Rumor...

[swampwoman]

...running around New Orleans is Rod Stewart was allegedly paid $800,000 for appearing at the Jazz Fest this year

another rumor is that Widespread Panic only wanted a minimal amount to play the fest, $5,000 is the amount mentioned, they asked for two slots, and the two slot request was not granted - therefore they did not play this year

fwiw....

ps - Friday playing in the rain and mud was fuuuuuuuuun!!!!!!!

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

We heard from a JF insider that Rod Stewart's fee was $500,000 plus expenses.

[swampwoman]

We heard from a JF insider that Rod Stewart's fee was $500,000 plus expenses.

either amount is extremely high, and could have perhaps been put to better use like maybe the Tipitina's foundation as opposed to a one hour appearance by one person

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

These are just rumors.... also from the same source, George Thorogood's fee was $100,000.
Whatever the amount, the payout to musicians is huge. Just the cost of doing business. As long as the Foundation is in the plus column then I do not really care how much someone gets paid. Just remember, for some folks Rod Stewart was their highlight.

[ibjamn]

I not only don't care what a performer was paid (between Festival Productions & artist's management), I really don't care about the "rumor" of what someone was paid!
I LOVED Rod Stewart, it was the first national act I'd been to in more than 10 years.

[swampwoman]

I not only don't care what a performer was paid (between Festival Productions & artist's management), I really don't care about the "rumor" of what someone was paid!
I LOVED Rod Stewart, it was the first national act I'd been to in more than 10 years.

wow

guess I struck a nerve there

[ibjamn]

wow

guess I struck a nerve there

No nerve. I just don't care. It's not up to me how they make or spend their money and no amount of me grousing about it will change the minds of the powers that be. It's one of those things I have no control over and therefore, had to let it go and accept the fact that we have a fantastic festival here that adds tons of $$$ to our economy and also does some good for the community in preserving our heritage & culture.

[mluke66]

I care how much they pay artists, especially since a lot of local musicians complain about how much they get paid. And ticket prices are directly effected.

If you have any solid numbers or know where I could find them, I'd love to know, so would about every reader of the local papers.

[funkkjunkie]

On the drive home, I cheered myself up by playing the new music I got and by thinking about fest in specifics and in general. I came to the conclusion that the fest marketing folks changed their strategy this year and by the size of the crowd, their strategy worked. I think they booked as many boomer bands as they could. They realized we are the ones with disposable bucks, not the kids who follow panic and dave matthews. yes, i know many of us love those bands too but it appears their goal was to get the older peeps to fest. mrsteve and ohio both had friends do their virgin fest because of a BNA. Whatever the reason, it was good to see the big crowds, yet sad too. And before I left town Sunday noonish, I drove around the quarter. The place was full of folks who were not festing!

[chrisjoseph]

I don't think it's worth getting upset over a rumor. And I doubt that the Fest folks will release any info on who gets paid what.

[Staxsun]

In my time in working festivals I have discovered that rumors get started for a variety of purposes. We have no idea whether this one is true or not. I have known the artists and their camps to start a rumor so as to hide what they actually played for. If you play cheap, then everyone else thinks they can get you cheap. I've also seen artists make a huge sum, and then turn around and donate it back. That way no one can say that they took a cut price. All types of things happen at festivals. Things such as an artist's daughter appearing at a festival can be part of a negotiated deal for another artist or another festival. Lots of quid pro quo that aren't always money.

[KeyWest Bruce]

I absolutely loved Rod Stewart's performance. Thankfully, I found a spot on the left side on the edge of the crowd where I could see him. And there was one memorable hit song after the other....great memories and nostalgia, and he really moves on that stage. Also I had a Rod Stewart sighting in the Quarter early that same evening. I'm walking towards the river on Jackson Square, and I hear one of the mule buggy riders trying to get this couple to go for a ride....and I look over and it's Rod Stewart dressed up in a white jacket, with this lady (not sure who she was). Starstruck as I usually am, I immediately changed course and followed as he walked on the west side of Jackson Square, talking on his cellphone. They went into Cafe Pontalba, the bar/restaurant on the NW corner of the square.....he goes to the men's room, she waits around....I'm keeping an eye from the square. Not too many people in there and nobody seemed to recognize him. I didn't stick around too long, but he was still on the phone, and eventually they sat at a table by the window. It was really a thrill! Especially because I had just seen him on stage and was still humming those songs in my head. That was my superstar encounter for the fest!

