Some people are intimidated by jazz, thinking that it’s for sophisticated adults and that they need to do their homework before they can really enjoy the music. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans doesn’t care about all that fuss and just wants you to get out of your seat and dance – and you’d have to try really hard not to.

Since first forming in the 60‘s, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been devoting itself to delivering the classic sound of early jazz with members rotating throughout the decades. The band has received the National Medal of Arts, played a sold out show at Carnegie Hall and has performed with dozens of big name artists. The full eight-piece band played at the Orange Court stage on Saturday and they certainly lived up to their history.

The Jazz band’s energy and charisma immediately got the eager crowd on their feet. When the band sang “I’m sick and tired of telling you how to shake that thing”, the crowd responded by spinning their towels in the air and twirling their umbrellas. Girls and boys, babies and grandpas were all jamming to the band’s brass grooves and swinging vocals. Trombone player and singer Freddie Lonzo’s talent especially shined through on their song “St. James Infirmary”, impressing the crowd with his powerful, growly voice.

Through their performance, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band proved how you can still get down to nearly one century old jazz classics. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band was easily a favorite for many, and we can only hope that they become a Fuji Rock classic.