Grand Marshall OPEX

[butland]

Hey,

I'm not looking to debate the ethics of premium ticket packages since that's already going on in another thread, but I'd like to hear from some of the folks that have partaken of the Grand Marshall tickets.

1) It's pretty clear that you get access to upfront areas at Acura, Gentilly Stage, Congo Square Stages. Are there any areas in any of the tents for Grand Marshalls or is that exclusively for the Big Chief holders?

2) I would assume that access is not guaranteed at any of the big 3 viewing areas, but was wondering if it was ever a problem. If so, how often? How long a wait usually for space to open up? I woudn't mind the occasional 5-10 minute queue as long as I can hear while waiting. Any problems accessing the entry points with congestion or are they pretty accessible?

3) What's deal with this clause? "cameras with detachable lenses may not be used in this area." Anybody ever been hassled for using a DSLR? I'm not looking to scam my way up close and sell pix or use them in any commercial way, but would be disappointed if I couldn't get some nice vacation shots for the memories and folks back home. And I won't be using one of those honking big white pro-photog long lenses like wildlife guys use to shoot baby eagles in their nests - just a nice 55-200 or 55-250 zoom on a midrange Canon or Nikon.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any input that y'all can provide on the above, or any other particular pros and cons of the GM experience. Thanks.

[Belle]

Since we are asking questions I have one....

At Fais DoDo some guy was eating an ice cream bar (we had been looking for the Dove bars and couldnt find them:( ) and asked where he got it. He had a wrist band for the tent with all the free goodies, sammies, beer, water, ice cream, fruit and such. He gave us two bands but I neglected to find out how you get these. His were given to him.

Is this part of BC or something? It was just for Fais Do Do and would love to do this next year.

Swag?? Anyone know?

[swag]

Since we are asking questions I have one....

At Fais DoDo some guy was eating an ice cream bar (we had been looking for the Dove bars and couldnt find them:( ) and asked where he got it. He had a wrist band for the tent with all the free goodies, sammies, beer, water, ice cream, fruit and such. He gave us two bands but I neglected to find out how you get these. His were given to him.

Is this part of BC or something? It was just for Fais Do Do and would love to do this next year.

Swag?? Anyone know?

The Tent at Fais Do Do is the hospitality area for the Sheraton, who sponsors that stage. Unfortunately, staying at the Sheraton isn't enough to get you in. You need to do big business with Sheraton, plan meetings there, etc, or maybe work there. Same is true for the Acura hospitality at the main stage, and the Shell hospitality near Economy Hall.

[linza22]

The Tent at Fais Do Do is the hospitality area for the Sheraton, who sponsors that stage. Unfortunately, staying at the Sheraton isn't enough to get you in. You need to do big business with Sheraton, plan meetings there, etc, or maybe work there. Same is true for the Acura hospitality at the main stage, and the Shell hospitality near Economy Hall.

let's plan a meeting there....yeah....ice cream....yep....

[Belle]

The Tent at Fais Do Do is the hospitality area for the Sheraton, who sponsors that stage. Unfortunately, staying at the Sheraton isn't enough to get you in. You need to do big business with Sheraton, plan meetings there, etc, or maybe work there. Same is true for the Acura hospitality at the main stage, and the Shell hospitality near Economy Hall.

Bummer....that was mighty sweet for sure. Shudda got his name and number to do that again next year. It was awesome.

[NYMAMA]

Since we are asking questions I have one....

At Fais DoDo some guy was eating an ice cream bar (we had been looking for the Dove bars and couldnt find them:( ) and asked where he got it. He had a wrist band for the tent with all the free goodies, sammies, beer, water, ice cream, fruit and such. He gave us two bands but I neglected to find out how you get these. His were given to him.

Is this part of BC or something? It was just for Fais Do Do and would love to do this next year.

Swag?? Anyone know?

Last year Someone came up to Bud and I and gave us wrist bands for access to the Shell tent. It was sweeeeeeet!

[sophisticated sissy]

Hey,

I'm not looking to debate the ethics of premium ticket packages since that's already going on in another thread, but I'd like to hear from some of the folks that have partaken of the Grand Marshall tickets.

1) It's pretty clear that you get access to upfront areas at Acura, Gentilly Stage, Congo Square Stages. Are there any areas in any of the tents for Grand Marshalls or is that exclusively for the Big Chief holders?

2) I would assume that access is not guaranteed at any of the big 3 viewing areas, but was wondering if it was ever a problem. If so, how often? How long a wait usually for space to open up? I woudn't mind the occasional 5-10 minute queue as long as I can hear while waiting. Any problems accessing the entry points with congestion or are they pretty accessible?

