First Time too

[NewToitAll]

My partner and I are coming to our first Jazzfest this year from Maui. I hope I can get some information on some gay friendly venues that we can visit while we are in New Orleans. We are both male and in our middle twenties and feel more comfortable when we are with others who share our views. I hope this does not cause a problem for you people. I have been looking at this forum for a couple of weeks and felt that what I see is a fun group of people who will give me some good advice. We are going to stay in the French Quarter and will arrive the Thursday before fest starts and stay until the next Wednesday. Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me.

[saturn]

New Orleans Online actually has pages devoted to GLBT - highlighting accomodations, restaurants, etc.

http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/glbt/

[funkkjunkie]

Welcome, newtoitall. Yall are gonna have the time of your lives. We, and our favorite city, are very accepting of all lifestyles. I mean that's how new orleans came to be what it is today-that acceptance of everyone. Glad you felt like you could post here. :cool:

[tcloud]

For general Jazz Fest info ,this site is hard to beat ,http://www.swagland.com/ and the people on this board are a most helpful bunch.Welcome and enjoy the fest.

[ibjamn]

My partner and I are coming to our first Jazzfest this year from Maui. I hope I can get some information on some gay friendly venues that we can visit while we are in New Orleans. We are both male and in our middle twenties and feel more comfortable when we are with others who share our views. I hope this does not cause a problem for you people. I have been looking at this forum for a couple of weeks and felt that what I see is a fun group of people who will give me some good advice. We are going to stay in the French Quarter and will arrive the Thursday before fest starts and stay until the next Wednesday. Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me.

Glad you are here, newtoit, welcome! Make your first stop in town at Oz or The Pub 800 block of Bourbon St (right across the street from each other) and pick up a copy of Ambush. http://www.ambushmag.com/

[NeenAtlanta]

My partner and I are coming to our first Jazzfest this year from Maui. I hope I can get some information on some gay friendly venues that we can visit while we are in New Orleans. We are both male and in our middle twenties and feel more comfortable when we are with others who share our views. I hope this does not cause a problem for you people. I have been looking at this forum for a couple of weeks and felt that what I see is a fun group of people who will give me some good advice. We are going to stay in the French Quarter and will arrive the Thursday before fest starts and stay until the next Wednesday. Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me.

Welcome NewToIt. You'll find plenty of places to party - NOLA is a very gay friendly city. Lots of fun places in the quarter. You've gotta check out Cafe Lafite in Exile.

Hope we get to meet ya'll at the fest!

[NewToitAll]

I knew you guys would be cool.

[Jordan]

We are! Now more importantly, what kind of music do you like? so we can hook you up with some of that. Look forward to meeting you

[NewToitAll]

Big into swing and big bands. Goodman, Ellington, Miller, Holiday, Gillispie, etc. and Broadway show music. We both have very broad tastes and we are not coming there to hear what we are familiar with but to find a lot of new stuff. Quite excited to hear what will play at the fest. Both of us love Norah Jones and Pharoah Sanders and they made us choose the first weekend.

[NeenAtlanta]

Big into swing and big bands. Goodman, Ellington, Miller, Holiday, Gillispie, etc. and Broadway show music. We both have very broad tastes and we are not coming there to hear what we are familiar with but to find a lot of new stuff. Quite excited to hear what will play at the fest. Both of us love Norah Jones and Pharoah Sanders and they made us choose the first weekend.

You'll definitely have to stop in to the Economy Hall Tent. Not quite big-band, but lots of traditional jazz that comes pretty close. And it always swings!

[Staxsun]

Welcome! I'm sure you'll find much great music for your liking. I was going to recommend the Economy Hall, but got beat to it. My recommendation is that you not miss the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra. Hope to meet you at fest!

[NYMAMA]

WELCOME Guys. Try and check out the New Orleans Jazz Vipers. (one of my personal favorites)

[Jordan]

