Why do some get "it" and some don't....

[Frosty]

Let your freak flag fly babeeeee :)

Time to raise the ole' flag pole!

[La Ti Da]

Wow, so many good thoughts here, a lot to digest, If I read them all I’ll be here all day! (and now that I’m away from my “boring corporate job” for the weekend, who feels like sitting at the computer all day !!???


But I do have to agree with Festival Girl that “ ‘Getting It’ involves the ability and love of going with the flow.” ,

Neverleft - “I feel like I 'get' fest but I don't get malls. I don't know what it is, but don't take me to the mall for a good time OK. Take me to fest any-day for a good time.”,

Ohio – “If everyone did get it, Fest would be ruined. It's crowded enough already, the Foundation is making money, why try to get even more people there? If it gets too much more crowded I won't want to go”,

Neen –“I truly do feel that I can be 100% myself, with no constraints when I am in NOLA, and especially at Fest. I feel like I am finally the person that the adolescent me hoped to be when she grew up.”

And especially NYMAMA , “It's more then just the music I think the people who get it have the soul of a Hippie.”


Fest is the one place I don’t have to worry about who gets it and who doesn’t - there’s enough people there – like all of YOU - who DO get it, its wonderful to be amongst so many kindred spirits for a while….not like at work, or elsewhere in the “normal world”, when I tell people I’m going to New Orleans (again) they say “oh, you going down for Mardi Gras (in April!)? and while Jazzfest is definitely the pinnacle of all festivals, it is the start of my festival season, when I am lucky to partake in several other festivals that share some of the same characteristics, surrounded by lots of people who get it!

Sometimes when I’m dancing to Steve Riley & the Mamou playboys, or CJ Chenier, I think, OMG, how could anyone NOT LIKE THIS? It is hard to imagine….this is the BEST thing in the world! But then some people really get into Riverdance or Celine Dion or something else that I can’t stand. so what? C’est la vie….to each his own… whatever turns you on, and countless other cliches….. Do whatcha wanna!

[revjimk]

I'm tempted to say anyone who doesn't "get" Jazzfest has a "hole in their soul". But instead, I'll say they aren't very adventurous, need everything handed to them.
Ever go to a cub where nobody dances during the live act, then gets up & dances for the canned music during break? Sheep!
"soul of a hippy" works for me!
rev

[Zydekitten]

If it gives you joy and you aren't hurting anyone else - then do it, be it, love it.

Life is too damn short and fast to have angst over shoulds and shouldn'ts, labels and appearances . . . open your mind and say "Ah" - and your heart will follow.

[Zbonnie]

I'm tempted to say anyone who doesn't "get" Jazzfest has a "hole in their soul". But instead, I'll say they aren't very adventurous, need everything handed to them.
Ever go to a cub where nobody dances during the live act, then gets up & dances for the canned music during break? Sheep!
"soul of a hippy" works for me!
rev
Hey, Jim, fancy meeting you here!

[Amy Winette]

I like "soul of a hippy" too.

Let yer freak flag fly, all the freaky people make the beauty in the world! :)

[revjimk]

With all the crap going on in this world, as far as worrying about being elitist for wondering why some people don't get it, all I can say is "Boohoo".
To quote the Wild Tchoupitoulas, "Whoever ain't ready, get the hell out the the way"
Yo, Bonnie!

[Corona]

roflmao Rev!! :)

[pokerchick66]

With all the crap going on in this world, as far as worrying about being elitist for wondering why some people don't get it, all I can say is "Boohoo".
To quote the Wild Tchoupitoulas, "Whoever ain't ready, get the hell out the the way"
Yo, Bonnie!

I'm down with that one.

[funkkjunkie]

OMG, revjim. If I go to a show at one of the clubs in LR, I leave at the set break because that very thing makes me insane. And it's not just a little 20 minute break. It goes on for a good, or should I say bad, 45 minutes! They've even hired a dj to do the break.

[csoul]

It's so funny we've been having this discussion here for the last couple of days. My friends who always go to Buffett with us called today to complain that they had no luck getting tix to his local show. (Ticketbastid) We didn't get any either. So I found myself, before I could stop, inviting them to JF. YIKES!!!! I told them Buffett prolly won't be there, but you won't even miss him AND, once you go, you'll be hooked and HAVE to go back every year. When I hung up the phone, I thought, Holy SH##.....what if they don't "Get it"!!!! AHHHH!!! Now I'm stressed 'cause if they go, I'll feel responsible for their good time.

[Orleansnj]

I'm down with that one.

Now that's what I am talking 'bout. As mentioned earlier - Ding, ding, ding ! we have a winner !

