Whats your most spiritually uplifting fest moment?

[jhjpotter]

This is an easy one for me, as this is the only time I've ever cried like a third grader along with 40,000 other grown adults. Hands down, when the church of Bruce was in session at last year's fest, I've never felt a greater culmination of music, situation, people, and deeper meaning than when bruce and his seeger sessions band finished the first weekend of the first post thing fest with a subdued, yet eerily powerful version of "When the Saints Go Marching In". Thanks to MdFest for the great spot in front of acura.

[Carolina Beadhead]

I know I've posted this before, but it's special because it was my first Jazz Fest Moment:

2nd Sunday , '02:

Sitting at the back of the crowd at the Fais Do Do stage, listening to the cajun music of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, it struck me that here was a widely diverse group of people who probably never would have never ended up at the same place at the same time any place else but Jazz Fest. From where I sat I could see cowboys, goth chicks, old bikers, yuppies, babyboomers, phishheads, little kids, frat boys... young, old, black, white... tall, short, fat, thin... all smiling, all dancing... all there because of the music. That's when I understood the true meaning of a "Jazz Fest Moment".

[rosetree]

...you mean besides my first taste of Prejean's wild game gumbo o so many years ago..mine is recent also
It was this past year also. On Friday morning at 10:00 before the gates opened, I stood on the infield and looked around me. IT WAS REALLY GOING TO HAPPEN! After all the crap that we had gone through, Jazz Fest was starting. We had a chance to show the world that we could be knocked to our knees, but we could still get up and give a good fight. We could show the world the talent musically, artistically, and culinary that permeates the city and the region. We would have our chance to shine!...and it felt great!

[PaulC]

I don't like to rank my memories, because my glorious years of being a traveling single man who tasted the world and all it's delights might elbow out my last 20 years of wedded bliss, but my finest moment at the fest probably came somewhere inside the fest grounds during any one of the last ten gatherings that celebrate most of what I find best about life..... It may have been generated by the food, the music, some fellow festers, most likely the perfect culmination of all three with a rare cool breeze or perfect Florida water spritzer thrown in... An overall fine balance of all those natural stimulants were there I can assure you of that....

If you measure such moments by having your spine thrown into a tingle spasm,.. there was this one moment some 3-4 years ago, maybe 5,.. where my wife and I,.. along with a one of the worlds finest peeps,.. a veteran of many a fest named Jill,.. who happens to hail from down under but has a knowledge of New Orleans that is second to very few,.. sat quietly (not an easy task for me) listening to Topsy Chapman do her thing on stage accompanied by two of her daughters... Something about that moment with young and old blending perfectly,.. was just perfect... My spine decided to do the electric boogie...

[Blitzzzzz]

My Fest moment would have to be when I got sucked into one of the Fairgrounds Second Lines! I had always ignored them as kind of artificial and "for the tourists." I was standing by the grandstands when the parade went by and I got caught in the swirl. Next thing I knew I was directly behind the band, a group entirely composed of Jr. High School girls and thier male teacher who was playing the bass drum. The effect was immediate and almost hypnotic and before I knew it I was dancing along with the crowd completely captivated by the beat and the blare of the band. At one point, I looked over and saw one of my krewe, a world class jazz drummer who was at his first fest with one of his kids on his shoulders and a smile as big as could be who shouted "This is the Sh*t!!" and indeed it was!
By the end of the parade it took about 20 minutes to come down. If you've never thrown yourself into one of those parades, you don't know what you're missing!:cool:

[Fables of Faubus]

that's part of the magic of New Orleans, isn't it? One time I was there during Daze Between and I took a stroll over to Congo Square.

I was just hanging out, and the next thing I knew, I was in the middle of a Voodoo parade. I was invited to join the ceremony and procession. They even let me help carry the Earth banner. We had an N.O.P.D. MC escort and we paraded through the French Quarter, throwing beads to all the people on the sidewalks.

It was not what I thought I had planned for the day at all, but it is something I will never forget.

[bluesgirl]

I've told this story before, but...

The first day of the fest last year, I was waiting in line for the shuttle from the park and a woman was beside me. She and 3 of her children had lost their homes in Lakeview. She told me about the stuff that had happened during the storm and after, and then about coming back into NOLA in October. She was wearing a string of very pretty beads with a fleurs-des-lis on them. She took them off and gave them to me as we were getting on the bus. She told me that they are salvage beads from her house. I almost cried when she gave them to me. Every time I look at them, I remember.

[eat_mo_crawfish]

This year when we worked the ZDC beer tent. Barry and Nance and Heidi and I arrived at about 10 or so and were let in the back gate. Walking through the Fairgrounds from the stables to the beer tent with virtually no one there was surreal. After we set up, we went to get food. The vendors were open a bit early for the volunteers and workers and were handing out cochon de lait po boys the size of footballs and smiling, talking, everyone just so damned happy that it was actually going down. It was just a great feeling, seeing all the folks who worked so hard to make it happen and hoping our little assistance at the tent was contributing.

[Carolina Beadhead]

This year when we worked the ZDC beer tent. Barry and Nance and Heidi and I arrived at about 10 or so and were let in the back gate. Walking through the Fairgrounds from the stables to the beer tent with virtually no one there was surreal. After we set up, we went to get food. The vendors were open a bit early for the volunteers and workers and were handing out cochon de lait po boys the size of footballs and smiling, talking, everyone just so damned happy that it was actually going down. It was just a great feeling, seeing all the folks who worked so hard to make it happen and hoping our little assistance at the tent was contributing.

