How was Chaz Fest??

[marignygreg]

Anyone go ?? How was Soul Asylum ?

[ibjamn]

I didn't go, but I will next year. The Washboard Chaz trio rocked the Blues tent Sunday am and I didn't realize that Andy J. Forrest was playing for them full time now! (I'm a long-time fan of Andy)

[mboard]

Admitedly, I run with a bias, but Chaz Fest was fantastic! Two stages this year. Short sets between the early listed acts. Shatzy played with 00Alex backing him and they cooked. Tin men did their blow out show, starting with their version of the immigrant song, and Soul Asylum have their chops totally back. They were having a great time on the (for them) small stage, and Dave's young son Ian killed the crowd doing a duet with his dad, I think it was Crazy, the song they did together. (It's all a bit hazy now). Then Ian nearly stole the show duelling with Chaz on a scrub board in front of the stage while the Palmetto Bugs played. I was too tired to stay til the end but I heard that Supagroup just laid the crowd out. I'm leaving people out because I did time in the beer tent and elsewhere helping out. Mostly the crowd was local, and everyone said it reminded them of the first couple Jazz Fests, mellow, good music, and no crowds to fight.

[Jordan]

From Someone less biased it was great! The best thing about Chazfest is the vibe. Sure, the music was great, but you can find great music in NOLA lots of times. It's a beautiful backyard (three backyards combined) with a really organic and clever setup. The people were a walking contradiction -- so laid back and yet so into the music. There were no issues with blankets or chairs and there were even a few dogs walking around. It reminded me of a comment I either overheard at fest or read on the bord, "I started coming to fest before the no's - no coolers, no wagons, no re-entry, etc".

I have to say that the thing that suprised me the most was how organized it was. The minute someone finished playing on the main stage, the group on the side stage started and the crowd wandered over. The side stage had some of younger bands who impressed me. There was even a kids area run by a volunteer who reluctantly accepted tips.

My kids had a blast and so did I. I was sorry to miss Supagroup, but I had to make it to dba to see Grayson Capps (his only show outside the fest this year).

I hope it keeps happening as I will keep attending!