[Orleansnj]

It's so funny we've been having this discussion here for the last couple of days. My friends who always go to Buffett with us called today to complain that they had no luck getting tix to his local show. (Ticketbastid) We didn't get any either. So I found myself, before I could stop, inviting them to JF. YIKES!!!! I told them Buffett prolly won't be there, but you won't even miss him AND, once you go, you'll be hooked and HAVE to go back every year. When I hung up the phone, I thought, Holy SH##.....what if they don't "Get it"!!!! AHHHH!!! Now I'm stressed 'cause if they go, I'll feel responsible for their good time.

relax and let them worry 'bout that...they're grown..... u just have yourself a good time.

[csoul]

relax and let them worry 'bout that...they're grown..... u just have yourself a good time.

O.k....that's gonna' be my mantra if they come.... he will love it. She tends to be a little high maintenance, though.

[Zydekitten]

O.k....that's gonna' be my mantra if they come.... he will love it. She tends to be a little high maintenance, though.
Not to mention, that you can't be responsible for anyone other than you - so don't worry, if it's meant to happen that they "get it" - it will!

[Amy Winette]

O.k....that's gonna' be my mantra if they come.... he will love it. She tends to be a little high maintenance, though.

Heh heh, let HIM worry about HER then! :)

I bet they'll both find something they love and they'll have a great time, even if they don't become lifers.

[Orleansnj]

Most excellent response.

[csoul]

Heh heh, let HIM worry about HER then! :)

I bet they'll both find something they love and they'll have a great time, even if they don't become lifers.

Good idea.! They prolly won't even come. So all my stress will be for nothing. I am very much looking forward to the karioke, though! Tee hee.

[ozzie]

Yep... hope I'm in town for Amy Winette's gig!

[La Ti Da]

OMG, revjim. If I go to a show at one of the clubs in LR, I leave at the set break because that very thing makes me insane. And it's not just a little 20 minute break. It goes on for a good, or should I say bad, 45 minutes! They've even hired a dj to do the break.

like Brass Band night at the Blue Nile last year? at least theres' other places to go on Frenchmen when that happens...

[Amy Winette]

Speaking of Frenchman, guess what I learned at Mardi Gras? DBA has my fave wine, Cakebread Chardonnay, by the half bottle (which fits nicely into a plastic beer glass).

[Zydekitten]

Yeah, I saw that too when I was there in December . . . . Woo Hoo, I loves me some Cakebread (almost as much as Silver Oak)!!! :D

[Amy Winette]

I don't know that anybody does Silver Oak by the half bottle girlie!

Yup, that is the best stuff on the red side. Jeff proposed to me over a 1994 Silver Oak, amazing. I believe its 01 that they told us is going to be EVEN BETTER than the 94, we got a couple of bottles (only $100 each, they'll go way up), um, drank em, had to get a couple more, drank another ,we have at least 1 saved I think . . . Should get more as investments!

[pokerchick66]

Good idea.! They prolly won't even come. So all my stress will be for nothing. I am very much looking forward to the karioke, though! Tee hee.

You know, I thought about inviting people, too, but that just wouldn't be too feasible for me, I don't think. This trip for me is a selfish thing. I'm very much a free spirit and I never know where I may end up! I like being FREE. :D

[Zydekitten]

I don't know that anybody does Silver Oak by the half bottle girlie!

Yup, that is the best stuff on the red side. Jeff proposed to me over a 1994 Silver Oak, amazing. I believe its 01 that they told us is going to be EVEN BETTER than the 94, we got a couple of bottles (only $100 each, they'll go way up), um, drank em, had to get a couple more, drank another ,we have at least 1 saved I think . . . Should get more as investments!
Awww, that is so nice of Mr. Potter!!

My stepdad, when he was a dinker (he's sober now) was one of Silver Oak's bestest customers and whenever they had a release he'd go up and take family and friends to buy some too for him (as they restrict how much one person can buy) . . . hence we have quite the collection at my parents' house.

He doesn't dink it any longer, but he'll break out a bottle for special occasions and holidays. He's mostly got '98-'01 vintages, and I've got a bottle of a '98, that I'm saving for something special.

I've been SOOOOOO tempted to break it open, but I've been very, very good kitten and haven't! :D

[Zydekitten]

You know, I thought about inviting people, too, but that just wouldn't be too feasible for me, I don't think. This trip for me is a selfish thing. I'm very much a free spirit and I never know where I may end up! I like being FREE. :D

I hear you, Pork Chop - and you geaux, girl!!! :D

[Corona]

O.k....that's gonna' be my mantra if they come.... he will love it. She tends to be a little high maintenance, though.
We thought that about my friend Jodie who came one year. We call her Barbie and she came to fest in a little skirt, high wedged sandals and a shitload of make-up. By Cowboy Mouth after the r*ain.....she was wearing a poncho, covered in mud and having a blast.....ya just never know til they try it :)

[Corona]

Speaking of getting "it", here's the message I emailed to some friends about the John Boutte show in Detroit last night. I took my daughter, Sam and her friend Amanda (who came to Nola in November and are coming back for fest). Sam is doing a BFA in Dance in college in Detroit. Here's a rundown of our night last night :)