[Bill/KC]

I've always heard (here comes another rumor) that the BNA's get less than their usual fees to play the Fest. I guess what ever they get, the Fest thinks it's worth it. That said, I'd say that the money they spent on Brad Paisley was money down the drain, since most folks were at Bonnie (who should have been at Acura instead of BP).

[ibjamn]

I'd say that the money they spent on Brad Paisley was money down the drain, since most folks were at Bonnie (who should have been at Acura instead of BP).

With apologies to the folks who love Paisely, I agree. I thought Bonnie's set was one of the best of fest and she should have been at Acura.
She did say twice during her set "Thanks for staying at this stage with us, instead of going to all the other great music on the fairgrounds." ;)

[Staxsun]

I caught some of both and I thought Paisley was pretty good (not as good as Bonnie). Another thing that happens in negotiations with BNAs is sometimes they'll play for less to get a good spot on the big stage. Bonnie's very accommodating and would probably play at the snowball stand if they asked her.

[Dr. A.]

fees, etc are not so important to me, but i would be interested if any of the bnas donated performance fees to the fest as a goodwill gesture post-k. last year, lionel richie not only waived his fee, he picked up all his own/group expenses. i have no interest in him, but i do have a newfound respect. i dont know if others did the same, but (rumor of course) i heard others played for far less than usual fees (i.e. bruce). this year, with the crowd figures (according to quint quoted on yahoo) back to pre-k levels, i wonder if others donated services. i kinda doubt it.
i agree with staxsun that much of the fee negotiation is not necessarily a dollars and cents deal, and it really doesnt matter too much.
other than lucinda, cowboy mouth and 10 minutes of steely dan, i avoided the big stages, happily so.

now, with crowds back to pre-k level, what about adding thursday next year? start the pleading now!

[Belle]

I caught some of both and I thought Paisley was pretty good (not as good as Bonnie). Another thing that happens in negotiations with BNAs is sometimes they'll play for less to get a good spot on the big stage. Bonnie's very accommodating and would probably play at the snowball stand if they asked her.


Good one Friend!! I miss you.... next year with the Mrs?

[marignygreg]

Ingrid,Kermit and Chaz got paid as much or more than they would at ( pick a festival ) and did not have to travel far to get there.

[Moon]

Several years ago David Hildago of Los Lobos told me they play Fest for free, meaning JF picks up the tab for their expenses. He said they do this because of "the honor" of playing such a prestigious gig. I expect a lot of bands do the same

[vegout]

I don't know what Buffett charges JF but if you want him for your corporate gig, it will set you back a cool 1.5 million!

[glinda]

On the drive home, I cheered myself up by playing the new music I got and by thinking about fest in specifics and in general. I came to the conclusion that the fest marketing folks changed their strategy this year and by the size of the crowd, their strategy worked. I think they booked as many boomer bands as they could. They realized we are the ones with disposable bucks, not the kids who follow panic and dave matthews. yes, i know many of us love those bands too but it appears their goal was to get the older peeps to fest. mrsteve and ohio both had friends do their virgin fest because of a BNA. Whatever the reason, it was good to see the big crowds, yet sad too. And before I left town Sunday noonish, I drove around the quarter. The place was full of folks who were not festing!
Absolutely agree, FunKK. There was more advertising and the BNA's were varied, but largely boomer-oriented, and it worked. Record crowds.

