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Carole Mikita ReportingThe Preservation Hall Jazz Band lost their performing venue and many of their homes to Hurricane Katrina, but the band plays on. Their next concert is here in Salt Lake.
They say they are grateful to be touring and have jobs, unlike so many of their fellow musicians. They have hope their city to revive, but they have lost so much.
They perform the music millions the world over travel to New Orleans to hear. These days the Preservation Hall Jazz Band members admit they are a little more somber. Most are homeless after Hurricane Katrina and their hall is closed, minor wind damage but no tourists. They, however, play on.
John Brunious, Preservation Hall Jazz Band: "I Love takin' the music to the people, and the people, they express gratitude, 'Thank you for comin' to our country,' or to our city. And I don't know, it makes you feel good, it really does."
When they are not performing they are separated by states -- Texas, Arkansas, other parts of Louisiana -- but they hope to rebuild home and reunite in their hall.
Doc Watson, Preservation Hall Jazz Band: "New Orleans is known for gumbo. I'm a spice in that gumbo when it come back and I'm very optimistic it will come back."
So many people are ready, he says, all they need is a place to stay, promise of that famous food, and what this jazz band has given visitors for decades, a unique sound of a city, now waiting for a revival.
The Preservation Jazz Band performs tomorrow night at Kingsbury Hall at 7:30. Tickets are still available.
