The night of Sunday, June 2, 2024, marked the the end of a New Orleans music institution: the last night at Palm Court Jazz Café.
For 36 years the Palm Court showcased New Orleans traditional jazz music on a weekly basis, and featured white linen-topped tables, formal china and silverware, traditional creole cooking, with table service. Musicians, always formally dressed, were treated with dignity and respect. Travelers from around the world often made the Palm Court Jazz Café a must-stop when they visited New Orleans. The Palm Court was owned and operated by Nina Buck (shown in several of the photos), but was originally a project of Buck’s husband, George Buck, who also owned several record labels focusing on early jazz.
On this closing night, trumpeter Mark Braud led his traditional jazz band, consisting of Meghan Swartz on piano, Mark Brooks on bass, Freddie Lonzo on trombone, Aaron Lambert on drums and Tom Fischer on clarinet. A host of other musician sat in with the band or came in attendance to help celebrate the bittersweet closing of the café. The end of an era, indeed.
All photos by Keith Hill