The show was fantastic! The place was full with about 60 people or so. Beautiful club in an old historic music hall, red carpets, ornate walls and ceilings, little round tables with table cloths and candles and a long beautiful bar. When we walked in there was a long table of appetizers for the guests. How wonderful :)

We got to talk to John before the show and I introduced him to my daughter Sam and her friend Amanda. Sam was jumping out of her skin to meet him and was so excited. She told him she choreographed a dance to "why" and how much she loved his rendition over Annie Lennox. He loved that comment :) Saturn (Kathie) gave him a Canajuns for NOLA button and he put it on for his show. He even used it as percussion for a couple of songs! Very cool.

It was just John and a guitar player named Todd. It was a quiet, jazzy show and he completely mesmorized the crowd (and my girls, which NEVER happens!). He actually dedicated Why to Sam and the Canadian contingent. I thought Sam was going to explode..he asked her to come up and dance during the song..she almost did, she gave amanda her phone to hold but then chickened out. The whole bar started yelling at her to dance but she couldn't...too shy. She told him in front of everyone that she'll dance for him at the patry during Jazz fest :) He said "it's a deal". We'll see ...maybe by Tuesday she'll be more comfortable. I have a feeling John won't forget though. Sam and Amanda are officially in love with John Boutte. So cool. I was a bit worried that his music was too old, quiet, boring for
them (they're 18).....I went up to them at the bar 1/2 way through and asked them if they were liking it, they said "oh yeah, it's perfect, he's amazing, we love him!!" I love that they get 'it'! Now they are ridiculously excited for fest and to be back in NOLA.

John's excited for the patry too. His final song was "when the saints go marching in" and Saturn and I started a second line with everyone waving their cocktail napkins in the air. It was AWESOME!!!! We had a blast and the girls were BESIDE themselves with excitement to be back in New Orleans in 56 days. What a magical, kismet evening!

[pokerchick66]

That was freaking awesome, Corona. Last night must have been a good night for mothers and daughters cuz we had one, too. lol, there is a lunar eclipse tonight. Maybe that's it.

Speaking of, I don't want anybody to miss this. It looks really freaking cool:

http://cbs13.com/topstories/topstories_story_062111041.html

While eastern Australia, Alaska and New Zealand will miss Saturday's show, they will have front row seats to the next total lunar eclipse, on Aug. 28.

[Amy Winette]

Awww, that is so nice of Mr. Potter!!

My stepdad, when he was a dinker (he's sober now) was one of Silver Oak's bestest customers and whenever they had a release he'd go up and take family and friends to buy some too for him (as they restrict how much one person can buy) . . . hence we have quite the collection at my parents' house.

He doesn't dink it any longer, but he'll break out a bottle for special occasions and holidays. He's mostly got '98-'01 vintages, and I've got a bottle of a '98, that I'm saving for something special.

I've been SOOOOOO tempted to break it open, but I've been very, very good kitten and haven't! :D

You'll know when the time is right to break it open girlie! Probably a special occasion with Den Bear :)

Lis, the show sounds GREAT and I love Sammie & Amanda getting it :)

[Blue Dog]

Great question! Everyone has already said what I think about "gettin' it." But I would only add what either Danny Barker or it might have been wife, Blue Lu said in a song. "Dem dat know, know dat day know and dem dat don't know, don't know day don't know."

[ozzie]

That was freaking awesome, Corona. Last night must have been a good night for mothers and daughters cuz we had one, too. lol, there is a lunar eclipse tonight. Maybe that's it.

Speaking of, I don't want anybody to miss this. It looks really freaking cool:

http://cbs13.com/topstories/topstories_story_062111041.html

While eastern Australia, Alaska and New Zealand will miss Saturday's show, they will have front row seats to the next total lunar eclipse, on Aug. 28.

You had the eclipse and we had the biggest and brightest full moon!

Corona, sounds like a magical night.

[stlbarb]

missing dna? ;)

but which is missing the DNA - the ones who get it or the ones who don't? :rolleyes:

i have never understood the allure of Bourbon street.

i'm not so sure its that i get jazzfest, its more that it gets me.

[stlbarb]

I've never been and I so get it - it's my husband that I'm worried about. He loves music, but hates to be uncomfortable. Hates hot muggy weather - has a bad back - hates crowds - doesn't drink - you get the picture. He is self employed and works most weekends, so he hasn't committed 100%. I just may ditch him and bring some girlfriends - hee hee.

does he like look at pretty women? always plenty of eye candy to keep the boys amused. (there's plenty of visuals for us girls too).

there are ways to stay cool and avoid crowds at fest. we set up in a shady area by the fais do do stage. you can see & hear and not too crowded. usually room for another chair or two in our camp. its a base camp, we head off to other stages from it.
you can avoid the crowds by staying further back from the stage for the most popular acts. i would suggest avoiding acura stage after 2pm if you really cannot tolerate crowds.
there's AC inside the clubhouse.
husband could skip a day at fest- there's lots of things to do in NOLA solo.

