There are so many parts of the performance art world that flip my switches. On top of the list are: 1. B-Boying 2. Tap Dance 3. Any kind of street performance and 4. Specifically, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Amazingly, the clip below has all 4 🎯.
As a kid, my P's would tote me along to Wolf Trap, a beautiful outdoor venue in Va., to take in Preservation Hall. A picnic was packed and umbrellas stowed despite the fact that rain was never in the forecast. As any PHJB enthusiast knows, the umbrellas were a prop. Used to march Nawlins style, with the playing band, around the venue's grassy knoll, the umbrellas were important cargo.
As I got older, different levels of embarrassment washed over me in shades of red, as my folks marched around with their fellow PHJB "Heads". But, despite all that, the music was always sparkling, spirited and contagious in the best way. As they pumped their umbrellas in the air and bounced around in the grass with glee, the music marched into my being and formed my definition of "swingin'".
It may have a rich history but, PHJB is NOT your grandad's jazz...
So watch this 👇🏼 ! Can't get any better than Nawlins jazz fused with tap dance and b-boying. Genius.
Happy Friday!
❤
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