The Preservation Hall Foundation Legacy Program was established in 2015 to reflect the values and practices from Preservation Hall’s history, ensuring our culture bearers are honored, and that their enduring contributions to New Orleans music, culture and traditions are celebrated and rewarded for generations to come.
As members of the Preservation Hall musical community turn 60, they become eligible to receive a monthly stipend and access to support, resources and benefits, and a health care fund. The PHF Legacy Program also honors musicians for their outstanding contributions to the New Orleans community and jazz heritage with an induction ceremony and recognition at the annual Preservation Hall Foundation Legacy event.
Legacy Emergency Relief Fund
Since the nationwide closures and cancellations brought on by COVID-19, we immediately established the Legacy Emergency Relief Fund to provide financial assistance and support to the 60 members of the Preservation Hall Musical Collective while venues are closed and gigs are suspended.
Thanks to the gracious support of our donors and musical community, we have been able to provide continued financial support as well as hand sanitizer, periodic meals and grocery purchasing for Preservation Hall’s elder musicians, among other services, while we weather this crisis together.
The original Preservation Hall Foundation Emergency Fund was established in 2017 to support musicians in the Preservation Hall Musical Collective in emergency situations, including unexpected medical expenses, bereavement expenses, and the inability to afford basic living expenses. The fund is overseen by the PHF Board of Directors.
Master Practitioner Award
When a musician in our collective reaches the age of 60, they are eligible to be inducted into the Legacy Program as a Master Practitioner. Current Master Practitioners include Charlie Gabriel, Maynard Chatters, Ernie Elly, Daniel Farrow, Benny Jones, Lars Edegran, Orange Kellin, Lester Caliste, Clive Wilson, Lawrence Cotton, Kerry Brown, Wendell Brunious, Steve Pistorius, Richard Moten, Gregg Stafford and Roger Lewis.
Hall Fellows
When a Preservation Hall musician elects to retire from touring, they are eligible to become a Hall Fellow, serving as a steward of Preservation Hall Foundation’s programming for up to 5 years. The program serves as a vital stepping stone for musicians as they transition from the busy lifestyle of touring to serving their own community. Hall Fellows work tirelessly towards addressing the disparities and gaps in New Orleans music education through our educational programs, mentoring many young music educators and students. Hall Fellows receive a monthly stipend for their work in the community. While Hall Fellows are not restricted in age requirements, they are often aged between 50 and 65. Current Hall Fellows include Rickie Monie, Freddie Lonzo and Joe Lastie.
Continuing Education
The Preservation Hall Foundation Legacy Program works towards providing musicians with professional development opportunities and expanding their knowledge on a wide variety of topics, including financial literacy, educational training, marketing, business coaching, and more.
Ways To Help
Meet the Collective on Salon726.com
The musicians of Preservation Hall are full of incredible stories of playing music and carrying the torch of New Orleans traditions all over the world. Read about Mari Watanabe’s early days of being mentored by Danny Barker; Joe Lastie’s memories of jam sessions with Professor Longhair in his grandmother’s living room; Lester Caliste’s first time playing at Preservation Hall with the Olympia Brass Band and much more on Salon726.com.