[stlbarb]

Well, I didn't really get it the first two times I went but the third time it struck me. I think it's just a love of music. Music is so powerful and emotional. It's big.

When I try to think back and remember what it was exactly about the third time that grabbed me. First, it was the unbelievable music and show that Chaka Kahn and Earth, Wind & Fire put on (Lenny Kravitz made a special appearance). Second, it was the happy, beautiful vibe that was prevalent all throughout the crowd. Everybody was so happy and friendly and easygoing. Strangers were passing joints down the line. Everybody was just dancing and jamming their butts off.

Last, but not least, the crawfish bread. :)

yup. crowdgasms. that huge energy that comes off the crowd during a show and makes every molecule in your body tingle.

[stlbarb]

As one who "gets it", it is sometimes hard to understand why anyone wouldn't. However, I remember 2 years ago, there was a poster to the board from Michigan (can't remember the handle) who was very enthusiastic pre-fest, but admitted after that the crowds and the waiting lines, etc. were just too much and that she wouldn't be coming back again.

maybe you also need to be just slightly crazy. :p

[stlbarb]

I don't get it.

did you mean:

i don't get it often enough?

[stlbarb]

Here's a corollary question - I wonder what percentage of folks at the Fest on any given day "Get it"? You can look around and out among the crowds, and just see blank stares or actual unhappiness on a few faces. You don't want to be harsh, but you want to go up to them and say "If you're not having fun here, try another stage, another part of town, another festival - don't make yourself crazy by staying here!". There is too much great stuff out there to experience that if Jazz Fest ain't doin' it for ya, find something better! There are also always those who come for a specific act, and don't bother to check out the rest of the Fest for whatever reason - they won't get it.

My guess is maybe 50% of the people there are having fun and may return one day, but don't really "get it" like we do. Maybe 20% of attendees on any given day "get it" although probably less than 5% are as dedicated to it as we are - which may explain why we don't "get" that some people don't "get it".

NOLA's psychobabble for the day now turned "off"...

i rarely see people not having fun. lots of fun. sometimes they look tired or would rather not be standing in the food, bathroom, beer line, but they dont look like they're on a forced march.
considering how many show up on really crappy weather days, i think itw way more than 20%.

[pokerchick66]

maybe you also need to be just slightly crazy. :p

Ding, ding, ding . . . another winner!

[scojo]

I guess we are all just different. I for one don't "get" the game of golf. I've tried it.....just not my thing. I guess that's the way JF is for some folks.

My first wife didn't get JF.....so she had to go. Just kidding it was a little more than that....lol

Thank God my wife now does get it. We both agree that there is nothing in the world that compares to JF. For us it is the culture, the music, the food the good vibe etc.

But even for all of us who do "get it" I think it is for alot of different reasons. For me one of the coolest things is how that many people can be together at a "concert" type setting and not have one single fight. I'm sure over all these years there have been one or two....but I have never personally seen one. What I have seen time and time again is people of all ages, colors and religions enjoying the music, the food, the outdoors and most of all each other. I always leave the jazzfest with a feeling of hope for the future.

[linza22]

i love that chill that runs through my body when the temps are pushing 100 degrees and i have goose bumps; i love that moment on the bus back to the french quarter when i think 'what is that smell?'..and it's me..all that hot spicy food, cold beer and 100 degree weather running through my veins; i love that my eye's mist over when i feel the music and feel the energy from the folks standing around me. it's what makes us all different. it's what makes us all the same. it's simply magic.

[Michelino]

I'm a little late to this thread, but I must say that I enjoyed reading it. And maybe because it did stray a little into the elitist direction with a little of "we get it because we're cool and they're not" vibe and then kinda righted itself. For awhile, it was looking bad here for ole Bourbon Street..in fact I was going along with it..remembering those recent visits where I was thinking that a late night on Bourbon is getting to resemble a mean old frat boy fest...but then I remember my honeymoon at the Royal Sonesta, with doors flung open onto the balcony and in came the breeze and the sound of Bryan Lee and the Jump Street Five coming up from the Old Absinthe House (My God! Mango Mango, what hast thou done!) ...and waiting in line at Galatoires sweating with my suit on just thinking about how good my first taste of that shrimp remoulade that I had read about in a guide book ten years ago was gonna be when some street person comes up to bum money and a smoke and eventually gives me the scoop on waiting for the Lucky Dog Guy to dump his cart at the end of the day. "I'll eat his chili", he said "But I don't eat the frankfurters because you never what they put in those". Ah I thought, here's a homeless guy with a little bit of the elitist in him...Of course I liked him...just as I like walking down to the Washing Well to pick up my laundry early enough in the day that French Quarter is just coming alive. And. oh yeah, that my favorite part of Bourbon is that it's only one street over from Royal. Now THAT"S an elitist

