Would like some insight from you Festers

[Belle]

I know there are lots of Jazz Festivals and lots of Fests period. But last night I was talking with friends (granted we have not seen them in around a year) mentioning they should join us for NOLA Jazz Fest, VooDoo or the many assorted festivals in New Orleans. They first wanted to know if it was safe or even there. Then they wanted us to join them in Wilmington NC or this place or that. As a proud promoter of all things New Orleans related, I simply stated that others may have fests but the nights in New Orleans top it all off.

My question (yes there was one here) do the other fests compare with what is offered in New Orleans? How can you beat the line ups during the days and then the nights?

Perhaps I have not been around the block enough but my God; how can New Orleans be beat? Perhaps it is my blues, funk and cultural love of THE City and the music scene. But in my humble opinion nothing beats what is experienced in New Orleans.

Just a question.

[swag]

I think you're on the right track - what makes it so special is the combination of many greatnesses.

If you look just at the music at the festival itself, then I suppose you could argue that Bonnaroo or King Biscuit or ACL is as good as Jazzfest, depending on your musical tastes. For night shows, SXSW can rival Jazzfest nights, but at SXSW, the club shows are about all there is. Add to that the City itself - the culture, the architecture, the history.

And if all that isn't enough, no music Fest in North America can even come close, when it comes to the food.

[Blitzzzzz]

I know there are lots of Jazz Festivals and lots of Fests period. ......
Perhaps I have not been around the block enough but my God; how can New Orleans be beat? Perhaps it is my blues, funk and cultural love of THE City and the music scene. But in my humble opinion nothing beats what is experienced in New Orleans.
Just a question.

There are other Fests that are musically comparable or superior to New Orleans. It really depends what you like. Especially now that Fest seems to be moving steadily towards more BNAs. True, there aren't some many Louisianna acts at other fests, but there is more Jazz and Blues or Roots/Americana at some fests. Other city's festivals have their charms, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, even Detroit, it all depends and some have club scenes that are a match or better in terms of venues. One thing that IS for certain, there is no festival or city in this hemisphere that can match the food experience found at the Fairgrounds or NOLA at large.
Damn, now I've got myself thinking about the PQA gumbo and the sweet potato pone!:cool:

[bywterbro]

other unique things about jazzfest in new orleans..
mardi gras injun bands, and there are lots of them...
2nd line brass bands, and social aid and pleasure clubs...lots of them
the history of the music emanates from new orleans...over a 100 years now..
free music all over the city...especially unique places like Louisiana Music Factory, Spotted CAt, Lafayette Square, etc....
most festivals have a few free events, but no where near as many
as in new orleans..

[funkkjunkie]

Nope. The whole package: Can't beat it. They just have to try it to understand.

I just spent a weekend in Clarksdale, MS at Sunflower River blues and gospel fest and I had a great time. I saw T Model Ford and Robert Belfour and Eddie cusic, the old guys that are still with us. I got to see my beloved Rising Star Drum and Fife Band. I got to see Lightning Malcolm and Cedric Burnside kicking some serious ass in a little bar with about 20 other folks. And that was really special. I loved every minute. But all the way there, we listened to New Orleans music. My friend, juana, said you know we're addicted to new orleans music, don't ya? Hell, yeah!

[bywterbro]

[QUOTE=funkkjunkie;88789]Nope. The whole package: Can't beat it. They just have to try it to understand.

and this is so true...sometimes it cant be put into words...
you have 2 experience it....

[linza22]

[QUOTE=funkkjunkie;88789]Nope. The whole package: Can't beat it. They just have to try it to understand.

and this is so true...sometimes it cant be put into words...
you have 2 experience it....

it's that old thing about getting it. either you do or don't. i've seen great music in many cities, but it IS the city, the 'background', that makes JF so great, imho.

i love wilmington, nc, i visit often, but i've never found it to be a place that i would go for a festival...

[Corona]

Like everyone else said Belle....various cities may have 1 or 2 of the special characteristics of a good fest- night shows, festival acts/grounds etc. But NOWHERE has the culture, food, music, day festival, smaller fests off fest days (chazfest, Ingrids, Fanfest etc.), and an overwhelming number of nightshows like the NOJHF. I don't think anywhere has it all like New Orleans during Jazzfest.

[Staxsun]

Like everyone else said Belle....various cities may have 1 or 2 of the special characteristics of a good fest- night shows, festival acts/grounds etc. But NOWHERE has the culture, food, music, day festival, smaller fests off fest days (chazfest, Ingrids, Fanfest etc.), and an overwhelming number of nightshows like the NOJHF. I don't think anywhere has it all like New Orleans during Jazzfest.

That wraps it up pretty well, except that the over-abundance of people who are there to truly enjoy the experience. So many other festivals I go to have people who are there to see one act; there to be seen; have no idea why they're there; just want to start trouble; just want to get wasted; etc. At Jazzfest the people there are like-minded for the most part. They truly love the music, and while any two will have different tastes, they all appreciate the vastness of the great music.

[Moon]

Stax nailed it. I've been going to music festivals since the late 60's. The vibe at JazzFest is unlike any other I've ever experienced. When you consider the heat, the large crowds, and the copious amounts of alcohol consumed; the lack of violence is a mighty strong testimony to that vibe and power of music. You put any or all of those combinations together anywhere else and you're gonna have a few hundred arrests.

[Michelino]

What everyone else said...We've been to some very special festivals and seen great performances from right here in Rochjazzster, in New York City, in Montreal, Memphis, Chicago, Toronto, Ottawa, Detroit, at Crawfish Fest, London, Amsterdam and in one of New Orlean's few rivals as a City of Romance: Venice. Great times, wonderful music in all those places. And quite a few unique experiences that you will find nowhere else.

