourist trap. But you gotta do it if you've never been.
$15 a person for a 45 minute set, comprising of old school jazz (think 1910s-1930s). Get there 30 minutes early if you want one of the benches, otherwise it's standing room for you.
I understand what Preservation Hall is trying to accomplish, but I just didn't enjoy the overly contrived atmosphere. You gotta do it if you've never been, and especially if you want more old school jazz. Cash only, no bathroom (use the one next door at Pat O'Brien's).
Awesome. Â If you're in New Orleans and like jazz, you must go. Â We went on the Friday after Thanksgiving, got in line at 7 pm for the 8 pm show, and barely made it in. Â I'm guessing during other times (not during holiday/Bayou Classic weekend), it wouldn't have been quite as hard to get in, but I did see a number of people saying in reviews that they lined up 60-90 minutes ahead for shows. Â If you don't make it in, you can always wait for the next show (45 minute shows start at 8, 9, and 10 pm). Â Apparently the 10 pm show is usually the least crowded and easiest to get into. Â They do clear out all people after each show so that the entire hall can be filled with new people from the line. Â Good policy--I hate it when you line up for something but can't get in because people from the previous show refuse to leave.
Admission $15 in cash. Â Small venue is great for seeing the musicians close up, although unfortunately if you're one of the last ones to get in and there's standing room only and you're short like me, you can't see much from the back. Â We found a little space at the side of the door leading to the front, though, so we could see. Â Another nice thing about this place is that it isn't deafening loud. Â Just a handful of musicians playing great music for a bunch of people. Â Some people took their infants and kids in.
CDs and t-shirts for sale. Â CDs are $10 and up. Â T-shirts are $20.
Located on St. Peter between Bourbon and Royal, next door to Pat O'Brien's. Â A bit hard to spot as the signs and front of the place are all a dark color.
Since it's in the French Quarter, you'll have to allow time to hunt for street parking or pay to park in a lot!
Such a cool experience. Â The music was excellent....by far the best music we heard during our trip.
A few tips: We bought our tickets online one day in advance for $30 each, instead of the standard $15, and it was totally worth it to avoid the ridiculous line and get seats right in the front. Â Inside it is a tiny little room and more than half of the people are standing in the back. Â So no matter what you are not far from the band. Â You just won't have much of a view if you aren't one of the first 50 or so people in the door.
I'm glad we were able to experience this piece of jazz history. Â I only wished the show lasted a bit longer....it was only about 40 minutes, but I could have hung out there all night.
Came here for a jam on a Saturday night,
the crowd was a bit stiff, but my party was alright!
The queue starts early, so come get in line,
to hear a super duper set from artists so fine!
We attended the 8pm show, fewer come to the later set.
So if you need to sit, the late one`s your best bet.
After the music, the players hung around for a chat-
they were exceptionally friendly-for jazz masters, I`ll be back!
This venue is intimate* to say the least.
$15 cover will get you up close and personal with some quality jazz. The queue starts forming well before the first set at 8 PM, and the door-girl recommended the 10 PM set because its less crowded.
People were seriously too stiff- my friends and I were the only ones dancing in the back. Here's a bit of interesting trivia: The place has been preserving New Orleans jazz for over 40 years, but the structure dates back to 1750.
*Not recommended for claustrophobics.
Went here last Friday night and had a chance to listen to some Jazz masters. We were fortunate enough to listen to the Leroy Jones band. The whole experience was quite amazing! I haven't been to any other Jazz places in NOLA so can't really compare. IMO, this place is as authentic as it can get.
Note: There are no restrooms here so make sure you go before the show starts.
They start at 9pm and end at 11pm. If you enter at 9, you can stay until 11 or leave after the first set i.e. at 10.
Finding the place: It can be hard to spot, especially when it's dark and the nearby bright neon lights are ON. The sign is really small and easy to miss. It's located on the West side of St. Peter when facing North towards Bourbon St.
My visit to Preservation Hall was one of my favorite things about my vacation! Â We went when the St. Peter Street All Stars were playing. Â
The Hall is very small and there is limited seating, so get there early if you want a seat! The bands that play at the hall rotate nights, but the music is amazing. Â
If you want a unique experience, authentic NOLA jazz, and a good time check this place out.
I will definitely go back when I'm in the French Quarter again.
When in NOLA you've got to make a point of coming. Â This is the heart of jazz origins. Whether or not you're a jazz aficionado, it's a must come.
We arrived at 6:50pm for the first show at 8pm. Â First ones in line! Â Doors didn't open til after 8pm. Â No food or drinks sold. Â There are CDs for sale. Â
The venue is old with low ceiling and a few ceiling fans. Â Four walls with paintings of jazz greats. Â We noticed a poster of Santana's first album cover hanging also.
The stage is very very intimate. Â Seating = Three backless benches and a few chairs alongside the wall and some throw cushions on the floor directly in front of the small staging area. Â The remainder is standing room only. Â 100 people max.
$15 p/p for approx 45 minutes. Â And they will take special requests.
It really felt surreal. Â Was this how it was back in the day?
Preservation Hall is a New Orleans institution that should be visited and appreciated by both locals and tourists. Â An evening of music at this venue will bring a very special genre of music into your life forever - it won't matter if you are 9 years old or 89 years old. Â The music I heard at Preservation Hall, and elsewhere around New Orleans, changed my life. Â I've listened to jazz before but never like this. Â Up close and personal, literally invading your space. Â It doesn't even bother to creep up on you, it slams itself into you, grabs you and forces you to listen until you get the message: Jazz is undeniably great and the people that play it are passionate about their music. Â
The venue is perfect. Â It's a place where jazz was meant to be played. Â It's hot, rough around the edges, rickety, cramped, dingy and beautiful. Â We waited on line for about 45 minutes before entering, paid the $15 bucks ($15 bucks??!?!?!?!) and enjoyed every minute of the 45 minute set. Â Preservation Hall is clearly popular, but for the high price of admission and the short length of the set, It's something I would probably skip next time. Â However, if you are a first time visitor then I'd say that you would be missing out if you decided to skip this. Â Consider it a crash course in New Orleans jazz and culture.
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