3) What's deal with this clause? "cameras with detachable lenses may not be used in this area." Anybody ever been hassled for using a DSLR? I'm not looking to scam my way up close and sell pix or use them in any commercial way, but would be disappointed if I couldn't get some nice vacation shots for the memories and folks back home. And I won't be using one of those honking big white pro-photog long lenses like wildlife guys use to shoot baby eagles in their nests - just a nice 55-200 or 55-250 zoom on a midrange Canon or Nikon.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any input that y'all can provide on the above, or any other particular pros and cons of the GM experience. Thanks.

1.) No, BC only.
2.) Never. No problems. The entry can get a little congested from GA festers at times, but the guys at the entry point are good about keeping an eye out & waving you in. There is one guy who has worked the Acura GM every year and he is the bomb.

3.) As I see it, no means no, so I do not use a camera with a detachable lens in the area. Period. I saw a lot of them being used in Gentilly, but the rule forbidding this was not enforced.

My suggestion is that you apply for a media pass, or sign on as a volunteer for the NOJ&HF archive. If I'm not mistaken, the deadline is at the end of October.

[mfrankkk]

Hey,

I'm not looking to debate the ethics of premium ticket packages since that's already going on in another thread, but I'd like to hear from some of the folks that have partaken of the Grand Marshall tickets.

1) It's pretty clear that you get access to upfront areas at Acura, Gentilly Stage, Congo Square Stages. Are there any areas in any of the tents for Grand Marshalls or is that exclusively for the Big Chief holders?

2) I would assume that access is not guaranteed at any of the big 3 viewing areas, but was wondering if it was ever a problem. If so, how often? How long a wait usually for space to open up? I woudn't mind the occasional 5-10 minute queue as long as I can hear while waiting. Any problems accessing the entry points with congestion or are they pretty accessible?

3) What's deal with this clause? "cameras with detachable lenses may not be used in this area." Anybody ever been hassled for using a DSLR? I'm not looking to scam my way up close and sell pix or use them in any commercial way, but would be disappointed if I couldn't get some nice vacation shots for the memories and folks back home. And I won't be using one of those honking big white pro-photog long lenses like wildlife guys use to shoot baby eagles in their nests - just a nice 55-200 or 55-250 zoom on a midrange Canon or Nikon.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any input that y'all can provide on the above, or any other particular pros and cons of the GM experience. Thanks.
My take on GM:

1. Only the 3 main stages. Big Chief has special areas in the tents. The only time I was Jealous of BC was when it was pouring down rain and i saw they had a covered viewing area on the side of the stage! This was a 1st this year to have that.
2. I have never had a problem getting into the area unless I cannot get to the entrance because of the outside crowd. I did hear from security that they had to close entrance to Simon and Garfunkel at 400. I think that is the largest number in that area they've had. I always make it a point to get to the big shows early.

3. The first year they had GM, they heavily policed the area for DSLRs and people complained bitterly because they did not let us know before the tickets were bought and the huge cost of the tickets for the areas. ( They also policed the areas for sitting and for chairs.) The second year, I brought my point and shoot only the 1st day because of what was written on the ticket. Low and behold, they had loosened the policy and we were allowed to use our DSLRs. Occasionally, there were restrictions. This year, DSLR use was strictly driven by the performer i. e. maybe just the 1st 2 or 3 songs, then point and shoot. With Simon and Garfunkel point and shoot only. Van Morrison, no camera period not even cell. I got into the habit of asking security what the rules were at the beginning. This set up a good relationship with the staff and if the rules changed he would come and let me know. The "no camera"write up on the ticket basically saves fest from all the complaints they got the 1st year.

[rowEn]

I have a red rubber casing that goes over my Nikon DSLR. Makes it look more like a regular digital camera :)

[butland]

Bumping my own thread here.

First, a belated thanks for all those that have replied. Much appreciated.

New question - What's the physical form of Grand Marshall tix? Do you get a laminate on a lanyard, bracelet, forehead tattoo, implanted RFID chip?

Yeah, I know I'm anal. ;)

[mfrankkk]

You get a laminate in the mail. They place a bracelet each day on your wrist tightly!

[kflorida]

Thanks for the valuable info. In weighing GM against BC, does GM have concession and restroom privileges? Appreciate your help!

