Amid the flurry of activity going down in the Big Easy during NBA All-Star weekend, one of the most intriguing shows tool place at New Orleans’ mythical Preservation Hall.
Positioned in the historic French Quarter, the iconic house of jazz has since the early 1960s, showcased local legends like Louis Armstrong, who called it a place “where you’ll find all the greats.” It was also a place where black and white musicians performed together when it was illegal to do so; a place founded on a mission of preserving and perpetuating traditional New Orleans Jazz, held down to this day by its world-renowned in-house band, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
But this Saturday night event was special. Hosted by Angie Martinez, the night featured musical sets from NOLA funk act Bo Dollis Jr and the Wild Magnolias and newcomer rapper Don Flamingo. Still all eyes were on the show’s closer, lyrical demigod and New Orleans native Jay Electronica, who nailed his performance in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd.
Even some big names came to show respect backstage including the Golden State Warriors’ star forward Kevin Durant who brought both his mother, a.k.a. “The Real MVP,” and his father, who proved his true fandom to Electronica by reciting his lyrics back to him. Even JAY Z surprised everyone with a low-key appearance.
After the rousing show, Jay Electronica and company took it to the N’awlins streets and, across from landmark Café Du Monde, granted Angie Martinez a rare interview over beignets.
Photos by: Thaddaeus McAdams Written by: Elliott Wilson
