All That Jazz
A Massive New Concert Hall via NOLA
The French Quarter: jazz mecca.
The Mission: jazz... whatever the opposite of mecca is.
Today, that all changes.
Because today, you say hello to Preservation Hall West at the Chapel, a cathedral-sized concert venue and bar (and first-ever outpost of the N’awlins original), kicking things off Thursday on Valencia Street.
This place was literally a church and mortuary back in the day (the day being 1914). Now, the massive, red-walled oasis will host NOLA’s Preservation Hall Jazz Band on a regular basis—including next weekend, along with various musical talents like Elvis Costello and Buddy Miller.
If you’ve been to the original Preservation Hall, you know it as an intimate sanctuary where you bring your own drinks and sit on benches or the floor. This is not that. It’s bigger (40-foot ceilings, a mezzanine, standing-room only). And it’s boozier (there are two bars inside for ticket holders and a main bar that’s always open to the public).
Mostly, you’re coming here for concerts. Beeline it to the bar-equipped mezzanine for the best views and pre-prepped cocktails, like a potent peach-and-bourbon number.
Or if you’re just in the neighborhood, drop by the main bar for some New Orleans–inspired bar bites and Old Fashioneds.
Sadly, not served in go-cups.
Contributed by UrbanDaddy.com
From SF GATE
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| During Renovations |
An unexpected bonus of this year's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival is the preview of a new Mission District venue that's a partnership between the folks at Slim's and Preservation Hall in New Orleans, one of the country's most revered jazz venues.
Located at 777 Valencia St. (the site of the former New College), Preservation Hall West at the Chapel will offer a full Southern menu with its world-class sounds.
"The room is gorgeous," Hardly Strictly booker Dawn Holliday says of the new music hall, which will probably accommodate 300 people. "It's going to book itself, much like the Fillmore."
There's already a stellar lineup for the opening week, which should suit those who are unwilling to put up with the crowds in the park just fine: Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earle, Allison Moorer, Elvis Costello and others.
Thursday: Preservation Hall Jazz Band plus Robert Earl Keen.
Friday: Preservation Hall Jazz Band plus Steve Earle and Allison Moorer.
Saturday: The annual benefit for the Richard de Lone Special Housing Project with Elvis Costello, Jim Lauderdale, Bill Kirchen and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Next Sunday: Preservation Hall Jazz Band plus Justin Townes Earle and Amanda Shaw.
Tickets are available at www.ticketfly.com .