Funny thing is the old favorites I thought I'd love to see were not as enjoyable as I expected. The Louisiana music ALWAYS knocked my socks off.

[Staxsun]

Good one Friend!! I miss you.... next year with the Mrs?

I hope. Maybe we can see each other before then?

[brooklyngal]

With apologies to the folks who love Paisely, I agree. I thought Bonnie's set was one of the best of fest and she should have been at Acura.
She did say twice during her set "Thanks for staying at this stage with us, instead of going to all the other great music on the fairgrounds." ;)

I noticed that too Ibjamin. I was glad to see her again (saw her a few years back at JF). And hey, it was great to meet you at the Square. :)

[ibjamn]

It was great to meet you too, I just wish I had gotten to spend more time with ALL the new kids I met this year! :)

[Cleophus]

Funny thing is the old favorites I thought I'd love to see were not as enjoyable as I expected. The Louisiana music ALWAYS knocked my socks off.

Aha -- I was not the only one! :)
Most of my crew felt the same way this year. Not sure it's because we've heard so many of these bands so many times, or what. But unlike every other year we've been down there, nothing blew us away this year.

[larrybawlmer]

Elder Babbs and the Bumblebees- Bonearama on Jesus WOW!!!
Danza Quintet
Allman Bros with Susan Tedeschi and Chuck Leavell
Galactic w/ Mark Mullins and Donald Harrison Jr.
Irma in the Gospel tent
Danilo Perez in the Jazz Tent
Harry C Jr and Branford Marsalis playing 'A Closer Walk with Thee 'for Alvin Batiste tribute

It's Jazzfest- everythings good!!! Every Year

[Frosty]

Honestly, I was shocked this year's was greater attended with megastars like Dave Matthews, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffet and Paul Simon all performing last year. And please, don't convince me at least 4 of those aren't big time Boomer acts. And for 1st Saturday to be as packed as it was for Rod Stewart and Norah Jones really shocked me. Norah Jones is pleasent enough but certainly better suited for the intimacy of Snug Harbor than a large outdoor venue. Rod Stewart just seemed strange to me although it appears people enjoyed his show.

So, for people who went to both weekends, was 2nd quieter than 1st?

[AtPontchartrain]

Honestly, I was shocked this year's was greater attended with megastars like Dave Matthews, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffet and Paul Simon all performing last year. And please, don't convince me at least 4 of those aren't big time Boomer acts. And for 1st Saturday to be as packed as it was for Rod Stewart and Norah Jones really shocked me. Norah Jones is pleasent enough but certainly better suited for the intimacy of Snug Harbor than a large outdoor venue. Rod Stewart just seemed strange to me although it appears people enjoyed his show.

So, for people who went to both weekends, was 2nd quieter than 1st?

A.) Rod Stewart was a waste, replicating his records and not doing any of the "Stardust" stuff this old guy might have appreciated. But Mrs. Atpontchartrain loved every canned minute of it!

B.) Norah Jones came through as a real person even on the big screen, talent and enjoyment of the fest experience shining from the inside. She was a model for the BNA's.

C.) Friday was good. The rain made for some good swimming in the tents, and then once they restarted the stages, there were no crowds. Want a softshell crab po-boy? Have one, have two, there's no line. Want to get from Koindu to Grandstand in 3 minutes? Go! Sunday seemed a little lighter than Sat., but they were both mighty full days.

[Zydekitten]

Here's what blew my socks off:

- Richie Havens
- Sonny Landreth (great new songs)
- The Batiste/French Tribute (totally worthy missing Steely Dan for)
- The Madison Bumblebees (thank God they played on Sunday too, so I could catch them)
- Percy Sledge (singing on bended knee to his wife)
- Bonnie Raitt (she's my redheaded heroine)
- Buckwheat Zydeco (as he always does)
- The Iguanas
- The New Orleans Social Club (once they got Dr. John's mike working)
- Tyronne Foster and the Arc Singers (after the deluge on Friday)

[Frosty]

A.) Rod Stewart was a waste, replicating his records and not doing any of the "Stardust" stuff this old guy might have appreciated. But Mrs. Atpontchartrain loved every canned minute of it!

