Preservation Hall Jazz Band Celebrates Three Stages' One Year Anniversary, 2/3

They are a beloved American institution. Just off their 50th Anniversary, Preservation Hall Jazz Band-whose high-energy shows are dedicated to perpetuating traditional New Orleans jazz-celebrated their fifth decade in Carnegie Hall on January 7, 2012.

On February 3, they come to Three Stages-to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the $50 million facility on the Folsom Lake College campus, which opened in February of 2011.

Executive Director Dave Pier noted that, "It was a who's who at Carnegie Hall last Saturday, helping Preservation Hall Jazz Band celebrate 50 years of Dixieland jazz: the Blind Boys of Alabama, Alan Toussaint, the Del McCoury Band, My Morning Jacket, Steve Earle, Trombone Shorty, Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards, and Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def)-all were on hand to pay their respects. Preservation Hall has earned it, every bit, and we're thrilled to have them at Three Stages for our first anniversary."

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND will perform in Three Stages on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25-$39 with Premium tickets available for $49 and student tickets available for $12 (with ID). Tickets are available online at www.threestages.net or from Three Stages Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. Three Stages is located on the west side of Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom, CA, facing East Bidwell Street.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band derives its name from Preservation Hall, the venerable music venue located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe. The band has traveled worldwide spreading their mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center, for British Royalty or the King of Thailand, this music embodies a joyful, timeless spirit. Under the auspices of current director, Ben Jaffe, the son of founders Allan and Sandra, Preservation Hall continues with a deep reverence and consciousness of its greatest attributes in the modern day as a venue, band, and record label.

The building that houses Preservation Hall has housed many businesses over the years including a tavern during the war of 1812, a photo studio and an art gallery. It was during the years of the art gallery that then owner, Larry Borenstein, began holding informal jam sessions for his close friends. Out of these sessions grew the concept of Preservation Hall. The intimate venue, whose weathered exterior has been untouched over its history, is a living embodiment of its original vision. To this day, Preservation Hall has no drinks, air conditioning, or other typical accoutrements strictly welcoming people of all ages interested in having one of the last pure music experiences left on the earth.

The PHJB began touring in 1963 and for many years there were several bands successfully touring under the name Preservation Hall. Many of the band's charter members performed with the pioneers who invented jazz in the early twentieth century including Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Bunk Johnson. Band leaders over the band's history include the brothers Willie and Percy Humphrey, husband and wife Billie and De De Pierce, famed pianist Sweet Emma Barrett, and in the modern day Wendell and John Brunious. These founding artists and dozens of others passed on the lessons of their music to a younger generation who now follow in their footsteps like the current lineup.

PERFORMING ON FEBRUARY 3:
Ben Jaffe/Creative Director & Tuba: As son of co-founders Allan and Sandra Jaffe, Ben has lived his whole life with the rhythm of the French Quarter pulsing through his veins.
Mark Braud/Trumpet and Vocals: As nephew to two former PHJB leaders, Wendell and John Brunious, Jr., Mark is proud to further his family's musical legacy in the company of so many historic players.
Charlie Gabriel/Clarinet and Vocals: Great-grandson of New Orleans bass player Narcesse Gabriel, grandson of New Orleans cornet player Martin Joseph, and son of New Orleans drummer and clarinetist Martin Manuel Gabriel, Charlie is truly a living legend.
Clint Maedgen/Saxophone and Vocals: After studying with Alvin Batiste at Southern University, Clint has cemented his reputation as an artist, through an ongoing series of eclectic and experimental musical ensembles.
Joe Lastie, Jr./Drums: Joe studied jazz with Willie Metcalf at the Dryades Street YMCA with classmates Wynton and Branford Marsalis. Invited to substitute on drums in 1989, he's been a PHJB regular ever since.
Freddie Lonzo/Trombone and Vocals: Freddie was exposed to the music of the streets at a very young age; he's a true master of every style of New Orleans music, from marching brass to modern jazz.
Rickie Monie/Piano: Born and raised in New Orleans' Ninth Ward to jazz loving church musicians, Rickie got his first call from Preservation Hall in 1982 to substitute for the legendary resident pianist Sweet Emma Barret.

Three Stages: Inspire, Include, Instruct!
Three Stages at Folsom Lake College presents touring artists from around the world; partners with the best regional arts organizations, and supports productions by FLC students and faculty.

Three Stages at Folsom Lake College is a $50 million performing and visual arts center that opened in February 2011. Located on the campus, Three Stages includes three intimate performance venues (850, 200, 100 seats), an art gallery, a recording studio, ample rehearsal and classroom space, a full service ticket office plus all the amenities of a state-of-the-art performance venue. Parking is free on weekends and for those buying tickets in advance.

Event Summary

What:           Preservation Hall Jazz Band
When:           Friday, February 3, 2012 at 7:30 pm.
Links:           http://www.preservationhall.com/band/
                        http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/10/arts/music/preservation-hall-jazz-band-at-carnegie-hall-review.html
Where:           Three Stages at Folsom Lake College
                        10 College Parkway
                        Folsom, CA 95630
Tickets:                $25-$39 with Premium tickets available for $49 and student tickets available for $12 (with ID). Available from  www.threestages.net
                       916-608-6888 (Monday through Saturday, 10 am-6 pm, and two hours before showtime).

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