Coming through the gate the first day of fest and rounding the corner to see the ZDC tent full of happy, smiling faces hawking beer... and Ms Lena beaming in the back. :)

[Rossvegas]

I simply can't select ONE spiritually uplifting moment; there have been SO many. That said, here are a few of my favourites...

1. Bruce's set last year. Notwithstanding the sea of Acura car salesmen and their yuppie wives I was embedded with at the very front of the stage, this set was probably the best set of music I've ever experienced. Ever.

2. The Nevilles last song, every year. Almost every year, you'll find me right in front of the rear PA stack near the dirt track at the Acura Stage. I stand in front of the PA, close my eyes and tilt my head back as the strains of Bob Marley's "One Love" wash over me. When I open my eyes, there's this glorious sea of happy humanity and brightly coloured flags that appears before me, and I know that at THAT very moment, there is simply no better place on the entire planet to be...period.

3. Aaron Neville and the Zion Harmonizers in the Gospel Tent. Long before Aaron starting singing along to canned music to throngs of MOR fans, he used to get up and join the Zion Harmonizers onstage for some REAL gospel singing. The first time I ever stumbled into it (it wasn't listed on the grids), he did a version of "Ave Maria" that buckled my knees. I looked around the tent, and everyone was either on their knees, on their seats or on their way to heaven...unreal.

4. McDonough School #35 Choir, Gospel Tent. This set happened this past year and I bawled my eyes out the entire time. There were 50-60 beautiful kids, all of who had recently returned to NOLA, singing their hearts out like never before. Their voices were defiant, they were powerful...and if anyone EVER had any doubts about the spirit and the tenacity of New Orleaneans' ability to rebound fron adversity, all they had to do is sit through that set to get a glimpse into the future. Unreal.

Jazzfest 1996. This was my first pilgrimage to Jazzfest and I went with my sister Rhonda. One of the acts (perhaps the Neville Bros?) was doing a kickass version of an old Sly and the Family Stone song. As Rhonda and I danced, we looked at each other and mouthed the words: "Thank you for letting me be myself again..." That one line has pretty much summed up my sentiments about every single moment of every Jazzfest since...

[dstempo]

Allman Brothers, 1996 JF, playing "Jessica".....

[Corona]

My first fest '04 and my first time in the gospel tent with my cousin Linda. Sitting there quietly, taking it all in and after about 5 minutes we looked at eachother and both of us had tears streaming down our cheeks......we got "it" at the same time and I'll never forget that moment and how full my heart was.

Next fav. fest moment was last day of fest '05 with my T-head brothers and sisters closing out the Nevilles. We had been together all weekend, put on an amazing patry and now it was time to say good-bye. The sun was shining, the temps were perfect, the Neville's were jamming and all of us grooving together. My heart swelled, goosebumps all over and then the tears came...big time. Sobbing in some of my T-head's arms not wanting to say good-bye. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever felt and the love and happiness that day was pure magic :)

Next would be when Ms. Lena gave us volunteers a talk before her booth opened that day. She talked about how the booth would never have happened without us this year and what it meant to the Zulu's that we were there to help them. I lost it....working that morning was beautiful and one of my favorite 4 hours of fest this year :D

[Fables of Faubus]

That's beautiful, corona.:)

[Corona]

tanks babeee! It sure was :)

[aardy90210]

two experiences come to my immediate mind...the first happened my first year at the fest (2002)...it was sunday, and I had been up most of the evening prior enjoying myself at a late night rads show at tips...i was kinda sad that the party was coming to an end, and was basically wandering around the fest checking out some of the places I hadnt been to yet. I came upon the economy hall tent, and stuck my head inside...i dont remember the old brass band that was playing, but they were really going at some old rag time jazz. I looked out on the little dance floor and saw people of all ages, races, sexes, etc out there dancing with each other. as i looked out at the old women with their umbrellas and the young hippies without their shoes, i realized exactly what jazzfest is about. i just kinda stood there and before i knew it i got kinda misty over the whole thing...it was just so beautiful. needless to say i have been back every year since, and will be there every year until i die.

the second experience happened last year during the hot8 show at the festival grounds...i had been listening to a lot of hot8 leading up to last years fest, and had fallen in particular love with a song they wrote in tribute to their fallen member, shotgun joe. i was watching hot 8 and really feeling it, and while they werent playing the song i had in mind, i could hear various players in the band riffing off of the "shotgun joe" tune throughout the show, and it was really touching to me. it was almost like they were reppin' their homeboy throughout the whole show, playing a certain riff that reminded them of when he used to stand by them and blow that horn. so thats jazzfest crying experience #2. amazing stuff.

on the flip side i have also come years where i havent had any "jazzfest moments" outside of the typical partying...its almost like going to see the dead back in the day...you dont get THAT SHOW every show, but if you go to enough you will certainly get it.

jazz fest rules.

bourbon makes me babble.

[ozzie]

jazz fest rules.

bourbon makes me babble.

Great tales and I'm so pleased to learn that the bourbon babble is more widespread than just in my joint! :D

I have always loved the 'moment' stories and read them over and over... sometimes teary and often smiling. Keep 'em coming!