B.) Norah Jones came through as a real person even on the big screen, talent and enjoyment of the fest experience shining from the inside. She was a model for the BNA's.

C.) Friday was good. The rain made for some good swimming in the tents, and then once they restarted the stages, there were no crowds. Want a softshell crab po-boy? Have one, have two, there's no line. Want to get from Koindu to Grandstand in 3 minutes? Go! Sunday seemed a little lighter than Sat., but they were both mighty full days.

I might have been interest in Stewart if he reunited with Jeff Beck and gang and replicated Truth and Beck-Ola, or even Every Picture, but that is it.

I was not knocking Norah Jones but her music is just great for an intimate venue. It really speaks to her talent if she pulled it off so well at a major stage. Wonderful!

If weekend crowds followed 1st Saturday, I was expecting closer to 450-500,000 people. 375 seemed awfully low if 1st Saturday was 90,000 as some have guessed. Perhaps the weather......

[swag]

2nd Friday was the least crowded Fest day I can remember (though I missed the 1st Thursday a few years ago). My guess is under 50K, maybe as few as 30K.

2nd Saturday was the 2nd most crowded day I can remember (after DMB 2001). My guess is 100K.

2nd Sunday seemed like a typical Sunday crowd. Maybe 80K?

[mariena]

Hey Frosty,
We were at the Norah Jones show and while I do like her a lot, I felt like she would have been better in a more intimate (indoor) venue. Still, others seemed to like her a lot. It was just too mellow for me.
Mariena

[Frosty]

2nd Friday was the least crowded Fest day I can remember (though I missed the 1st Thursday a few years ago). My guess is under 50K, maybe as few as 30K.

2nd Saturday was the 2nd most crowded day I can remember (after DMB 2001). My guess is 100K.

2nd Sunday seemed like a typical Sunday crowd. Maybe 80K?

Well, that comes to 210K with another 90K for 1st Sat, leaving only 75K for first Friday and First Sunday combined. So, those 90K and 100K days probably need to be ratcheted down. It is to bad they arent more specific but I guess what really matter is Fest was successful. Attendance figures just help us to cheer for how successful.

[vegout]

If you want to see Norah in an intimate venue, try her 1st DVD in your home theatre. It was recorded at HOB in NOLA a few years back and while she was a bit nervous, it's a good performance. You have to be in the right mood to listen to her, IMHO.

[Frosty]

Hey Frosty,
We were at the Norah Jones show and while I do like her a lot, I felt like she would have been better in a more intimate (indoor) venue. Still, others seemed to like her a lot. It was just too mellow for me.
Mariena

I bet a large part of it is how close you are in the crowd. Seeing an act from 1/4 mile doesnt do justice to someone like Norah Jones whereas ZZ Top could blow you away. I was worried about Van Morrison in the large setting but was pleasently surprised. But, it helped we were right in front of the back speakers.

[bluesgirl]

These are just rumors.... also from the same source, George Thorogood's fee was $100,000.
Whatever the amount, the payout to musicians is huge. Just the cost of doing business. As long as the Foundation is in the plus column then I do not really care how much someone gets paid. Just remember, for some folks Rod Stewart was their highlight.

Musician fees are like an MSRP. You can get a price from their agent, but they'll often take less for a one off show, they're playing for friends in their home town, they love a cause, or the show has some prestige.

Someone like Jimmy Buffett would play JazzFest for beer and gumbo. :p

[festydave]

Actually, they usually charge you more when its a one off.

[balmer_hophead]

2nd Friday was the least crowded Fest day I can remember (though I missed the 1st Thursday a few years ago). My guess is under 50K, maybe as few as 30K.

2nd Saturday was the 2nd most crowded day I can remember (after DMB 2001). My guess is 100K.