Staxsun speaks the truth, sounds like Economy Hall is right up your alley. Here are some other ideas:
Irma Thomas - The Soul Queen Of New Orleans
Rebirth Brass Band - The Brass band sound must be sampled while in NOLA
Marcia Ball - swamp infused boogie woogie
Kermit Ruffins - smiling crooning trumpet player
Mofro - Blues/roots rock with a swampy feel
Davell Crawford - not sure if he'll be playing gospel or jazz
Trombone Shorty - has moments when his head is too big, but the kid can play trombone
Subdudes - harmonizing roots rock
Bobby Lounge - a flamboyant recluse (seems contradictory, no) with a great piano and vocal sound
Bonerama - Funk and Rock with 5 trombones (an only in NO type of band)
Kirk Joseph - one of the best Sousaphone (tuba) players
Geno Delafose - Zydeco has a lot in common with swing and Geno is one of my favorites.
Tuxedo Brass Band - Traditional dixieland jazz
Charles Jackson - Great gospel group
Crown Seekers - very theatrical gospel
Rosie Ledet - energetic zydeco
The Bingo Show - offbeat performance art meets new orleans country music
Grayson Capps - Alabama or coal miner blues

If the two of you swing dance, I'd suggest taking a zydeco lesson before coming (or some one can show you when you get there). My wife and I swing dance and found learning zydeco not such a stretch (kind of like an 8 count turn). We're not the world's best, but we hold our own. Anyway it adds another dimension to the music and makes for a fun time. I don't know that I've seen male couples dancing, but I don't think it would be a big deal. If you'd rather, there are always lots of women looking for dance partners. I'm not trying to push the dancing on you -- I just think it is a great way to experience New Orleans and Jazzfest.

Like you implied -- try everything -- there's tons of music to discover out there. I'm sure you'll get no shortage of opinions from this crowd.

[Zydekitten]

Aloha Nui Loa, New!!!

Welcome to the Bored and New Orleans!! NOLA is the San Francisco of the South and very, very gay-friendly (e.g., Southern Decadence parade in Aug/Sept). Great clubs, restaurants and galleries - not to mention, wonderful, accepting, crazy (in the best way) people . . . a lot like S.F., where I grew up near and lived in for five years.

I heartly second the recommendation for the New Orleans Jazz Vipers, also you guys might really like the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, directed by Irvin Mayfield. They're an all-star big band jazz band, like the one Wynton Marsalis (who's from New Orleans) has at Lincoln Center in NYC. They play in the Jazz tent and I try to see them at Fest every year - they're really excellent.

Also, in town - y'all might enjoy the Clover Grill on Bourbon (the truly fun end of the street - not the titty bar end). Great diner food and outrageous staff!

:D

[funkkjunkie]

And be sure you get in at least one set of mardi gras indians and one parade. The parades will be listed at the bottom of the cubes(daily schedules with times of sets).

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I knew you guys would be cool. Welcome, and speaking as a native from NOLA we love all lifestyles and there are a ton of gay bars and gay friendly places in NOLa (not that the whole city isn't) .... Come on down and have a blast.....

[Corona]

Welcome NewToIt. You'll find plenty of places to party - NOLA is a very gay friendly city. Lots of fun places in the quarter. You've gotta check out Cafe Lafite in Exile.

Hope we get to meet ya'll at the fest!
Hey New! Man, you're gonna love Nola and yeah, it's very gay friendly. Cafe Lafitte is a blast too. My friend and I partied there during fest last year and had a blast. I'm sure you'll feel real comfortable both chatting with us and during your trip to fest. I'm excited for you!! :)

[Corona]

Aloha Nui Loa, New!!!

Welcome to the Bored and New Orleans!! NOLA is the San Francisco of the South and very, very gay-friendly (e.g., Southern Decadence parade in Aug/Sept). Great clubs, restaurants and galleries - not to mention, wonderful, accepting, crazy (in the best way) people . . . a lot like S.F., where I grew up near and lived in for five years.

I heartly second the recommendation for the New Orleans Jazz Vipers, also you guys might really like the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, directed by Irvin Mayfield. They're an all-star big band jazz band, like the one Wynton Marsalis (who's from New Orleans) has at Lincoln Center in NYC. They play in the Jazz tent and I try to see them at Fest every year - they're really excellent.

Also, in town - y'all might enjoy the Clover Grill on Bourbon (the truly fun end of the street - not the titty bar end). Great diner food and outrageous staff!

:D
ooh, yeah! Clover Gril rocks and is so fun. We stayed across the street last year right next to Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and ate there several times that week. That strip of Bourbon from St. Anne toward Esplanade is real cool.

[luvdancin]

ooh, yeah! Clover Gril rocks and is so fun. We stayed across the street last year right next to Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and ate there several times that week. That strip of Bourbon from St. Anne toward Esplanade is real cool.
Love the Clover Grill!!!!!!!!!! And perfect for that bodacious breakfast at 3am or the one you get around to at 11am. The staff is a hoot and be sure to read all the little messages on the menu.