[ozzie]

And let's just hope that aardy90210's moggie and Grisgris' cat never procreate! Although... from a lifestyle point of view it's looking pretty bloody good!

[Corona]

lol Ozzie!!!
aardy- thanks for sharing some real touching JF moments. There's nothing like it anywhere....especially watching people from all walks of life getting down together, in peace :)

[mightyradgumbo]

The Beer tent was definitely a highlight for me. that is, working the beer tent LOL I was on first day, first shift and I got to the FG very early as I had not been there in sometime. Just watching the activity and feeling the buzz in the air, I knew something special was afoot. I met Ron and ZydeKitty and a couple of others for the first time as I had only been a TH for a few months. I then went to the booth and we got our orders from Ms. Lena and then Zydekitty and I strolled the fairgrounds checking out the vending booths and all the while thinking-they pulled it off, JF was here and as Fred said singing with Cowboy Mouth that day "No matter how difficult things get, New Orleans lets it go!" and boy did they ever that day. Then I thougt to myself, this is only Day 1. :D

[Corona]

man, that's a great story gumbo....love it :)

[funkkjunkie]

First fest-1998-Went early to blukat's home in slidell to meet up as he was going to be my fest guide that day. Arrived at liuzza's in time for a bloody and was one of the first thru the gates. Seeing Keb Mo at the blues stage gave me chills all over. I was filled with joy, and even more so when I turned to see my new friends neen and big joe enjoying keb just behind me!

Fest 06-bunches of THs gathered together at the 2nd biggest stage-it's been sprint and la heritage. maybe it was soco this year. What a day at that stage-PGF, Big Sam, James Andrews, Rebirth, Meters. Doing one of my favorite moves at fest-turning slowly as the music fills the air and taking in all the happy, happy peeps everywhere.

[steffie]

2006 Fondest memory:
I was bummed because my friend backed out on me and I went alone. I wondered around the 1st day and went to the Bob Dylan set and scored the last seat next to my great new friends Karmen and Thom. They posed a question: Dave Matthews or Etta James tomorrow. I said Etta, they said let's catch her tonight at the HOB. Only 1 catch they had tickets. I didn't. But, the Fest gods smiled on me. I went to the HOB found out the venue was sold out, but there was a great couple who had an extra ticket and sold it to me at face value. We hung out all night and we have met up in Phoenix, California, Chicago, and VooDoo fest. What I'm trying to say is my best memory is the reality of my new friends!!!!

[Corona]

2006 Fondest memory:
I was bummed because my friend backed out on me and I went alone. I wondered around the 1st day and went to the Bob Dylan set and scored the last seat next to my great new friends Karmen and Thom. They posed a question: Dave Matthews or Etta James tomorrow. I said Etta, they said let's catch her tonight at the HOB. Only 1 catch they had tickets. I didn't. But, the Fest gods smiled on me. I went to the HOB found out the venue was sold out, but there was a great couple who had an extra ticket and sold it to me at face value. We hung out all night and we have met up in Phoenix, California, Chicago, and VooDoo fest. What I'm trying to say is my best memory is the reality of my new friends!!!!
oh Steffie, that's a great story and the fact that you guys still hang out is fantastic. Great Fest karma too!!

Some of the friends I met at fest a few years ago are some of my closest friends now. In fact, I don't know what I would do without them sometimes. Fest is magical huh? :)

[chrisjoseph]

I've been going to fest since 1989...too many great/wonderful experiences....but taking the red eye from Los Angeles, and arriving at my hotel about 9 AM on 1st Sunday of 06....just so I could see Springsteen. I've seen him countless times over the years; all great shows. But to see him at Jazzfest....was one of the most amazing two hours I have ever witnessed.

I offer this quote from the reviewer at the LA Times:

"Sometime, somewhere, a more dramatic and exhilarating confluence of music with moment may have existed... But in nearly 40 years of concert-going, I haven't witnessed one..."

[peteup]

This is a great thread!

[PaulC]

"Sometime, somewhere, a more dramatic and exhilarating confluence of music with moment may have existed... But in nearly 40 years of concert-going, I haven't witnessed one..."

Only 35 years since my first real concert (Mountain),.. but as a seasoned youngster,.. yes,.. it was all that and more......

[Jacquesimomo]

Hands-down that time spent with Springsteen and the Seegar Sessions Band surrounded by loved ones and K-survivors.

Second best, watching Van Morrison singing Moondance as he drifted offstage into the mystic...

Third best, Hugh Masekela's horn wafting through the sunshine-filled air at Congo and all of the serene smiles around me...

Heaven does exist on Earth if only at these times I know it to be true...

[Moon]

First fest, '85. Me and my best bud Tom were chowing down on about 4lbs of crawfish, listening to the Balfa Brothers in front of us and the Onward Brass Band leading a 2nd line somewhere behind us. All of a sudden these two lovely ladies start dancing off to the side. Tom looks at me and says, "Brother, this is as close to heaven as you or me will ever get."

[Corona]

:D That's a great story. How many more days?

[pberman]

Without a doubt the best moment was john boutte version of the Randy Newman song Louisiana 1927. It's been released on the offbeat compilation.

I must say I did have about 10 other great jazz fest moments last year, but I think John Boutte is the best.

I wonder why his set isn't available on CD, perhaps it's because there were problems with the sound crew at the jazz tent. Oh well.