2nd Sunday seemed like a typical Sunday crowd. Maybe 80K?
2nd Friday seemded pretty crowded to me. We couldn't get by the crowd to see ZZ Top.

[pokerchick66]

Very spacious where I was (Up front on the right side of the sound booth). I saw lots of pathways. You just had to know where to go in.

[Headless Hornman]

Speaking of artist's fees, fwiw:

http://blog.nola.com/living/2007/05/funky_meters_return_to_no_but.html



But had Jazzfest "made an offer that we couldn't refuse," Art said, the Neville Brothers would have performed this year. "I would love to be able to play in New Orleans with them, but it's got to be right."

[bluesgirl]

Actually, they usually charge you more when its a one off.

Hmmm, that's how we usually get people at reduced rates up here. I'm halfway between Baltimore and Philly, and if one of my friends with a venue can snag somebody who plays Balt. on Friday and Philly on Sunday, they come play for him at a good price.

[Staxsun]

You guys have different vocabulary. Festy's right in that a one off is outside of a tourdate. What you're talking about is a tweener. That's usually when you get the best rate. That usually doesn't happen on a weekend or a festival as those are prime dates that you build the rest of a routing around.

[pokerchick66]

Yall sound like Charlie Brown's teacher.

[NeenAtlanta]

You guys have different vocabulary. Festy's right in that a one off is outside of a tourdate. What you're talking about is a tweener. That's usually when you get the best rate. That usually doesn't happen on a weekend or a festival as those are prime dates that you build the rest of a routing around.

Well put, Stax. That's how my Joe's bands work as well. They love getting a tweener. But their fav is a multi-nighter at one venue (can leave the gear overnight - one less load out and load in). Much preferred over 1 night jobs.

[NeenAtlanta]

Yall sound like Charlie Brown's teacher.

wawk wawk wawk wawk. whak whak whak?

[bluesgirl]

You guys have different vocabulary. Festy's right in that a one off is outside of a tourdate. What you're talking about is a tweener. That's usually when you get the best rate. That usually doesn't happen on a weekend or a festival as those are prime dates that you build the rest of a routing around.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. Jerry calls them one offs. I thought it stood for one night off. :)

[pokerchick66]

wawk wawk wawk wawk. whak whak whak?

ROFLMAO!

[balmer_hophead]

Very spacious where I was (Up front on the right side of the sound booth). I saw lots of pathways. You just had to know where to go in.
So that's one of my regrets then. Not forcing my way through that outside layer during ZZ Top.

[pokerchick66]

So that's one of my regrets then. Not forcing my way through that outside layer during ZZ Top.

lol, get a spray fan and use it on em. They part like the red sea for ya. :D

[BigDag]

lol, get a spray fan and use it on em. They part like the red sea for ya. :D

What a great idea. You're a genius, Poker!

[chicagomike]

wow

guess I struck a nerve there

You are pretty good at that.

[funkkjunkie]

A friend heard Quint say this openly backstage at the stomp, and in front of local musicians who are lucky to get 1% of that: "We paid Rod Stewart $750,000." But IJDM because THEY are in charge and we're not. We just get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. And some delicious fruits they were.

[pokerchick66]

A friend heard Quint say this openly backstage at the stomp, and in front of local musicians who are lucky to get 1% of that: "We paid Rod Stewart $750,000." But IJDM because THEY are in charge and we're not. We just get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. And some delicious fruits they were.

I honest to God don't care what they paid them. I'm sure they know what they're doing. Whatever it was, it was worth it! And I hope they do it again. :)

[AtPontchartrain]

I honest to God don't care what they paid them. I'm sure they know what they're doing. Whatever it was, it was worth it! And I hope they do it again. :)

The one thing about the Fest's connections with Festival Productions and its successors (parts of it have been sold) and with AEG, is that they book some of the same and competitive musicians in many places around the country, and they know the costs and other multiple factors necessary to put on a show. They have always said that for N.O. musicians, they want to make it an as "good-paying" gig as they get, and given the gripes I hear when musician friends don't make the cut some years, there must be some truth to that.

