The Preservation Hall Jazz Band at The Schermerhorn

When a young tuba player named Allan Jaffe took over booking duties at New Orleans' Preservation Hall in 1963, he decided to name the regular band that appeared there after the famous venue. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band quickly became an international institution, their fame being cemented by an appearance two years later in the film The Cincinnati Kid with Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson (vocalist/pianist Emma Barrett's sparkling singing and playing were prominently featured during a short segment). Today the current edition still tours extensively worldwide, and Jaffe's son Ben (bass/tuba) is part of the ensemble. They'll be appearing in Music City for three concerts at the Schermerhorn Symphony Hall starting Thursday night, where they will be joined by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra with conductor Albert-George Schram.

Thu., Jan. 14, 7 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 15, 8 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 16, 8 p.m., 2010