But back to fest and why some get it. I know why I get it. And it ain't because I'm an elitist...(in fact I am one of those...at least much as a lifelong lone wolf can be...See I'm distrusting of the judgment of any group larger than about five or six people...and certainly, just like Groucho, any group that would offer me membership...so let's say I have a real fondness for strays as well the urban lifestyle and I stay the hell away from malls and I WILL run from guys who jump out of white vans with very large butterfly nets...more on this later)

I get it because I got it and what I got is a disease...something like Malaria...in the dark months of the year it actually makes me physically ache so bad that I know I have to return to New Orleans and to Jazz Fest to get a temporary cure...and when I get to fest its where I can really play the elitist card by ignoring most of the BNAs just to go see the New Leviathan Oriental Fox Trot Orchestra or perhaps suffer that oh so elegant elitist pain when listening to the finest set that the Wynton Marsalis septet ever threw down while all the while having a trace of a nervous tick because regardless how good the music is I know I'm still missing the New Orleans Klezmer All-stars at Fais Do Do. Then there is the food...and how the fight against that most elitist of all Jazz fest treats: Crawfish Monica, brought me to another New Orleans chat board where I met the guy who left Jazz Fest last year with one of those little cards they hand you when you've paid your money at the SoftShell Crab Po Boy booth that simply says "Crab"..and how he pulls it from his wallet and stares at it during the rest of year. Why some of you would dare to call that man an ELITIST...well I tell you that actually you should marvel at the man with the crab card in his wallet because he is ...a hero!

[Leni]

How anyone could misconstrue "getting" the fest as elitist, non-inclusive, etc. is beyond me. I don't "get" why people like to eat snails, run marathons, rock climb up a mountain, swim the English channel, and things of that nature. Different things appeal to different people. It's interesting to know what it is that attracts people to certain things, like, in this case, Jazzfest. Period. End of story.

[mymecca]

that JF brings on the permagrins...for each and everyone of us that sport them, from start to finish...rarely does your face hurt from smilin too much...yegads! can there be such a thang?...i think not...

and that rubs off on everybody...crowdgasms...good word barb :0)

[Corona]

That was awesome Michelino!

Mymecca- exactly and yyr, crowdgasms is exactly what it is! :)

[NYMAMA]

I get it because I got it and what I got is a disease...something like Malaria...in the dark months of the year it actually makes me physically ache so bad that I know I have to return to New Orleans and to Jazz Fest to get a temporary cure...and when I get to fest its where I can really play the elitist card by ignoring most of the BNAs just to go see the New Leviathan Oriental Fox Trot Orchestra or perhaps suffer that oh so elegant elitist pain when listening to the finest set that the Wynton Marsalis septet ever threw down while all the while having a trace of a nervous tick because regardless how good the music is I know I'm still missing the New Orleans Klezmer All-stars at Fais Do Do. Then there is the food...and how the fight against that most elitist of all Jazz fest treats: Crawfish Monica, brought me to another New Orleans chat board where I met the guy who left Jazz Fest last year with one of those little cards they hand you when you've paid your money at the SoftShell Crab Po Boy booth that simply says "Crab"..and how he pulls it from his wallet and stares at it during the rest of year. Why some of you would dare to call that man an ELITIST...well I tell you that actually you should marvel at the man with the crab card in his wallet because he is ...a hero!

Thats it! The pain and the glory. Luv Ya Mich.

[csoul]

i love that chill that runs through my body when the temps are pushing 100 degrees and i have goose bumps; i love that moment on the bus back to the french quarter when i think 'what is that smell?'..and it's me..all that hot spicy food, cold beer and 100 degree weather running through my veins; i love that my eye's mist over when i feel the music and feel the energy from the folks standing around me. it's what makes us all different. it's what makes us all the same. it's simply magic.

Some of the greatest conversations I've ever had have started on the bus ride back from Fest with people who are complete strangers at the beginning of the ride and soul mates at the end. (I've always just assumed "that smell" was Mr. Soul. This year I'll have to check and see if it's me. Never thought of that;}

[stlbarb]

Some of the greatest conversations I've ever had have started on the bus ride back from Fest with people who are complete strangers at the beginning of the ride and soul mates at the end. (I've always just assumed "that smell" was Mr. Soul. This year I'll have to check and see if it's me. Never thought of that;}

the morning after her day a fest, i overheard a women phoning her friends back home, and in this lovely drawl she said "I met so many new best friends and fiance's". she got it.

we have 'suggested daily minimums' for fest that include commiting 1 random act of kindness (not to be revealed or it does not count) and making 3 new friends. you don't even have to know your new friends names (yet), its just someone you would defintely stop to talk with again.