[Amy Winette]

A friend heard Quint say this openly backstage at the stomp, and in front of local musicians who are lucky to get 1% of that: "We paid Rod Stewart $750,000." But IJDM because THEY are in charge and we're not. We just get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. And some delicious fruits they were.

Yes, IJDM, fest was FABULOUS!!

[mymecca]

or feets the the mud...as the case may be...i think this year was more crowded than any i've seen...i don't think it's just the boomer strategy 'cause dylan and bruce had that covered last year

2006 was for the hard-core, ain't gonna take no kraptina excuse crowd...i was glad to be in that number...this year was all the hard-cores + the ones that stayed home last year + the newbies we all brought or were self-motivated

one of my favorite moments this year...first friday...a completely non-verbal exchange...the japanese couple that handed me their cubes for recommendations...i circled 'em up and we grinned and bowed thanks/welcome

[dank_bass]

So back at my first jazzfest in 2002 ... Im sitting in the sun with the best feeling I could have in the entire world, I look to my left and say to the stranger next to me ... "This might be the best place and time in the whole world right now" ... and he leaned in towards me, and said "Shhh ... Dont tell your friends back home" ... didnt make sense to me then. After this year, I get it

After Katrina I understood the drumming up support part of it, and the more $ = Better, but maybe we can tone it down now. Seemed like an AWFUL lot of new people this year.

Attack me now

[dank_bass]

or feets the the mud...as the case may be...i think this year was more crowded than any i've seen...i don't think it's just the boomer strategy 'cause dylan and bruce had that covered last year

2006 was for the hard-core, ain't gonna take no kraptina excuse crowd...i was glad to be in that number...this year was all the hard-cores + the ones that stayed home last year + the newbies we all brought or were self-motivated

one of my favorite moments this year...first friday...a completely non-verbal exchange...the japanese couple that handed me their cubes for recommendations...i circled 'em up and we grinned and bowed thanks/welcome

I think last years crowds suffered alot from the "New Orleans is still there??" syndrome

[Carolina Beadhead]

So back at my first jazzfest in 2002 ... Im sitting in the sun with the best feeling I could have in the entire world, I look to my left and say to the stranger next to me ... "This might be the best place and time in the whole world right now" ... and he leaned in towards me, and said "Shhh ... Dont tell your friends back home" ... didnt make sense to me then. After this year, I get it

After Katrina I understood the drumming up support part of it, and the more $ = Better, but maybe we can tone it down now. Seemed like an AWFUL lot of new people this year.

Attack me now

No attacking from me. The thought crossed my mind that the vibe was slightly different this year, especially noticable 1st weekend. I'm not sure how to verbalize it but more overheard grumbling about the lines, the heat, the crowds. I attributed it to the fact that lots of people were there for the first time out of curousity rather than a love and appreciation of music. Like maybe the PR made it to the casual tourist as opposed to word of mouth among those seeking out good music. I could be way off base but it was just a feeling I had.

[mno]

the grumbling could mean things are getting back to normal ..

[mluke66]

I think it is important to know what are they paying bands. For one, let's not forget before Katrina the Fest was losing money. How? I have no idea. This all plays into poor management, which is why some almost lost their jobs when new blood came in.

To pay someone like Rod Stewart $800,000 and not pay local musicians accordingly is a crime. Ask most local musicians off the record and they'll complain about what they get paid. On the record, they can't because they'll get black-balled.

Furthermore, paying somebody $800,000 for a set of music is absurd and also helps double ticket prices. Quint does mighty fine, while musicians struggle to make ends meet. Without them, somebody wouldn't have their giant Mercedes to drive around town, Jazzfest wouldn't work, and New Orleans wouldn't be the same.

