Ben Jaffe’s tuba has been a fixture in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for some time, so New Orleans music fans around the world were shocked and saddened to hear that it was stolen following a concert at the New Orleans’ Music Box Village last month. Well get ready for some good news, folks, because we are excited to report that the iconic instrument is now back at Preservation Hall.
Jaffe, who acts as the band’s creative director as well as its tuba/double bass player, revealed the news on Facebook earlier today. While the tuba apparently suffered some damage during its time away from home, Jaffe made it clear that its nothing they can’t fix with a little bit of a love.
The instrument couldn’t have turned up at a better time, as the band is gearing up for three shows in Austin, TX as part of this week’s SXSW festivities. One of those gigs will take place this Thursday (March 15th) at Willie Nelson’s Luck Ranch, where Preservation Hall Jazz Band will join a bill that includes Nelson, Kurt Vile, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Hiss Golden Messenger, Josh Ritter, and many more.
Of course, it should be noted that the instrument didn’t exactly turn up. No, it was reunited with its rightful owners thanks to an anonymous tip from someone who gave a damn. So kudos to you, anonymous tipster! We may never know your name, but your kind deed will not be forgotten.