[mightyradgumbo]

Welcome Newtoitall. You will have a grand time. Nothing I can add that my esteemed collegues have mentioned. I have to 2nd, 3rd or 4th the emotion for the Clover-nothing like late night breakfast at the grill.

[ibjamn]

Love the Clover Grill!!!!!!!!!! And perfect for that bodacious breakfast at 3am or the one you get around to at 11am. The staff is a hoot and be sure to read all the little messages on the menu.

....and be sure to get the t-shirt; it's the Clover Grill logo, but says "Clever Girl"! :) Port'O'call aside, there is no better 5am cheeseburger in town! :)

pssssst....our friend Adam works there, tell him John's friend, Jennifer sent ya! ;) http://forums.randi.org/images/smilies/gr_rainbow.gif

[pokerchick66]

I have been looking at this forum for a couple of weeks and felt that what I see is a fun group of people who will give me some good advice.

good advice - check
fun group of people - double check
Happy Jazzfest memories for NewtoitAll - triple check with a cherry on top! :p

Welcome to the board. :)

[stlbarb]

Aloha Nui Loa, New!!!

Welcome to the Bored and New Orleans!! NOLA is the San Francisco of the South and very, very gay-friendly (e.g., Southern Decadence parade in Aug/Sept). Great clubs, restaurants and galleries - not to mention, wonderful, accepting, crazy (in the best way) people . . . a lot like S.F., where I grew up near and lived in for five years.

I heartly second the recommendation for the New Orleans Jazz Vipers, also you guys might really like the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, directed by Irvin Mayfield. They're an all-star big band jazz band, like the one Wynton Marsalis (who's from New Orleans) has at Lincoln Center in NYC. They play in the Jazz tent and I try to see them at Fest every year - they're really excellent.

Also, in town - y'all might enjoy the Clover Grill on Bourbon (the truly fun end of the street - not the titty bar end). Great diner food and outrageous staff!

:D

The Clover rocks! - egg's with an attitude. its my favorite 4am place.

[ohio]

well nothing to add at this point, but welcome! I see you already have a few suggestions to sort through...

[stlbarb]

Big into swing and big bands. Goodman, Ellington, Miller, Holiday, Gillispie, etc. and Broadway show music. We both have very broad tastes and we are not coming there to hear what we are familiar with but to find a lot of new stuff. Quite excited to hear what will play at the fest. Both of us love Norah Jones and Pharoah Sanders and they made us choose the first weekend.

too bad you're leaving on wednesday, you'll miss the backyard bash. but maybe you can catch Ingrid while you're in town, i think you'll like her. http://www.ingridlucia.com/shows.htm

[KeyWest Bruce]

Welcome NewToitAll and your friend to the incomparable and fun-filled world of Jazz Fest and to the greatest city in this land, New Orleans! I have no doubt that you will have the time of your life....or if not that, a very enjoyable and memorable vacation. I am gay also, and have been drawn back to New Orleans year after year. I love it there any time...but of course I always schedule one of my trips to coincide with the Fest. No matter what your taste in music, you will hear the best at the festival. It's the combination of the great music, the people, the city, the food, the vibes.....nothing like it. The ultimate celebration!
New Orleans has a magic about it that keeps bringing me back. It has a fantastic gay scene....but it's more than that; the people are so naturally warm, you will feel at home right away. I know I did. After New Orleans, it seems like every other city in the country lacks that spark. It is delightfully addicting. Also, the folks on this forum are the best. I have been going regularly to the fest for 15 years, and just last year, met some threadheads at a couple of get-togethers in November. They are cool and a lot of fun....and we all think alike as far as our interest in the fest and N.O......so it always feels good to meet or socialize with them. The folks here at home and work know how much I love doing this and going to N.O.....but I don't think they quite know how much it means to me. The people in this forum know very well!! Glad to have you guys with us, and look forward to meeting you at the Fest!

[Chicago Fest Fan]

Welcome New,
We have stayed at a home in the Faubourg Marigny area of town for several years. That area seems particularly Gay friendly. Lots of rainbows flying. Frenchman Street is located nearby with tons of bars, restaurants and entertainment. Make sure you eat at LaPenache. Open 24 hours, except Wed, great food, even better Bloody Mary's, and very gay friendly.