[McGregor]

$800k for anyone seems to high to me for one set. I'd rather see the Iguanas get $800k

Maybe if the Jerry came back! :p

[mariena]

one of my favorite moments this year...first friday...a completely non-verbal exchange...the japanese couple that handed me their cubes for recommendations...i circled 'em up and we grinned and bowed thanks/welcome[/QUOTE]


Now that is why I love Jazz Fest in New Orleans. What a cool story.
Mariena

[Bill/KC]

No attacking from me. The thought crossed my mind that the vibe was slightly different this year, especially noticable 1st weekend. I'm not sure how to verbalize it but more overheard grumbling about the lines, the heat, the crowds. I attributed it to the fact that lots of people were there for the first time out of curousity rather than a love and appreciation of music. Like maybe the PR made it to the casual tourist as opposed to word of mouth among those seeking out good music. I could be way off base but it was just a feeling I had.

I'd say that grumbling was more from 1st timers than vets. It's been a lot hotter and the crowds just as bad, or worse in past years. That said, I've never seen the Sprint/Gentilly stage so crowded...ever! But that's probably because of who they had playing there.

[steeleye]

one of my favorite moments this year...first friday...a completely non-verbal exchange...the japanese couple that handed me their cubes for recommendations...i circled 'em up and we grinned and bowed thanks/welcome


Now that is why I love Jazz Fest in New Orleans. What a cool story.
Mariena[/QUOTE]

That is a great story! And what good fortune they had putting their cubes in front of a Threadhead!

[Corona]

I just wanna go back, I don't care how many people are there!!! Waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!! :(

[RevDon]

I just wanna go back, I don't care how many people are there!!! Waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!! :(

Corona, did you pick up a copy of the T-P and check out the classifides? I don't know what field you're in, but New Orleans is a buyers market for employees, with a lot of people offering hefty signing bonuses. Just a thought;)

[rosetree]

Corona, did you pick up a copy of the T-P and check out the classifides? I don't know what field you're in, but New Orleans is a buyers market for employees, with a lot of people offering hefty signing bonuses. Just a thought;)

There are rumored to be some nice houses in Algiers Point!;) ;)

[amanda77]

I think it is important to know what are they paying bands. For one, let's not forget before Katrina the Fest was losing money. How? I have no idea. This all plays into poor management, which is why some almost lost their jobs when new blood came in.

To pay someone like Rod Stewart $800,000 and not pay local musicians accordingly is a crime. Ask most local musicians off the record and they'll complain about what they get paid. On the record, they can't because they'll get black-balled.

Furthermore, paying somebody $800,000 for a set of music is absurd and also helps double ticket prices. Quint does mighty fine, while musicians struggle to make ends meet. Without them, somebody wouldn't have their giant Mercedes to drive around town, Jazzfest wouldn't work, and New Orleans wouldn't be the same.

I totally agree.

[Corona]

Corona, did you pick up a copy of the T-P and check out the classifides? I don't know what field you're in, but New Orleans is a buyers market for employees, with a lot of people offering hefty signing bonuses. Just a thought;)
lol sure did Ron. I'm a social work supervisor in the field of child welfare (child protection). There were a few in there. Right now I'm trying to figure out how I could do part or all of my Masters in Social Work at Tulane University.

[mymecca]

I think it is important to know what are they paying bands. For one, let's not forget before Katrina the Fest was losing money. How? I have no idea. This all plays into poor management, which is why some almost lost their jobs when new blood came in.

To pay someone like Rod Stewart $800,000 and not pay local musicians accordingly is a crime. Ask most local musicians off the record and they'll complain about what they get paid. On the record, they can't because they'll get black-balled.