[srkmrd]

The Tent at Fais Do Do is the hospitality area for the Sheraton, who sponsors that stage. Unfortunately, staying at the Sheraton isn't enough to get you in. You need to do big business with Sheraton, plan meetings there, etc, or maybe work there. Same is true for the Acura hospitality at the main stage, and the Shell hospitality near Economy Hall.

HMMM, I think I will call my VIP rep at Sheration, the reason I am fortunate enough to be in town for JF is because of a meeting that we are holding at Sheraton for a user group that I am the president of......

[completejohn]

Thanks for the valuable info. In weighing GM against BC, does GM have concession and restroom privileges? Appreciate your help!

No concessions or potties, but getting in and out of the GM area is a snap. So you still have to deal with lines for food or potties, but you walk right back in - no fighting your way thru the crowd. Even when the entire stage areas are full, the ushers really help get you in quick.

If you're interested in "trying" out a GM ticket, look on the main Jazz Fest forum - my GF is trying to split her GM because she has to be in Austin for a wedding on Friday and Saturday of the SECOND weekend.

[srkmrd]

HMMM, I think I will call my VIP rep at Sheraton, the reason I am fortunate enough to be in town for JF is because of a meeting that we are holding at Sheraton for a user group that I am the president of......

Thanks!! for Posting the info about the Sheraton sponsored Fais Do Do Tent, I contacted my VIP rep for our meeting and she is setting me up with a wristband :D

[bigghead]

Hey Guys,

Don't forget about the WWOZ Brass Pass. In addition to in and out privileges to the fest you also gain access to the WWOZ hospitality tent. They have fresh fruit and stuff. They also have access to a special porta poty. Really Nice!

[giftgrrl]

Thanks for the good info about Grand Marshall. Question: I am a petite 4' 11" tall. Am I going to be able to see anything from the area in front of the stage? A bit worried I won't be able to see anything except the musicians right in front.

[mfrankkk]

During the first 3 songs of each act, there can be quiTe a herd of photographers in the pit that may block your view.

[completejohn]

Yeah the photogs will stand in front, but you're more looking UP than straight ahead. If there's someone you really need to see, get there early and grab the fence. But don't worry - there are pretty good sight lines from the back of the GM areas at Gentilly and Acura cuz there are little hills there. At Congo, it's flat, but the GM are is MUCH smaller.

[grantsi]

My wife and I are flying to Baton Rouge on Thursday but need to be back in Chicago by Saturday afternoon - as such - we have friday to play. The line up on Friday blows me away - however - I have a question, is it possible to ever find "big chief" or "grand marshal" tickets on a one day basis? Do people ever sell individual days that can't attend? If so, where would I find them?

Otherwise - when we will know when certain bands are playing and on what stage so we can make plans?

I am new to the boards, however, I am literally giddy with excitment and very grateful for all the good info on these boards. Thanks everyone.

[ohio]

My wife and I are flying to Baton Rouge on Thursday but need to be back in Chicago by Saturday afternoon - as such - we have friday to play. The line up on Friday blows me away - however - I have a question, is it possible to ever find "big chief" or "grand marshal" tickets on a one day basis? Do people ever sell individual days that can't attend? If so, where would I find them?

Otherwise - when we will know when certain bands are playing and on what stage so we can make plans?

I am new to the boards, however, I am literally giddy with excitment and very grateful for all the good info on these boards. Thanks everyone.

This board would likely be the best place to look for splitting a premium pass. The daily lineup schedule, or "cubes" should be out in the next few weeks. Welcome aboard!

[completejohn]

I might have ONE Grand Marshal available for the SECOND Friday and Saturday cuz my girlfriend has to be in austin for a wedding. I'll know for sure after my buddy finds out if he did or did not get a new job. He told me today that I should know something within 10 days. If it's available, I'll be posting it here.

[sophisticated sissy]

My wife and I are flying to Baton Rouge on Thursday but need to be back in Chicago by Saturday afternoon - as such - we have friday to play. The line up on Friday blows me away - however - I have a question, is it possible to ever find "big chief" or "grand marshal" tickets on a one day basis? Do people ever sell individual days that can't attend? If so, where would I find them?



Hi, grantsi, welcome to the board! Since you are very new to the forum, it may be easier for you to purchase the Big Chief Pass for the weekend you are planning to attend and resell it for the days you will not be attending.

Since you are given a laminate that is weekend specific, I personally would be hesitant to do a transaction like you suggest with an unknown entity.
If you decide to go with the Big Chief, I don't think you will be disappointed. I have never bought one myself, but a friend of mine does and she really likes it. Hope you and your wife have a fantastic time at Jazz Fest!