Peace

[pberman]

Hello,
This is now my second post. I have been to the jazz fest aprox 20 times. The first fest was in 1986, and I was a 25 yrs old young man, and I had so much fun I swore that I would come every year, no matter how conservative I became in my old age.

I think jazzfest 2006 was the best, purely from a music perspective. More meaningful solo's, and heartfealt performances. Kermit at the blue nile was mind blowing. My first time seeing the nightcrawlers was awesome. There was a blond haired white dude playing trumpet, who we saw on about 5 different sets with different bands. I cracked up whan I saw him playing bass drum on the last day of the fest with a Nola all-star group at the jazz tent. Many musicians all co-minglered to help each other, what a jam session!

I too have gone to the fest alone, as I didn't care about what others were doing, I knew I was going, and I always ended up seeing old friends there, and making new ones.

And then there was the time I almost got lucky with the Shoneys waitress, who turned out to be a man!

And the time I missed Miles davis sitting in at a late night set, because I drank too much at the fairgrounds!

Ahh the lessons we learn in life: Don't drink too much in the hot afternoon Sun, and always look for the adams apple!

Cheers

Have fun everone - You're not here for a long time, you're here for a good time!

-pb

[ozzie]

Ahh the lessons we learn in life: Don't drink too much in the hot afternoon Sun, and always look for the adams apple!

Good advice PB! See you in 2007.

[jumbogumbo]

Lat year at the end of the last day there was about 10 kids playing the brass outside of the main gate. They were all wearing white tee's and everyone was dancing around and smiling. They looked like angels!! I am a big guy and dont cry often, but it was such a beutiful moment that I will never forget. Loking forward to 07.

[swag]

Lat year at the end of the last day there was about 10 kids playing the brass outside of the main gate. They were all wearing white tee's and everyone was dancing around and smiling. They looked like angels!! I am a big guy and dont cry often, but it was such a beutiful moment that I will never forget. Loking forward to 07.

Nice. One of the things I missed last year, was not seeing the little neighborhood kids playing drums on the buckets as we walked out.

[LaTiDa]

There were two big ones for me last year... and oddly they come full circle to eachother.

The first was not actually at the festival grounds but in Laffayette Square during Marcia Ball's concert the wednesday before the second weekend. We just flew in and headed for the square were we met all our local and festival friends. In between hugs and dancing we heard the most heart wrenching stories... not by strangers or people on the news but by our friends and their friends. The place was emotionally charged to begin with, you know. People happy to be in a place, doing a thing that months ago seemed like would never happen. Then Marcia played Louisania 1927. It was silent except for the sound of soft tears falling, men and women. I looked around at all those people, who had told me all those stories and at all those peoples who had even more stories I'd never understand and I could feel what that song meant to them at that moment and it wasn't just sad but hopeful too.

Then, because the best things at JazzFest always seem to come by accident, the last day I went to the clubhouse to use the bathroom and Marcia was doing an interview with Harry Shear.... and at the end there was one request... Louisiana 1927. Just her, the piano and a group of people grateful to have one more beautiful New Orleans experience, no matter what the odds were against it.

[funkkjunkie]

Oh, lord, those were awesome moments, la ti da.

[PaulC]

Then, because the best things at JazzFest always seem to come by accident.

That there,... is the truth..............

[Corona]

Man, this thread is a breath of fresh air today :)
Welcome pberman and jumbogumbo...great stories!

[mangoon]

Definately Ingrids patry last year. Just the mix of the whole thing. The location, the mixture of locals and visiters, the friendship and good vibe of the crowd, the music, I could go on and on.
We happened to catch an empty trolly ride back to the quarter, and it kind of gave my time to just look around and take everything in. At some point I was looking out the window and just thought "Aw man' this is the greatest place on earth. This place isn't going anywhere". Not that I ever thought otherwise, but it was just a nice feeling to have.

[johncap]

It was Sunday of the first weekend in 2005 and Cowboy Mouth was on the Accura Stage singing along while Thounder and Lightening was totally on all sides of the Fair Grounds. He just kept on singing

[ETinCali]

Lat year at the end of the last day there was about 10 kids playing the brass outside of the main gate. They were all wearing white tee's and everyone was dancing around and smiling. They looked like angels!! I am a big guy and dont cry often, but it was such a beutiful moment that I will never forget. Loking forward to 07.

I remember that, it got me too...
I have so many moments from last year..but just being on the grounds was a spiritual thing. Bruce of course, but really just seeing everyone and having people say "thanks for coming" would bring me to tears...well, at least inside!!
I really go to see local performers...and having them come out with all they have been through was amazing..

[sophisticated sissy]

For the good times.