Furthermore, paying somebody $800,000 for a set of music is absurd and also helps double ticket prices. Quint does mighty fine, while musicians struggle to make ends meet. Without them, somebody wouldn't have their giant Mercedes to drive around town, Jazzfest wouldn't work, and New Orleans wouldn't be the same.

to draw up the budget AND spend it...i don't see how it really concerns me or you...if you think it does, and you're offended...don't go...see how simple?

dont' get me wrong, i agree it's probably mismanaged...but unless i'm offering to dig in and help fix the problems on my own dime and time...i just STFU

[pokerchick66]

lol sure did Ron. I'm a social work supervisor in the field of child welfare (child protection). There were a few in there. Right now I'm trying to figure out how I could do part or all of my Masters in Social Work at Tulane University.

If ever there was a perfect candidate to move to New Orleans, you're it. :)

[PaulC]

to draw up the budget AND spend it...i don't see how it really concerns me or you...if you think it does, and you're offended...don't go...see how simple?

dont' get me wrong, i agree it's probably mismanaged...but unless i'm offering to dig in and help fix the problems on my own dime and time...i just STFU

love it or leave it?????... i gotta think that there are many other options.... the local musicians do feel and communicate a sincere disconnect between their worth and that of the bands that the fest could do well without....

[mymecca]

love it or leave it?????... there are many other options....

just said quit your bitchin' if your just gonna flap your gums...i'm sure the foundation and partners will accept volunteer work

[PaulC]

just said quit your bitchin' if your just gonna flap your gums...i'm sure the foundation and partners will accept volunteer work

you're

[McGregor]

the rumor thread is grumpy today :p

TGIF

[mymecca]

sorry for being such a crankypants

[PaulC]

sorry for being such a crankypants

it's casual Friday.... remove those pants... all's well that "ends" well :) ......

[Amy Winette]

Oh Paul, you crack me up!

For me, I just had such a wonderful awesome great time this year that everything else just doesn't matter!!

[mluke66]

to draw up the budget AND spend it...i don't see how it really concerns me or you...if you think it does, and you're offended...don't go...see how simple?

dont' get me wrong, i agree it's probably mismanaged...but unless i'm offering to dig in and help fix the problems on my own dime and time...i just STFU

just said quit your bitchin' if your just gonna flap your gums...i'm sure the foundation and partners will accept volunteer work


Wow, these posts are brimming with out of town warmth. I am here and am pitching in, and living the nightmare, thanks. I have helped gut homes of musicians, written stories about them, worked at OZ for free, and tutored the TIP intern kids, so spare me. Sorry for being remotely critical.

I know the value of local musicians that is why it irks me. Without them, the fest is just the big national acts. Without them, my home is just another boring place. Is it okay that I'm concerned that bread and butter of the fest and New Orleans get properly paid?

Thanks for spreading the Jazzfest love.

[Belle]

So back at my first jazzfest in 2002 ... Im sitting in the sun with the best feeling I could have in the entire world, I look to my left and say to the stranger next to me ... "This might be the best place and time in the whole world right now" ... and he leaned in towards me, and said "Shhh ... Dont tell your friends back home" ... didnt make sense to me then. After this year, I get it

After Katrina I understood the drumming up support part of it, and the more $ = Better, but maybe we can tone it down now. Seemed like an AWFUL lot of new people this year.
Attack me now

Me me and me!!! Hubby too of course!!

[mymecca]

Wow, these posts are brimming with out of town warmth. I am here and am pitching in, and living the nightmare, thanks. I have helped gut homes of musicians, written stories about them, worked at OZ for free, and tutored the TIP intern kids, so spare me. Sorry for being remotely critical.

I know the value of local musicians that is why it irks me. Without them, the fest is just the big national acts. Without them, my home is just another boring place. Is it okay that I'm concerned that bread and butter of the fest and New Orleans get properly paid?

Thanks for spreading the Jazzfest love.

to do what they do...that's my solution...i support live music of all kinds...by buying tickets and showing up...that's just me...i was also back in nov 2005 and have visited nowhere else since...new orleans is a national treasure

i'm sorry if i sounded cold...i just have had it with the ubiquitous criticism and negativity...especially followed by no action...i truly wish your nightmare to change back to the living dream it was before...and respect the hell outta anyone staying and working to make that happen...