Here's how to get get tickets to a classic New Orleans jazz band concert

For Mardi Gras-style, traditional jazz music, look no further than Preservation Hall Jazz Band as they make their way to KiMo Theatre on Friday, Feb. 21.

Hailing from the heart of New Orleans, Preservation Hall Jazz Band is the celebration of all things jazz while honoring the history the music genre comes from and the hall itself, which dates back to the 1960s.

Preservation Hall, which honored all who played jazz music even during times of segregation, cultivated a presence within the jazz community as a place where the peak of jazz is frozen in time, forever encapsulating a genre that shifted the culture of music forever, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band is an ode to the hall itself.

“They’re one of the classic New Orleans institutions, and they have fans all around the world,” said Joel Aalberts, executive director of Lensic 360. “They have a really classic, distinctive New Orleans style of music and have been influential across music for decades and we’re really excited to have them in New Mexico.”

Comprised of seven band members, who each have decades of experience performing jazz music, Preservation Hall Jazz Band has brought the sounds of New Orleans to music enjoyers for over 60 years.

In 2006, the band received the National Medal of Arts for their performances and continuation of the culture of jazz, showing their dedication to and influence on jazz.

Through the band’s newest album “For Fat Man,” released just last month, audience members can expect to hear the classic sounds of booming tubas in the background while trumpets and clarinets bring a zippy sound that makes audience members want to jump out of their seats.

Songs like “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home” bring the casual but deep, conversational style of lyricism jazz fans know and love with strong, brassy bass in the background.

“Everyone loves New Orleans music,” Aalberts said. “It’s very happy music. It’s a great escapist experience, the music is uplifting and people have a great time. You can get up and dance in your seat and we always need experiences like that.”

Aalberts is excited for New Mexicans to have the New Orleans experience right at home and believes the show will give people a chance to connect with jazz on a personal level.

“Part of the reason that I think it’s important to bring programs like this to people is that it is an opportunity to connect with the artist,” he said.

“There’s an energy that’s created in live experiences, something that is bigger that people can remember. That’s why we do live performances, to bring people together and connect them with these experiences and to make the world seem just a little bit smaller.”

Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings New Orleans to KiMo Theatre