[festbabe]

Thanks for bringing this one back...good read.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Here are just a few on my list of spiritual moments. Recent history:
Bruce/Seeger Sessions
First time I saw the Campbell Brothers in the Blues Tent.
Stevie Ray Vaughan on stage with brother Jimmie. (1989 ?)
# 1 on my list has to be George Benson (1989 ?)
Stevie Winwood in the rain with a small crowd.
Charles Brown in the Grandstands talking to the crowd between songs.
Allmans Brothers
Warren Haynes (solo)

[Corona]

Here are just a few on my list of spiritual moments. Recent history:
Bruce/Seeger Sessions
First time I saw the Campbell Brothers in the Blues Tent.
Stevie Ray Vaughan on stage with brother Jimmie. (1989 ?)
# 1 on my list has to be George Benson (1989 ?)
Stevie Winwood in the rain with a small crowd.
Charles Brown in the Grandstands talking to the crowd between songs.
Allmans Brothers
Warren Haynes (solo)
Warren Haynes solo....blew me away..the whole damn set
Susan Cowsill doing Drunken Angel for her brother Barry
My first time in the gospel tent.....can't remember the name of the band but he was amazing....
Shamarr Allen with the Stooges Brass Band.....after the big monsoon 2nd Fri. last year....walking out of the fairgrounds cuz the fest was shutting down cuz of the storm..we were so depressed....all of a sudden I heard a a trumpet then a brass band started up....and running over to the Heritage stage....there was my boy Shamarr onstage....and the people came in droves....and it was still r*ining.....they played more, and the rain stopped....and the sun came out...and then the band came off the stage into the mud and played while we all circled them....with Shamarr singing "You're all craaaazy!" :D :D

[Frosty]

Walking in the front gate.

[djgriff]

Walking in the front gate.

I couldn't agree more. Walking in the front gate gives me a tingle down my spine every Fest. It especially did in 2006 though.

[Frosty]

I couldn't agree more. Walking in the front gate gives me a tingle down my spine every Fest. It especially did in 2006 though.

Yep.

[festbabe]

I couldn't agree more. Walking in the front gate gives me a tingle down my spine every Fest. It especially did in 2006 though.

Amen!

[NYMAMA]

Listening to Terrance Blanchard last year in the Jazz Tent just transported me to spiritual place!

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

After more than 30+ years of JF, Tom told me this year that
Bruce/Seeger Sessions was the best set he has seen out at
the Fairgrounds. We were lucky enough to catch his one hour
practice/sound check that morning. I sure wish Bruce would
tour again with the Seeger Sessions Band.

[Belle]

Being a virgin last year and not having the vast array of experiences you all have had, for me is was also just walking in the gate. The year of anticipation was finally realized. We were there and headed straight to Lena's and found many of you wonderful folks. But for me it was just being there. I got goose bumps and was so grateful we could be there.

A close second was standing next to a guy who was a bonehead big time and I had no idea what I was about to witness. Hooked ever since.

Just knowing there are so many of you threadheads on the grounds sure brings the karma level up too. Hugs everyone.

Enjoyed your many posts and experiences on this subject. Great thread.

[papafrog]

well the first one was many moons ago, i cant even remember the year...
getting lost, and so spiritually into my first second line, and circling the track,
and my friend T (a local resident), had a big smile on his face, and a drink
in his hand for me when it was over...
Campbells at the Gospel tent...dancing with Wing...
Pharaoah Sanders
walkin in the gate
spending time at the kids tent
2nd linin at the economy hall tent with some of the older folks...always good
to see they are still alive and kickin...

[peteup]

Yeah...walking through the gates the first time, pinching myself. And Irma's show in the gospel tent moved me to the core.

[VWGal]

I have several of the anecdotal "only in New Orleans" stories, but the spine-tingling performances for me:

Springsteen 2006
Bonerama at LMF 2004 (first time seeing the Bones at work, nearly fell off my sandals)
Make It Funky filming 2004
Irma Thomas gospel tent 2007
Shorty Tipitinas IAC 2007

Good stuff folks!

[glinda]

one that I can remember right now... 2006 at the Acura stage, final Sunday.... it r*ined hard for 15 minutes or so, mostly during a break I think... then it stopped right as Irma took the stage, and she opened with an old favorite...It's r*inin' again... One of many tearful moments that day.

[Festman]

I tried to enter a response but I was cut off for some damned reason!!! I might try again.

[funkkjunkie]

Last year's moments: Hot 8 Brass Band with DJ Shavers(Dinerral's son) on drums and Shamarr on trumpet. The HOt 8 band leader telling that the night before was he and his wife's first night in their home since the Thing.

Watching the water rise in Ms. Lena's tent and feeling the sadness of Ms. Lena and the other locals at the memories stirred by that water.

Betty Winn and One A Chord in the gospel tent.

Madison Bumblebees.

Jazzfest, take me away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jazzjones]

Two of the many at Fair Grounds (not counting some of the old official JF evening concerts)...

Allen Toussaint/Elvis Costello
World Saxophone Quartet with African percussionists. What year was that?

And, as a rule, every perf in the Gospel Tent is uplifting.

[papafrog]

Two of the many at Fair Grounds (not counting some of the old official JF evening concerts)...

Allen Toussaint/Elvis Costello
World Saxophone Quartet with African percussionists. What year was that?

And, as a rule, every perf in the Gospel Tent is uplifting.

ey jazz,...good to hear from you again....

[denbear]

My single all-time fave @ Fest has gotta be a few years back when they delayed opening the gates because of a massive storm that had dumped huge rain on Houston & was heading straight for us. After a sweet set by Keb Mo ('Fess Stage), my ears picked up a rompin' Hey Pocky Way coming from the Wild Mags on the Lagniappe (spelling?) stage. The small crowd was getting totally pelted by STRONG rain but nonetheless was dancing their asses off in about 3 inches of water. When noticing my own splashing dancesteps, it occured to me that it looked exactly like we were dancing in GUMBO! I passed that on (& on ...) & everyone busted up laughing. Absolutely incredible!!!

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Enjoy reading this stuff as we get closer.............