[chicagomike]

So anyway, what is this Jazzfest thing? When is it happening? Is it open to the public?

[glinda]

the morning after her day a fest, i overheard a women phoning her friends back home, and in this lovely drawl she said "I met so many new best friends and fiance's". she got it.

we have 'suggested daily minimums' for fest that include commiting 1 random act of kindness (not to be revealed or it does not count) and making 3 new friends. you don't even have to know your new friends names (yet), its just someone you would defintely stop to talk with again.

Love the one random act of kindness per day...hmmm.... maybe I'll expand that to one random act of kindness or kind act of zaniness just for fun. Let's see... some ideas might be...

Give someone a taste of your food
Hand a stranger a beer or mango freeze
Walk up and give a stranger a kiss on the cheek (that happened to me last year)
Curtsey or bow to someone
More ideas?

[saturn]

Love the one random act of kindness per day...hmmm.... maybe I'll expand that to one random act of kindness or kind act of zaniness just for fun. Let's see... some ideas might be...

Give someone a taste of your food
Hand a stranger a beer or mango freeze
Walk up and give a stranger a kiss on the cheek (that happened to me last year)
Curtsey or bow to someone
More ideas?

Let someone go ahead of you at the porta-potties when they look like they really need to.

[funkkjunkie]

share your chair.
share extra iced coffee coupons. don't drink it myself but when they had the cpns(I'm not sure they were availablle last year), I would give away a few as i passed their booth.
Print extra grids and share them.
Give someone who is looking longingly at your insert your food herecochondulait poboy a bite.
Hug a fest worker.
I got a kiss last year too, glinda!

[Orleansnj]

YYR about the grids - one year many years ago the little grids with the holder that were given out by Liuzza's ran out....just as I was gettin' myself there (yes, I was running behind) and this nice lady just walked up to me as I was walking toward the gate and said
"here honey - you NEED one of these - how are you ever gonna figure out what you want to see without it?" - it was so funny - but SOOOO cool.

[VWGal]

I have to get the grids in the neck holder, have only wanted one for four years! I don't think the TP is making them anymore. :(

[Zydekitten]

...and how the fight against that most elitist of all Jazz fest treats: Crawfish Monica, brought me to another New Orleans chat board where I met the guy who left Jazz Fest last year with one of those little cards they hand you when you've paid your money at the SoftShell Crab Po Boy booth that simply says "Crab"..and how he pulls it from his wallet and stares at it during the rest of year. Why some of you would dare to call that man an ELITIST...well I tell you that actually you should marvel at the man with the crab card in his wallet because he is ...a hero!

Somehow I just KNEW that our good friend (and missed of late) Michelino's post would get 'round to the whole Crawfish Monica vs. Crab debate - sheesh!

Just accept that CM is THE tasty Fest delight for the masses and that the people have spoken on that issue. :D ;)

[Zydekitten]

I have to get the grids in the neck holder, have only wanted one for four years! I don't think the TP is making them anymore. :(
Hey, VWGal - I think I might have a spare one from years' back that I can send you (or bring you at Fest)!!!

[Orleansnj]

I have to get the grids in the neck holder, have only wanted one for four years! I don't think the TP is making them anymore. :(

They didn't have them last year.....but that is understandable....

[Zydekitten]

share your chair.
share extra iced coffee coupons. don't drink it myself but when they had the cpns(I'm not sure they were availablle last year), I would give away a few as i passed their booth.
Print extra grids and share them.
Give someone who is looking longingly at your insert your food herecochondulait poboy a bite.
Hug a fest worker.
I got a kiss last year too, glinda!
Share your sunscreen.
Share your shade.
Offer a spritz of a water spray bottle (if you have one).

[Lester_leaps_in]

Liuzza's??? Is Liuzza's inside the fairgrounds, or without?

[Orleansnj]

it's outside the fairgrounds - on the way to the gates into the jazz fest...

it's actually located at 1518 north lopez street

[Lester_leaps_in]

Thank you. I love the responsiveness of the bored members.

[Michelino]

Just accept that CM is THE tasty Fest delight for the masses and that the people have spoken on that issue. :D ;)

uh...actually...you might want to ask for a recount (http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?t=622)..cause as it turned out when the people spoke THE real winner was Cochon de lait.

Although that wasn't really my point...which kinda of disappeared with the coming of daylight anyway.

[Zydekitten]

uh...actually...you might want to ask for a recount (http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?t=622)..cause as it turned out when the people spoke THE real winner was Cochon du lait.

Although that wasn't really my point...which kinda of disappeared with the coming of daylight anyway.

True, ma cher Michelino :D . . .

But as Team Softshell seems to have a particular ax to grind against Crawfish Monica - I felt honorbound to speak up for it ;) (I tease because I love!)

