The Preservation Hall Jazz Band: A Creole Christmas

CRITIC’S PICK: Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Variety Playhouse—You don’t get any more old-school or classic than New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band, an outfit that has carried the culture of its titular city’s music for the better part of 50 years. As is obvious from the photo, the current crop of players is relatively young, but steeped in the traditional New Orleans sound. This show, subtitled A Creole Christmas, finds these musicians digging into the roots of Crescent City’s storied horn-based sounds to rearrange seasonal favorites in their unique style, and even adding some hip-hop to their vibe. Should be a party, bring some beads. — Hal Horowitz