The home at 511 Royal street was originally erected in 1833
In 1966 it was acquired by Larry Borenstien, an eccentric art dealer and early promoter of New Orleans jazz, who as a boy ran away from home to essentially join the circus. Referred to as "The Father of Preservation Hall", in the 1950s he rented the building and avidly made efforts to preserve the music, giving musicians such Billie a
nd Dee Dee Pierce, Kid Thomas, and a host of others a place to play. Before he died in 1981 it was said, that he owned over half of the French Quarter, had created the market for Pre-Columbian art in America, (by smuggling it from Mexico), and promoted little known artists into famous artists, such as Sister Gertrude Morgan, who has been featured in the Smithsonian. In 2006, Borenstien's Granddaughter Tatiana Clay was put in charge of the property, and followed in her Granddad's foot steps by fostering a community of artists, musicians, dancers, writers and performers of all kinds. Since 2007 the house has hosted hundreds of guests from all over the world as well as a steady stream of artistic endeavors including;
- The Loose Marbles, "Balls Out" - recording 2007
- The Loose Marbles , "Mush Face Killa" - recording 2007
- "Flood Wall", Jana Napoli - art installation/sound - 2007-11
www.floodwall.org
- Magnolia Beacon, "self titled" - recording 2008
- Prospect 1, "On Piety" - art installation/sound/video - 2008
- Luke Winslow King, "Old New Baby" - recording 2009
www.lukewinslowking.com
- "Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown 2009" - convention/dance 2009
www.lindyshowdown.net
- Loose Marbles, "The Recession Session" - recording 2009
- Meschiya Lake & the Lil Big Horns, "Lucky Devil" - recording 2010
www.meschiya.com
- "Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown 2010" - convention/dance 2010
www.lindyshowdown.net
- "the Old New Orleans lil BIG Vaudeville Variety Show" - stage 2010-11
- Pokey LaFarge & the South City 3, "Middle of Everywhere" - 2011 additional recording/horns
www.pokeylafarge.net
- "Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown 2011" - convention/dance 2011
www.lindyshowdown.net