[Amy Winette]

Yeah, it wasn't really the pigs that won, it was the disgruntled crabs backing the piggies that took out our beloved crawfish monica!!

[Michelino]

Yeah, it wasn't really the pigs that won, it was the disgruntled crabs backing the piggies that took out our beloved crawfish monica!!

Oh c'mon, there might have been a little of this (http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i193/Michelino/Misc/SuperCochon.jpg)...but that succulent pig sammitch really won...well just because meat always wins here in America.

Unless it's up against David's bread, of course.

[ohio]

Somehow I just KNEW that our good friend (and missed of late) Michelino's post would get 'round to the whole Crawfish Monica vs. Crab debate - sheesh!

Just accept that CM is THE tasty Fest delight for the masses and that the people have spoken on that issue. :D ;)
NEVER!

[ohio]

Oh c'mon, there might have been a little of this (http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i193/Michelino/Misc/SuperCochon.jpg)...but that succulent pig sammitch really won...well just because meat always wins here in America.

Unless it's up against David's bread, of course.
You kill me!

[ohio]

Yeah, it wasn't really the pigs that won, it was the disgruntled crabs backing the piggies that took out our beloved crawfish monica!!
http://www.licenseplatesonline.com/images/03/03-0499.jpg

[Corona]

Liuzza's??? Is Liuzza's inside the fairgrounds, or without?
Liuzza's is very, very fun and where a ton of people meet up before walking into the Savage St. Entrance. It's a nice meet and greet plus they have great bloody mary's as well as frozen mango daquiri's with an extra rum floater :)
Check it out Lester! There's also a Liuzza's cam and you can people to put it on their puter and then you can wave to them in front of it. It's very cool!

[funkkjunkie]

I'm a true supporter of the cochondulait and glad to see superman is on our side.

[steeleye]

Liuzza's is very, very fun and where a ton of people meet up before walking into the Savage St. Entrance. It's a nice meet and greet plus they have great bloody mary's as well as frozen mango daquiri's with an extra rum floater :)
Check it out Lester! There's also a Liuzza's cam and you can people to put it on their puter and then you can wave to them in front of it. It's very cool!

Liuzza's is a must. I'm not usually a fan of Bloody Mary's, but let me tell 'ya, they have the bomb. And it's served with a pickled green bean and some pickled cocktail onions so that I can convince myself that the whole thing is good for me. Kinda of like the five basic food groups thing. A trip there is the perfect introduction to JF.

[NeenAtlanta]

I have to get the grids in the neck holder, have only wanted one for four years! I don't think the TP is making them anymore. :(

Actually, that's the cubes in the neck holder given away outside Liuzza's.

[McGregor]

Can anyone tell a newcomer to Luizza's where exactly it is in relation to the FG's?

the mention of mango daquiri's and bloody mary's around noon have peaked my interest (doesn't take much over here!)

[ibjamn]

Can anyone tell a newcomer to Luizza's where exactly it is in relation to the FG's?

the mention of mango daquiri's and bloody mary's around noon have peaked my interest (doesn't take much over here!)

Ok McGregor, if you're standing in front of the main JF gate on Gentilly blvd, turn left, then turn right down the first street.
Walk a few blocks (sorry this isn't more precise) till you reach the Sauvage St. entrance of JF. Then ask anyone, "Where is Liuzza's"?
Liuzza's is within 4blks of that entrance at 1518 N. Lopez, just 2 blocks off Esplanade.

(Are you confused yet?) :)

[funkkjunkie]

Liuzzas is just a block off esplanade down n. lopez. The bus stop and taxi stand are just down esplanade from that intersection. If you mapquest 1518 n lopez, you can see the fairgrounds to the north of liuzzas. On that side of the fairgrounds(FG)is the sauvage entrance. Just about 4 blocks from liuzzas. If you enter there, you come in between the jazz tent and the contemporary crafts. That's if the configuration of the fg hasn't changed.

[ibjamn]

Liuzzas is just a block off esplanade down n. lopez. The bus stop and taxi stand are just down esplanade from that intersection. If you mapquest 1518 n lopez, you can see the fairgrounds to the north of liuzzas. On that side of the fairgrounds(FG)is the sauvage entrance. Just about 4 blocks from liuzzas. If you enter there, you come in between the jazz tent and the contemporary crafts. That's if the configuration of the fg hasn't changed.

Thanks, Kinderkitti, that's a better description! :)

[McGregor]

I think you both! I'll check it out for sure!

[ibjamn]

I think you both! I'll check it out for sure!

I "think" you too, boo! http://forums.randi.org/images/smilies/dancingsquares/Dancing_biggrin.gif
Meet us at Liuzza's or at Ms. Lena's beer tent! (Times will be posted after the cubes come out!)