How can I forget about this one.
First set of the day at Gentilly Stage 3 or 4 years ago (?)....
Bonerama. Did not know where I was or where I was heading.
Dazed & confused after their set.
Will never forget them playing Cross Town Traffic & closing with Whipping Post.

[The Dude]

Mine is watching the Stooges play last year after we were all drenched with that big rain. Nobody was playing, until we heard them start up, no electricty, just the power of their horns...they ended up coming down into the crowd to keep the party going...Awesome time!
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1592/stoogesqu8.jpghttp://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5006/stooges2sl9.jpghttp://img123.imageshack.us/img123/8420/stooges1fc9.jpghttp://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1224/stooges3hf8.jpg

[Carolina Beadhead]

Nice pics of Shamarr, Dude!

[Lostcajun]

Walking through the gates the first day of 2006 after Katrina. As I walked past the Jazz tent hearing the music playing water would not stop falling from my eyes.

I had been back to NOLA a month after Katrina to help my brother with his house, and in January 06 to help him move. I had seen the city in dark sepia tone looking like death. And when I walked through the gates that spring amazed that Jazzfest I was so grateful to see the city slowly experience resurrection at the hands of many volunteers from within the city and from all over the world, and when I walked through those gates, I heard the heart beating again!!!

[Belle]

Walking through the gates the first day of 2006 after Katrina. As I walked past the Jazz tent hearing the music playing water would not stop falling from my eyes.

I had been back to NOLA a month after Katrina to help my brother with his house, and in January 06 to help him move. I had seen the city in dark sepia tone looking like death. And when I walked through the gates that spring amazed that Jazzfest I was so grateful to see the city slowly experience resurrection at the hands of many volunteers from within the city and from all over the world, and when I walked through those gates, I heard the heart beating again!!!

That is wonderful!!! Thanks for the goosebumps!! So many care about New Orleans cause it is the best!

[bobatude]

ive been coming since 1997 and at that time was delighted to hear coco robicheaux at tower records for my first time, so some years went by and i brougth a freind w/ me who has been coming ever since. upon arriving on the wensday before the first week end i noticed that coco was playing @ margrettavile cafe @ the 6 o'clock show, so off we went, theres coco playing w/ dave easley , and this was one of those ocassions where coco was right on and then some . in walks smokey greenwall and joins in and then a liitle latter in walks irene sage and she belts out "Chuck E.s in love" by rickie lee jones and man it was spine tingling and then finished w/ lanslide

runner up : i think it was 1998 or 1999 when tips in the quarter was first opened and allen tousaint has a cd release party for james andrews, needless to say we were able to hear a few artist from nyno lable, and then the james andrews show included on stage james andrews , trombone shorty (i beleive he was ten at the time) allen tousaint, dr. john and dr. johns mother , excellent show that we ended up at by mistake

[bobatude]

i must say that every year i come w/ expectations of reliving the previous years incredible moments only to be surpassed by new highs

[water angel]

Last year's moments: Hot 8 Brass Band with DJ Shavers(Dinerral's son) on drums and Shamarr on trumpet. The HOt 8 band leader telling that the night before was he and his wife's first night in their home since the Thing.

Watching the water rise in Ms. Lena's tent and feeling the sadness of Ms. Lena and the other locals at the memories stirred by that water.

Betty Winn and One A Chord in the gospel tent.

Madison Bumblebees.

Jazzfest, take me away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sure 'nuff brought tears to my eyes & I knew I wasn't the only 1 who felt what that must've meant to so many.

[water angel]

The Peace Train @ Congo Sq. ('95?).....35 African children singing about peace in front of a 10 piece band, led by a white S. African woman. They had many of us in tears from the beauty & sincerity of their faces & voices. I ran straight to the tent to buy their c.d. (it sold out quick) & it's still the one I put on when I need a lift.

Rebirth in the Jazz tent ('93?)......It was stormin' so people really jammed into the tent. This was before it moved to concrete & the grounds were a mess & the combination of dancin' to a very hot set & leaning sideways repeatedly to let people pass through buried 1 of my feet so deep that I had to have someone pull it out of the mud.

So much of 2006:
Coming through the gate after N.O. came through Katrina.

Going to the Jazz tent to see Nicholas Payton & finding out he cancelled & the slot was filled with some of the best local musicians, playing 1 of the best most heartfelt sets I'd seen @ Fest. It seemed like destiny that they were put together to close the 1st Fest after K.

Deciding to finish 2006 with a local act (Kirk Joseph), but when he was done I was pulled to the only music still playing.......Bruce, who brought us all to tears.

[joe2]

i think i'm going to barf??

[Belle]

i think i'm going to barf??


What ya sayin? Did I miss something?

[marignygreg]

i think i'm going to barf??

Bad ersters or bad Karma?

[Lostcajun]

troll?

[fwwank]

seeing Fats on the Acura Stage...leaning on one of the wooden rails waaay in the back (what I call 'the leaner'...best sound in the place) and watching him push the piano off the stage with his belly

George Thoroughgood introducing Elvin 'Fuc%ing Bishop in the Blues Tent

The thing that always gets me the most is the way everyone walks around greeting each other with a 'Happy JazzFest!'...like we do to strangers around Christmas or Thanksgiving...

I love JazzFest and miss New Orleans terribly.

[Carolina Beadhead]

troll?

Troll.

