Audio By Carbonatix
Luke Combs is the latest Jazz Fest headliner to pop up at Preservation Hall while in New Orleans. The iconic venue does not typically publicize its performances so you never know who is going to take to the stage or when, but you better start running as soon as you hear those horns!
This most recent appearance featured one of the biggest names in country music alongside one of the biggest legends in R&B/soul/funk.
Preservation Hall started as an art gallery in the 1950s where local musicians would be invited to play for tips. However, the music started to draw more attention than the art so it was made into a music venue in 1961. Jazz fans from all over the world would travel to The Big Easy to listen to the sultry sounds of artists who often struggled with poverty, racism and illness. There was no marketing or advertising. It was all word of mouth. The owners also refused to serve alcohol. They used no amplification!
Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, Preservation Hall was (and is) only about the music. It kept traditional jazz alive in a period of time where it took a backseat in popularity to rock n’ roll and bebop— which is still true today. The full story of the venue is pretty special. I digress.
Luke Combs played at Preservation Hall!
Some of the greatest performers in the world have taken center stage at Preservation Hall alongside its house band. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, also known as the Preservation Hall horns, is one of the best in the world… if not the best in the world.
As I said, you never know who is going to pop up. Especially on Jazz Fest weekend. It was Hozier in 2024.
It was Luke Combs in 2025! The Kind of Love We Make sounded great with the horns.
He also played an incredible cover of ‘Bring it on Home to Me’ with Ivan Neville. Ivan is the nephew to the founding members of the Neville Brothers and played the keys alongside the house band.
According to boots on the ground, Combs’ set at Jazz Fest did not quite hit. Some artists don’t translate to that kind of environment and he supposedly was one of them. The same cannot be said for his performance at Preservation Hall! Combs could not sound better on a song with such a rich history in a venue with a history just as profound. (And shoutout to Elephant Quilt Productions for the video!)