The annual Preservation Hall Foundation benefit concert took place last night at City Winery. This has become a very special night each Fall in New York City for lovers of the historic New Orleans Jazz institution. The Foundation allows them to archive all of the history of the venue. In addition, It allows for rehearsal spaces, and even works to provide assistance to the older retired musicians who have played in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
The show started after remarks from famed New Orleans historian Walter Isaacson. Just as in years past, the first portion of the set was the Preservation Hall Jazz Band alone. Photographer & friend, Danny Clinch, jumped up to play harmonica on "Mardi Gras Mambo."
Steve Earle was the first special guest. His two songs included "This City" which he wrote for the HBO series Treme.
Joan Osborne came out and performed a rousing version of The Band's "Ophelia" with a nod to the fact that the horns for the song were arranged by New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint.
The last section of the set featured The Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas. Drummer Steve Jordan came out to play drums on her classic, "Time Is On My Side."
Gogol Bordello's Eugene Hütz joined the party for "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Photos and report by Marc Millman
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