Don't ya just LOVE the IGNORE button? :D

[LisaDFW]

I only go once every 20 years, the first way back in 1988, and so these old memories:

1) hauling a** from Dallas to NO with my sisters, all of us punch drunk from no sleep; listening to Dwight Yoakum in my sister's old Renault, henceforth christening ourselves Flo-Jean, Chlo-Rine, and Beta-Dine

2) Spiritual Pinnacle: has to be a toss-up between Irma Thomas and the beyond fabulous Pointer Sisters in the Gospel Tent. RESPECT!

3) Bonnie Raitt wafting through the hotter-than-hell breeze like a cool wave

4) Santana (need I say more)

My sisters won't go back, we are older now and they say it is too crowded. But I'm bringing my S.O., who has never been to NO before, and I can't wait to see him dip his fat little virgin JF toes in!

doin our part to pump $$ into the NO econo

[ajl_mo]

One of my fav memories is from last year. My bro and I were walking past Bonerama at the start of their set. We stopped just as they finished their first tune. My brother said..."Wait right here I need to take a leak...HEY...They're playing 'War Pigs'..."

We ended up watching the whole set and nearly wet ourselves racing to the Johnny on the Spots.

[Rossvegas]

I have so many amazing memories, but the first year after K, I recall walking in the gates and just feeling overwhelmed. One of the young volunteers in teh blue t-shirts was standing on the other side of the track with her arms outstretched to stop the pedestrians while a cart went past, and when I saw those outstretched arms....I just ran for them and gave her the biggest damn bear hug you could imagine. Everyone was pissing themselves laughing, but I know they understood what was REALLY going on, and one by one, everyone started giving her hugs....it was beautiful.

[denbear]

YYR, damn fine 1. :D

[bluesmama]

so, there i am @ Accura with my two best buds (IBROCKN & Cheri'). Santana had just finished playing & we made our way to the very front, to end JF with the Neville Bros. Denbear shows up & we are all really enjoying the Neville's, when he announces that he really wants to catch D. Trucks @ the blues tent. I so wanted to see him & Susan T. together. Denbear and I make our way through the crowd, get a SoCo and dance outside the tent. They end with The Weight. Magical I tell you MAGICAL! We get back to Accura in time to hear Amazing Grace.
Thanks, Dennis! What a perfect way to end my 2nd JF!

[funkkjunkie]

Blues tent for Ruthie. I ramble through the tent a couple times, making sure to keep the aisles clear for the security folks. I stop at the rail to take pix before they can shoo me off and who should join me at the rail but Texas FRed. We are jumping for joy that our ruthie has made it to fest! I finally find a seat off to the side so I can rest the bum knee and when she starts Phenomenal woman, the tears start to flow and just wont stop. Folks are on their feet much of the set and no one seems to be asking them to sit. Beautiful, beautiful jazzfest moment.

[funkkjunkie]

And one more: I was stuck at Congo on Saturday because of the bum knee so I ended with Michael Franti, which was the plan anyway. That man filled that entire field with his positive energy just bursting out of him and into us. Everyone deserves music.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Blues tent for Ruthie. I ramble through the tent a couple times, making sure to keep the aisles clear for the security folks. I stop at the rail to take pix before they can shoo me off and who should join me at the rail but Texas FRed. We are jumping for joy that our ruthie has made it to fest! I finally find a seat off to the side so I can rest the bum knee and when she starts Phenomenal woman, the tears start to flow and just wont stop. Folks are on their feet much of the set and no one seems to be asking them to sit. Beautiful, beautiful jazzfest moment.

YYR!!!
I also had tears of joy for Ruthie........
One of those JF moments, we were in "the zone"
Everyone in that tent was standing.

[jeanvi]

Just read through most of this, thanks to all for the smiles & tears your posts brought!
Surprised not to see mentioned the Blind Boys of Alabama @ Tips this year. Wasn't my most magical or moving moment though. Bruce '06 gets it, hands down.

Is it April yet?

[funkkjunkie]

We're halfway there, jeanvi! :)

[frangooch]

Bruce singing City of Ruins. "Rise Up!"

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Bruce singing City of Ruins. "Rise Up!"

YYR!!!!
One of the best sets at JF in 26 years...........

[jeanvi]

Blues tent for Ruthie. I ramble through the tent a couple times, making sure to keep the aisles clear for the security folks. I stop at the rail to take pix before they can shoo me off and who should join me at the rail but Texas FRed. We are jumping for joy that our ruthie has made it to fest! I finally find a seat off to the side so I can rest the bum knee and when she starts Phenomenal woman, the tears start to flow and just wont stop. Folks are on their feet much of the set and no one seems to be asking them to sit. Beautiful, beautiful jazzfest moment.

I'd never heard of Ruthie, showed up at Blues tent early awaiting Kenny Wayne Shephard. Showed up in time for Phenomenal Woman, stuck outside in the sun, & brought to my knees. My next move was to blow off the start of KWS set to grab that CD. Had the pleasure of seeing her where I live couple weeks ago in a tiny open air island venue. Magical.

Another reason why I love Jazzfest so much: every year I get completely turned on to artists I'd probably not known, then get to bring it home & turn on my town to what I've heard.
HAPPY JAZZFEST!!

[funkkjunkie]

Happy jazzfest, jeanvi!

