In a Press Release dated May 3, 2024, Nina Buck, owner of Palm Court Jazz Café in New Orleans, made the following announcement:
I am very sad to announce that Palm Court Jazz Cafe will permanently close its doors on June 2nd after 35 years of music, food and fun. The initial concept of the Palm Court was to create an atmosphere reminiscent of a time gone by when dining and listening to music could be enjoyed and appreciated together.
My husband George Buck was instrumental in supporting me in this project. Without George Buck there would have been no Palm Court. George established the Jazzology/GHB Jazz Foundation to insure that the many areas of American music would endure in perpetuity. His legacy lives on with Jazzology/GHB residing in same building as Palm Court.
Over the years the Palm Court has featured many of New Orleans greatest musicians and vocalists performing in a room inspired by the ’30s and ’40s with a mahogany bar, Steinway piano, and an historic collection of photos. We are proud to have created a venue and atmosphere which in its way is unique.
A feeling of family exists among the musicians, staff and patrons who have all made the place very special.
However, I would like to make special mention of Kathy Edegran for her loyalty, business acumen, public relations and her tenacity to never give up. Another special mention is to Bobby Davis my excellent Chef who has been with me for many years and created fine food in the kitchen and trained many young people over the years
We regret this decision but we have had to make it for a variety of reasons, financial and rising costs, which have made it impossible for us to continue and maintain our high standards
So thank you to all my present and past employees, musicians and customers for your love and support of the Palm Court Jazz Cafe over the years.
Nina Buck made the above announcement on May 3rd while we were present after a busy Fest day. The Palm Court Jazz Café has always been my “happy place” and the old French Market warehouse that she turned into the Palm Court in 1989 has become something of a traditional Jazz Center in New Orleans. It will be sorely missed by its staff, musicians, and patrons. I will be going back on June 1st to be there for the final weekend amidst many tears, cheers, hugs, farewell kisses, accolades, and profound sadness. I will devote my Quarter Notes July column to the history, success, and subsequent closing of the Palm Court Jazz Café.
