Blab Entertainment
Tower of Power and Preservation Hall Jazz Band Bring Oakland Funk and New Orleans Jazz to Hollywood Bowl
When the Hollywood Hills were bathed in the golden glow of a late July evening, the iconic Hollywood Bowl became a crossroads where two distinct musical worlds converged. On July 29, 2026, Oakland‑based funk powerhouse Tower of Power and New Orleans‑originated Preservation Hall Jazz Band shared the stage, celebrating Tower of Power’s 55th anniversary while underscoring a shared commitment to community‑driven music.
Tower of Power, founded in 1968 in Oakland, California, has spent more than five decades shaping the sound of American funk and soul. The band’s reputation rests on a razor‑sharp horn section and grooves that compel listeners to move. Key long‑time members—founder and tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo, baritone saxophonist Stephen “Doc” Kupka, and drummer David Garibaldi—have been instrumental in forging the group’s sonic identity, especially during the 1970s when Garibaldi’s rhythmic precision helped define the band’s style.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, on the other hand, traces its roots back to the early 1960s, when tuba player Allan Jaffe assembled a group dedicated to the traditional New Orleans jazz that originated in the city’s French Quarter. Since then, the band has toured internationally, carrying the legacy of Preservation Hall while keeping the city’s vibrant musical heritage alive.
According to a Hollywood Times article covering the event, the evening opened with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s bright brass and playful energy. Their rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In” transformed the amphitheater into a second‑line parade, with horn players and audience members dancing along the circular promenade, echoing the streets of the French Quarter.
Tower of Power followed with a set that highlighted the group’s signature horn stabs and rhythmic precision. The night’s standout moment was the 1970s classic “Soul Vaccination,” a track that has remained a staple of the band’s catalog. The performance drew the crowd into a collective groove, underscoring the band’s ability to keep its music fresh after more than five decades of touring.
The collaboration served as a testament to the diversity of American music traditions. While Tower of Power’s roots lie in Oakland’s soul and R&B scene, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band represents the birthplace of jazz in Louisiana. Together, the groups demonstrated how rhythm and musicianship can unite audiences across regional styles, creating a shared experience that transcended geographic boundaries.
The Hollywood Bowl, an amphitheater perched in the Hollywood Hills, has long been a venue for landmark performances. The July 29 concert added to its legacy of hosting live music that brings together artists from different backgrounds, reinforcing the venue’s role as a cultural bridge.
After the show, Tower of Power confirmed that the band will continue touring through the summer, with additional dates announced on its official website. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will return to the Los Angeles area in early September for a series of shows at the Los Angeles Music Center. Both groups remain active in promoting live music and preserving their respective musical heritages.
The event highlighted how long‑standing ensembles can adapt and thrive in a contemporary landscape while staying true to their roots. It also reminded listeners that music can serve as a living archive, carrying the stories of communities across time and place. As both bands prepare for upcoming performances, their shared commitment to community and musical excellence continues to resonate with audiences and enrich the cultural tapestry of the Los Angeles region.
Tower of Power, founded in 1968 in Oakland, California, has spent more than five decades shaping the sound of American funk and soul. The band’s reputation rests on a razor‑sharp horn section and grooves that compel listeners to move. Key long‑time members—founder and tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo, baritone saxophonist Stephen “Doc” Kupka, and drummer David Garibaldi—have been instrumental in forging the group’s sonic identity, especially during the 1970s when Garibaldi’s rhythmic precision helped define the band’s style.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, on the other hand, traces its roots back to the early 1960s, when tuba player Allan Jaffe assembled a group dedicated to the traditional New Orleans jazz that originated in the city’s French Quarter. Since then, the band has toured internationally, carrying the legacy of Preservation Hall while keeping the city’s vibrant musical heritage alive.
According to a Hollywood Times article covering the event, the evening opened with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s bright brass and playful energy. Their rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In” transformed the amphitheater into a second‑line parade, with horn players and audience members dancing along the circular promenade, echoing the streets of the French Quarter.
Tower of Power followed with a set that highlighted the group’s signature horn stabs and rhythmic precision. The night’s standout moment was the 1970s classic “Soul Vaccination,” a track that has remained a staple of the band’s catalog. The performance drew the crowd into a collective groove, underscoring the band’s ability to keep its music fresh after more than five decades of touring.
The collaboration served as a testament to the diversity of American music traditions. While Tower of Power’s roots lie in Oakland’s soul and R&B scene, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band represents the birthplace of jazz in Louisiana. Together, the groups demonstrated how rhythm and musicianship can unite audiences across regional styles, creating a shared experience that transcended geographic boundaries.
The Hollywood Bowl, an amphitheater perched in the Hollywood Hills, has long been a venue for landmark performances. The July 29 concert added to its legacy of hosting live music that brings together artists from different backgrounds, reinforcing the venue’s role as a cultural bridge.
After the show, Tower of Power confirmed that the band will continue touring through the summer, with additional dates announced on its official website. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will return to the Los Angeles area in early September for a series of shows at the Los Angeles Music Center. Both groups remain active in promoting live music and preserving their respective musical heritages.
The event highlighted how long‑standing ensembles can adapt and thrive in a contemporary landscape while staying true to their roots. It also reminded listeners that music can serve as a living archive, carrying the stories of communities across time and place. As both bands prepare for upcoming performances, their shared commitment to community and musical excellence continues to resonate with audiences and enrich the cultural tapestry of the Los Angeles region.