[CEfromLA]

OK, here goes....
Back in (maybe) 1995, Joni Mitchell was scheduled to play at JF. I was so excited and couldn't wait to see her. The day arrived and we learned that she had cancelled and James taylor was filling in for her.
Now I love JT nearly as much, but I had seen him several times and had never seen Joni.
The day arrives and we head to the Stage. Just as JT begins to play, the skies open up and it begins to POUR. CRAZY rain, complete with thunder and lightening, big time.
Being from SoCal, I can't believe how hard it's raining. We grab our stuff and make a run for one of the nearby tents. As we watch the rain come down, I'm thinking to myself, "They're going to have to start evacuating people before the fairgrounds and the surrounding streets flood" (remember, in SoCal, when it rains 1/4 inch over 12 hours, we're on 'Stormwatch').
The storm passes after about 30 minutes. People re-emerge from their hiding places. Everyone is soaked. We head back to the stage and about 10 minutes later, James Taylor comes out, pulls out an acoustic guitar and starts playing the opening chords for 'Mexico'.
For reasons that I still don't understand, I started crying like a baby.
We had someone take our photo, soaked to the skin, hair plastered to our heads and grinning from ear to ear. We used that photo on our Christmas cards that year with the caption, 'May all YOUR dreams come true!'

[Marcello]

Let's see...

Irma Thomas Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, Gospel Tent 2007
Dumpstaphunk w/Big Sam Williams, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter, Jr., & Art Neville at Tipitina's 5-6-2007, Jimmy Smith in the Jazz Tent 1998 (thunder, lightning, pouring rain, packed tent...magic!), Tribute to Alvin Batiste, Jazz Tent, 2007 (turned into a memorial concert), Tribute to James Booker at the Eiffel Tower on St. Charles, 1994, Piano Night 2003 at Generations Hall (Eddie Bo and Marcia Ball playing spooned Steinway Grands, with Dr. John on the B3, Alfred "Uganda" Roberts on congas, and an All-Star horn section including Herb Hardesty on tenor...), Tribute to Willie Tee at Fan Fest 2007, and many more...

Oops! I almost forgot: Dew Drop Inn show at Praline Connection (not the one on Frenchmen, the short-lived one that I think is now the Howlin' Wolf). The headliner was Gatemouth Brown with the Wardell Quezergue big band.

[chopitulas]

One of my first Jazz Fests was a rainy one... I think it was 1993. The Friday was cancelled (sadly, no NRBQ) so it didn't actually start until Saturday, and that was questionable, weather permitting.

The first thing I ran into on Saturday was Alison Miner interviewing Mark Savoy. They were talking a bit and then she asked him to play something. It literally was the first music of the Fest for those of us there. When Mark started to play, Alison started to cry. Clearly, for her it was the combination of relief that the Festival was really going to happen after all mixing with the purity of the sound that Mark was playing, carrying with it all that Acadian culture represents and that the Festival is about. Alison just started sobbing...joy and relief intermingled.

Never will forget it...

[sophisticated sissy]

Let's see...



Oops! I almost forgot: Dew Drop Inn show at Praline Connection (not the one on Frenchmen, the short-lived one that I think is now the Howlin' Wolf). The headliner was Gatemouth Brown with the Wardell Quezergue big band.


Yes, that was a fantastic show! Somehow, I still have my ticket stub from that one, don't usually hang on to stuff like that.

Can't disagree with any of the other shows/sets you mention above, but one of my favorites was the B-3 Summit @ the M.O. Fest, pre-K. So nice to be outside on a night like that!

[BostonFestivus]

We knew the first Jazzfest after Katrina was going to be a tough one. So much of our city was still just as it had been after the levees broke. Even after six months, very little had been done. Nonetheless, we wanted to be there. So we planned a shorter visit than usual, flying in from Boston early in the morning to catch half of the first Saturday, staying all day Sunday, then flying home Monday am early.

We got to the fairgrounds late in the afternoon, after a sad trek from the airport, to the hotel, and up to Jazzfest through the surrounding neighborhoods. We entered through the gate by the Gospel tent. I looked at the cubes and saw that the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Choir was about to go on. We both needed a rest, so we went into the tent, took our hats off, and sat down.

We learned that the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church had been buried under nine feet of water after Katrina. That its members, and the choir had been evacuated to places all over the US. That the Choir had not sung together since then, and that they had all come together from all over the place for this one day.

The Choir filled the stage, 60 or 70 strong. Their voices filled the tent. They sang of hope, they sang of love. They sang of deliverance, freedom and homecoming. That was it.

[PaulC]

We learned that the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church had been buried under nine feet of water after Katrina. That its members, and the choir had been evacuated to places all over the US. That the Choir had not sung together since then, and that they had all come together from all over the place for this one day.

The Choir filled the stage, 60 or 70 strong. Their voices filled the tent. They sang of hope, they sang of love. They sang of deliverance, freedom and homecoming. That was it.


it, it is....... :) :) :D

[festbabe]

..

..Their voices filled the tent. They sang of hope, they sang of love. They sang of deliverance, freedom and homecoming. That was it.

:)

[Lester_leaps_in]

The Gospel Tent tribute to Mahalia Jackson . . . What a wonderful experience.

[Ron]

In the Jazz Tent, John Boutte singing his version Louisiana 1927 the year after Katrina. Words can't describe the feeling of the performance or the people in the tent at that time.

[Belle]

http://thm-a03.yimg.com/image/9303e7071307ae7a