[mariena]

Welcome NewToitAll and your friend to the incomparable and fun-filled world of Jazz Fest and to the greatest city in this land, New Orleans! I have no doubt that you will have the time of your life....or if not that, a very enjoyable and memorable vacation. I am gay also, and have been drawn back to New Orleans year after year. I love it there any time...but of course I always schedule one of my trips to coincide with the Fest. No matter what your taste in music, you will hear the best at the festival. It's the combination of the great music, the people, the city, the food, the vibes.....nothing like it. The ultimate celebration!
New Orleans has a magic about it that keeps bringing me back. It has a fantastic gay scene....but it's more than that; the people are so naturally warm, you will feel at home right away. I know I did. After New Orleans, it seems like every other city in the country lacks that spark. It is delightfully addicting. Also, the folks on this forum are the best. I have been going regularly to the fest for 15 years, and just last year, met some threadheads at a couple of get-togethers in November. They are cool and a lot of fun....and we all think alike as far as our interest in the fest and N.O......so it always feels good to meet or socialize with them. The folks here at home and work know how much I love doing this and going to N.O.....but I don't think they quite know how much it means to me. The people in this forum know very well!! Glad to have you guys with us, and look forward to meeting you at the Fest!

I agree. We are all very different, but we all have one common interest. Jazz Fest in Nola. The people on this board is very open, welcoming and funloving.
Mariena

[Corona]

....and be sure to get the t-shirt; it's the Clover Grill logo, but says "Clever Girl"! :) Port'O'call aside, there is no better 5am cheeseburger in town! :)

pssssst....our friend Adam works there, tell him John's friend, Jennifer sent ya! ;) http://forums.randi.org/images/smilies/gr_rainbow.gif
I've been trying FOREVER to get that shirt!!!

[Corona]

Welcome NewToitAll and your friend to the incomparable and fun-filled world of Jazz Fest and to the greatest city in this land, New Orleans! I have no doubt that you will have the time of your life....or if not that, a very enjoyable and memorable vacation. I am gay also, and have been drawn back to New Orleans year after year. I love it there any time...but of course I always schedule one of my trips to coincide with the Fest. No matter what your taste in music, you will hear the best at the festival. It's the combination of the great music, the people, the city, the food, the vibes.....nothing like it. The ultimate celebration!
New Orleans has a magic about it that keeps bringing me back. It has a fantastic gay scene....but it's more than that; the people are so naturally warm, you will feel at home right away. I know I did. After New Orleans, it seems like every other city in the country lacks that spark. It is delightfully addicting. Also, the folks on this forum are the best. I have been going regularly to the fest for 15 years, and just last year, met some threadheads at a couple of get-togethers in November. They are cool and a lot of fun....and we all think alike as far as our interest in the fest and N.O......so it always feels good to meet or socialize with them. The folks here at home and work know how much I love doing this and going to N.O.....but I don't think they quite know how much it means to me. The people in this forum know very well!! Glad to have you guys with us, and look forward to meeting you at the Fest!
Aww Bruce, we luvs ya too hunni. I loved meeting you in November. You always make me smile :)
Hey New, I know the link sounds cheesy but it does give some information about 'gay-friendly' clubs/hotels etc. in NOLA. But I mean it when I say, you'll feel comfortable pretty much anywhere you go when in New Orleans :)
http://www.mygayworld.com/city.cfm?city=New%20Orleans

[ibjamn]

Welcome NewToitAll and your friend to the incomparable and fun-filled world of Jazz Fest and to the greatest city in this land, New Orleans! I have no doubt that you will have the time of your life....or if not that, a very enjoyable and memorable vacation. I am gay also, and have been drawn back to New Orleans year after year.


Hey Bruce! I was hoping you would show up on this thread! :)

Chicago Fest Fan;

Make sure you eat at LaPenache. Open 24 hours, except Wed, great food, even better Bloody Mary's, and very gay friendly.

Unfortunately La Peniche has not been open 24hr's since before the storm. They are now open 9am - 10ish But the rest of what CFF said is true. Make sure ask for your bloody mary's "light on the blood and heavy on the mary" for a realllll eye-opener! ;)

[NewToitAll]

overwhelmed by all of the answers to my question. Thanks to all of you for taking time to give me so much great stuff. We are both looking forward to making a bunch of new friends.

[mightyradgumbo]

Oh we forgot to mention the meet-ups @ Ms. Lena's. We meet up behind Ms. Lena's beer tent every day (time TBA) and you actually get to meet the many crazies who inhabit this bored. :D