[pokerchick66]

I "think" you too, boo! http://forums.randi.org/images/smilies/dancingsquares/Dancing_biggrin.gif
Meet us at Liuzza's or at Ms. Lena's beer tent! (Times will be posted after the cubes come out!)

Whenever that may be.

/gathers more crawfish for Chris.

;)

[chrisjoseph]

ouch.

[rosetree]

Liuzzas is just a block off esplanade down n. lopez. The bus stop and taxi stand are just down esplanade from that intersection. If you mapquest 1518 n lopez, you can see the fairgrounds to the north of liuzzas. On that side of the fairgrounds(FG)is the sauvage entrance. Just about 4 blocks from liuzzas. If you enter there, you come in between the jazz tent and the contemporary crafts. That's if the configuration of the fg hasn't changed.

Let's see if this works for the more visual people;)
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=1518%20N%20Lopez%20St&city=New%20Orleans&state=LA&zipcode=70119%2d3029&country=US&geodiff=1

[VWGal]

It took me three fests to find Luizza's but it was worth the wait. Now I think it's the only way to start fest! I haven't had a cab driver yet that didn't know where it was, or ask them to take you to the Sauvage gate and it's likely you'll see it on the way. Gotta say it, Luizza's bloodys are fantastic!

[pokerchick66]

What makes them so good, VW?

[VWGal]

Well for me, it's the perfect combo of the pickled bean, just the right amount of spice and lots of ice. I'm weird, I like lots of ice in a drink. Except for wine and martini's that is. :D

[pokerchick66]

So they're just made good.

That mango thing with the rum floater sounds good, too. :)

I must check out Liuzza's this year. That is gonna be one of my JF things I've not done yet. That and volunteer for Ms. Lena's. And I know there was something else I wanted to do . . .oh yea, lagniappes!

[sophisticated sissy]

...since this is the JF bored..I picked Nola....I know I'm being bitchy but I hate when things get twisted :(

ah,c'mon. corona...You're cute when you're mad!:p :D

I guess there are people who can't enjoy the food, music, fellowship and insanity that is Jazzfest because of foot blisters, sunburn, parched lips, dust in their eyes, mud squishing between their toes, or having to actually wait in line for the privilege of relieving oneself in a blue room. Face it...it's nothing like watching a DVD of a concert in the comfort of your own living room.

To those I say, Maybe You Shoould Try To Get Out A Little More Often, Honey.
I think quite possibly that the only thing wrong with Jazz Fest is that it falls on the same date as the Kentucky Derby. Sometimes it is a little hard for me to put those beautiful horses running at Churchill Downs out of my mind.:)

There is virtually something for every music lover at The Fest. But, for example, just because my friend doesn't like blackberry cobbler, which I happen to love, doesn't mean much to me. Mmmmm...it just means there is more for me!!! I know. It does sound very sefish.

Like Irma Thomas says in her song "Stone Survivor", "If you just don't get it, there's no school that can teach it..."

Anyway, I think you should just check your expectations at the fairgrounds gate every day, be in the moment, and have a good time.


It's been fun & interesting reading all the responses to the topic. Good choice, corona.

[Corona]

thanks sweetie!!!

[csoul]

So they're just made good.

That mango thing with the rum floater sounds good, too. :)

I must check out Liuzza's this year. That is gonna be one of my JF things I've not done yet. That and volunteer for Ms. Lena's. And I know there was something else I wanted to do . . .oh yea, lagniappes!

Me too, Poker. I also HAVE yet to make it LMF. That's on my list fer sure this year. (Last year my goal was to make it to Cafe' DuMonde. Whew, that was NOT what I expected!)

[NYMAMA]

Me too, Poker. I also HAVE yet to make it LMF. That's on my list fer sure this year. (Last year my goal was to make it to Cafe' DuMonde. Whew, that was NOT what I expected!)

There are soooo many new things I want to experience this year. By finiding this wonderful forum and all the helpful threadheads my list just goes on and on
TH patry
Luizzas
new resturants
night shows
meet ups

I can't wait!
I wish it was this weekend.

[funkkjunkie]

Wait! Not this weekend! I'm not packed yet!

[BigDag]

I love to get to Liuzza's early, the very first Friday; 10 AM or so. I'll set up my chair, enjoy the morning sun, watch the festers as they walk by... a bloody mary please, aw heck, why not a double... browse thru Offbeat... call envious friends on the cell and wave to them from the webcam... meet a Threadhead or two... one more bloody please... check the cubes just one more time... sweet anticipation...

[dank_bass]

Hey Now Dank--- Death of the Blues is one of my favorite "newer" Radiators tunes; the lyrics are inspired, and Camilles' jam at the end of the song is always a hoodoo throwdown. Look forward to hearing it played live at a Rads show during Fest!!! Matthew--- By the way we must have similar tastes in music, as the line from "Black Throated Wind" is (I think) one of Barlow/Weirs' best compositions.

So great minds DO think alike!