PRESERVATION HALL LEGACY AWARDS
We attended the Preservation Hall Second Annual Legacy Awards held at the Ace Hotel in the Central Business District—this was originally scheduled for September 5th and it was postponed to October 17th—perfect timing for our visit. The musicians inducted as Master Practitioners are acknowledged for their immense cultural impact in the jazz community. The program provides a critical lifeline to elder musicians in the New Orleans community with direct financial stipends and ongoing support.
It was an absolute thrill for me to be present as the honorees were Lester Caliste (tb), Lars Edegran (p, gtr, bj, +), and Orange Kellin (cl)—all musicians we know and enjoy.
Mr. Caliste, a New Orleans native, was inspired by the big band sound of the Stan Kenton orchestra and started on the trombone at the age of 11. He was part of both the Harold Dejan and Milton Batiste bands in the ’60s and first performed with Preservation Hall in 1968 with the Olympia Brass Band on Mardi Gras Day. After the performance, Allan Jaffe (Preservation Hall co-founder) led the band through the Quarter, a parade which is vividly and fondly remembered.
After a stint in the Navy, he returned to New Orleans for additional collaborations and recordings. He toured internationally with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band while maintaining a full time position with the Postal Serv
