Having never been here before, I had nothing to compare it to. Having said that, we really had a great time here. The place hasn't changed since it was opened in 1961. The patina on everything is real. The music was great and although it was only 45 minutes long, it left me wanting more, not looking at my watch wondering when it would get over. Not sure where all the money goes, but I don't care. I got what I wanted to see and hear and felt like I had done something to preserve this great music.

I was really excited about going to preservation hall and intrigued by the mixed reviews here. Firstly the musicians are incredible, extremely talented and very varied in their skill sets. The music was 10/10. It’s true that the hall is small and not the most comfortable but that is to be expected for a historic venue. The show is short but they do tell you this when you’re booking and the cost is high for what you get, but overall I personally felt like the experience was worth it. It is also true that the musicians ask for tips, but last night they weren’t pushy about it. It’s pretty standard in the USA and we’ve been asked for tips on $400 meals so I don’t think it was that weird. All in all I would recommend it if you are aware what it is and want a great historic New Orleans jazz experience

Pros The best musicians we saw during our whole trip. The venue was beautiful. Memorable experience. Cons Bad value for money given how short the show was, and cost of the tickets. The room got very hot. The seats weren't comfortable. No bar, and you can't bring outside drinks in except water. No toilet (but you can go next door). Hard to get tickets, we booked about three weeks in advance. Not sure what chance you'd have nearer the time or on the day. The performance ended abruptly. Overall, I would recommend. It's a great way to experience the highest quality music. I just wish we got a bit more of it. Perhaps it's turned into a bit of a tourist cash cow.

If you’re looking to hear some classic jazz in a unique setting, this is the experience for you. The musicians are clearly top notch. The hall is dimly lit, has wooden bench seating or standing room options and the setting is very intimate as the musicians are maybe 6-8 feet from the first seated row. Very glad we saw a show in Preservation Hall!

A true unique experience that should not be missed if you are in town amd want to experience some traditional jazz. As a tall person; a standing ticket is perfectly fine. The entire show is not that long, and if you still get great views from the standing platform in the back if you are not short. If you have a standing ticket I would recomment getting in line early and put yourself along the back wall, you get the whole atmosphere and great views of the band.

You probably should get reservations in advance. They have bench seating and standing room. It’s a small venue. The music is authentic. The energy is enveloping. The band works the crowd well. This place is the real thing. The performance runs about 45 minutes. Expect to queue up outside before the show. If you have a need to use the facilities do so beforehand, maybe at a bar across the lane. Once you are admitted to the venue it’s show time.

Excellent performance that lasted about 45 minutes. It is definitely something to experience, but I'm glad we brought our masks with us because we were packed very tightly in a warm room. We had standing room only seats. I recommend getting 'seats' if you can, which are wooden benches. Book early! If you get anxious in tight crowds and can't get a 'seat', stand in the back right next to the door. I wish we had done that. And be aware that the musicians will ask for money at the end of the show.

I've read a few reviews where people were complaining about the length of the program, the seating, or the tip request. I would say, if you don't want to stand, pay for seating. If you can't appreciate a 45-minute set by legendary, accomplished musicians, or if you just can't tolerate sitting on a wooden bench, stay home. If you begrudge these senior citizens from getting a tip on top of whatever meager pay they get for each performance, especially during the holiday season, you're a miser. My husband and I were honored to attend a performance, and especially getting to meet the members of the band. Where else does that happen?!

Don't expect to be simply entertained for about 45 to 55 minutes. My experience was more than expected and better than reviews that I have read. Yes, the benches are hardwood with no backs, and there is no bathroom or air conditioning inside the hall. It's not built for comfort or long concerts, BUT the performance of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band gave a deep-rooted, soulful, passionate, and engaging performance. They gave a brief explanation into the background for some of their songs and were not pushy at all about tips, not mentioning tips at all until casually at the very end. They stayed after the performance to take pictures and engage with the audience. They each had highlighted solos that displayed their individual talents, mixed in with seamless and captivating jazz as they played together. Check-in was fadt and easy. We had the front row reserved, which was absolutely worth the price. We sat just off to the side in the front and had such a memorable experience. No regrets, and I would absolutely do it again!!!

Attended a late afternoon show on New Year's Eve on our trip to the Sugar Bowl. Saw Leroy Jones for the from row. It was awesome. So enjoyed the show and its intimate setting. Recommend buying early and sitting in front row, well worth the extra money.