Preservation Hall Jazz Band, photo by Marc Millman

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band touched down in New York last night for a benefit concert at City Winery. To raise funds for the Preservation Hall Foundation, the vital non-profit organization committed to protecting and perpetuating New Orleans’ musical heritage, an all-star band of Preservation Hall players showcased its singular traditional jazz sound and versatility with some very special guests.

Tuesday night’s collective of Preservation Hall players included creative director Ben Jaffe, Branden Lewis, Clint Maedgen, Jafet Perez, Ronell Johnson, Revon Andrews, Josh Starkman, Nick Salcido, and Kyle Roussel. After a section of stirring performances from the core ensemble, they welcomed support from six-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Yola, who infused the atmosphere with her country-soul sound in her first-ever collaboration with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

After their first crossing with one acclaimed vocalist, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band closed out their performance by welcoming a longtime collaborator: the great Irma Thomas. New Orleans’ soul queen led the band through key selections from her vast catalog, including her breakthrough version of “Time Is on My Side,” before a surprise sit-in from funk and R&B torch-bearer Ivan Neville. With another storied performer in the mix, the show ended as an intergenerational, cross-genre celebration of New Orleans’ musical identity, all channeled into an anthemic treatment of Tina Turner’s “The Best.”

Proceeds from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s benefit show will go toward the Pass It On campaign to renovate the historic structure next to the Hall. The revitalized building will serve as a venue for music education programs and art exhibitions, while employing local musicians through artist-in-residence programs and intergenerational mentorship, ensuring the transmission of the city’s timeless town to promising young talents.

Get an inside look at Tuesday’s show in the gallery below, courtesy of photographer Marc Millman. Learn more about the Preservation Hall Foundation at preshallfoundation.org.