Outside of strolling Decatur Street and a few other prime locations in New Orleans the best chance to hear real New Orleans Jazz is by listening to the Preservation Hall Jazz band and a chance to do just that in your own backyard will come on February 8.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the Clark Museum
Preservation Hall opened its doors in New Orleans in 1961, dedicated to the preservation of New Orleans style Jazz which was perceived at that time as disappearing under the influence of more modern forms. That wonderful, swinging, and soulful music has survived and prospered because of the work of Preservation Hall and its touring band has appeared all over the world presenting its unique form of jazz before appreciative audiences.
As part of its ongoing efforts to preserve and project art of all sorts, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute will present a live performance of the preservation Hall Jazz band at the Institute at 8 PM on Friday night February 8. Advance tickets are $42, or $45 at the door. Members and students tickets are $38. The museum is also planning a three course dinner, to be served in the Museum Café at6 PM at a cost of $27 plus beverage, taxes and gratuity.
Beyond Jazz, the art of the Clark
The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute is one of the premier art museums in New England with important collections of European and American works. While the collections range from the renaissance to the twentieth century, their strength lies in their collection of Impressionist works. Currently the main hall of the museum is undergoing renovation and special exhibits from the collection are being exhibited in the Institute’s Manton Hall Research Center.
For reservations to the Preservation Hall Jazz band email mgamari@clarkart.edu or call (413) 458 0524. It is particularly important to reserve early if you plan to attend the pre-concert dinner.
More art close by
The presentation of this outstanding band is a chance to use winter as an excuse to immerse in art. In Williamstown and in the surrounding area there is an outstanding wealth of art resources, more than enough to use up a weekend. In addition to the Clark, anyone visiting the area will want to take the time to explore the Williams College Museum of Art, right on the campus of the college in Williamstown. Close by in North Adams the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MassMOCA) immerses visitors in a multi media sea of experience, a place that must be visited for anyone interested in the world of contemporary art.
Getting there and where to stay
From the greater Boston area take the Mass Pike (I-90) west to exit 2 for Routes 20 and 7 north to Lenox and Pittsfield. At Pittsfield follow Route 7 north to Williamstown. One favored place to stay and dine in Williamstown is Orchards Hotel, close to the college and the Clark, once a favorite haunt of Paul Newman in years past. The Orchards also has an outstanding dining room and wine cellar.
Comments