Lars Edegran, Orange Kellin, and Lester Caliste honored by Preservation Hall

On October 17th Preservation Hall held its second annual Legacy Awards at the Three Keys and Ace Hotel. The Preservation Hall Legacy Program honors veteran musicians who continue to serve as cultural ambassadors for New Orleans. The Program provides a critical lifeline to elder musicians with direct financial stipends and ongoing support. This year's ceremony recognized three local musicians with long relationships to the Hall as Master Practitioners. Lester Caliste grew up in the 7th Ward of New Orleans where he attended St. Augustine high school and played Trombone in both the concert band and their famous marching band. He was a music major at Xavier in the late 60's and developed his style among fellow trombonists James Lewis, Louis Nelson, Big Jim Robinson, and Waldren "Frog" Joseph. He joined Harold Dejan’s Olympia Brass Band in 1966 and played Preservation Hall with them for the first time on Mardi Gras 1968. After service in the Navy, he returned to New Orleans and played with several notable bands. In the 70s he did studio work appearing on hits for Patti Labelle and Glen Campbell. He also had a full career for the Postal Service from 1973-2004. In the 80s he played with the Original Crescent City Jazz Band. He continued to record throughout this time and joined ma