But only one other festival kinda comes close to capturing all the special facets of Jazz Fest, the food, the culture, the music and the City that it takes place in.

And that would be French Quarter Fest.

But Belle, I am sure your heart is already telling you this: If they won't get it, you can't give it to them.

[Frosty]

I used to love Milwaukee's Summer Fest and would drive up there every summer instead of dealing with the zoo known as Taste of Chicago. However, this year when I looked at Summer Fest's lineup, it was all washed up reunion tours of 80's arena bands with few original members (Foreigner, Blue Oyster Cult, Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon, Asia, etc.). Even the BNA's that play the Marcus Ampitheater were not very B. They did have a few good acts like BB King at the Classic Rock Stage, though.

[Corona]

But Belle, I am sure your heart is already telling you this: If they won't get it, you can't give it to them.


so true Mich....you really can't...

[linza22]

But Belle, I am sure your heart is already telling you this: If they won't get it, you can't give it to them.


so true Mich....you really can't...

...and it's also very frustrating to try to help someone get it. they can suck the life outta ya!

[Corona]

...and it's also very frustrating to try to help someone get it. they can suck the life outta ya!
shit, don't I know it....my newbies for 2nd weekend were tough to take and I promised no more newbies for fest unless they are on their own. It's too much and they bring you down when they don't get it...always tired, hungry, hot but not willing to venture off on their own....sitting quietly in a corner at a club and staring at you with eyes that they want to go home to the hotel lol! Not this year kids.....I'm sayin' it now...no fest newbies for me!!! (someone please hold me to that!!)

[linza22]

shit, don't I know it....my newbies for 2nd weekend were tough to take and I promised no more newbies for fest unless they are on their own. It's too much and they bring you down when they don't get it...always tired, hungry, hot but not willing to venture off on their own....sitting quietly in a corner at a club and staring at you with eyes that they want to go home to the hotel lol! Not this year kids.....I'm sayin' it now...no fest newbies for me!!! (someone please hold me to that!!)

so true so true. i was showing off (yes...showing off...) my new flour de lis ring to someone at brunch the other day (someone who doesn't get it) and they said 'oh it's the saints', i said..'well, it could be i suppose but to me it represents New Orleans'....she said 'why would you get a ring to represent a city?'....need i say more? she will not be joining me in New Orleans ever! ha ha!

[Corona]

lol.....don't knock it til ya try it right?

[mightyradgumbo]

yeah, as far as newbies at fest goes I only have brought one newbie and am 1 for 1 but that was priestboy and he got it straight outta the gate being on da bored for several months prior to fest.
I used to take people to Dead shows and Buffett shows and they would groove on the outside scene but just sit there during the show. So I do not do that any longer. But I digress...

I will 23rd the emotion about the total package of Fest that is offered. Music, Food, culture, instores, night shows, TH Patry, RT Patry, shellfest, etc. It just doesn't get any better than that.

[jolie]

so true so true. i was showing off (yes...showing off...) my new flour de lis ring to someone at brunch the other day (someone who doesn't get it) and they said 'oh it's the saints', i said..'well, it could be i suppose but to me it represents New Orleans'....she said 'why would you get a ring to represent a city?'....need i say more? she will not be joining me in New Orleans ever! ha ha!

Yep, I've gotten that often....by locals no less:rolleyes:
"Oh you're a Saints fan".....Nooooooooooo Ima New Orleans fan!!!

[larrybawlmer]

Musically JF is tops because of the trad,gospel and fais-do-do stages. You can see blues or rock or jazz fests that may be 'better' but ya can't get it all in one place like this.
Then you add in the food,culture, vibe,friends......

[jolie]

.....and I am a Saints Fan of course

[funkkjunkie]

Corona, you know i'll hold you to it. :)

[denideadhead]

shit, don't I know it....my newbies for 2nd weekend were tough to take and I promised no more newbies for fest unless they are on their own. It's too much and they bring you down when they don't get it...always tired, hungry, hot but not willing to venture off on their own....sitting quietly in a corner at a club and staring at you with eyes that they want to go home to the hotel lol! Not this year kids.....I'm sayin' it now...no fest newbies for me!!! (someone please hold me to that!!)
Yes indeed I have learned to fest test friends even for local events. I take them to a club to see a whatever type of music will be featured and see how they react. I know all too well that look of gee thanks for taking me to see this band can we go home now and watch paint dry...meanwhile I am having the time of my life. I find it mucho's better to befreind the birds of a feather that are already doin what we do..Yes we were all Newbies at one time but Newbies with the fire of Jazzfest already in our souls

[Corona]

Corona, you know i'll hold you to it. :)
you better cuz I'm a sucka for newbies!!!

Deni....I like that. Well said :)

[saturn]

shit, don't I know it....my newbies for 2nd weekend were tough to take and I promised no more newbies for fest unless they are on their own. It's too much and they bring you down when they don't get it...always tired, hungry, hot but not willing to venture off on their own....sitting quietly in a corner at a club and staring at you with eyes that they want to go home to the hotel lol! Not this year kids.....I'm sayin' it now...no fest newbies for me!!! (someone please hold me to that!!)

I will do my best to block them from getting on the plane in Detroit. :p

[kyfester]

Several years back, the last time Richard Thompson played JazzFest, he asked the crowd on the Gentilly Stage a question: Why on earth would anybody want to be anywhere else besides New Orleans during JazzFest?

N O is the birthplace of American music. That spirit imbues every note played by every act.

I've been going to festivals since Atlanta Pop in '70. Nothing comes close.

[funkkjunkie]

thanks for the backup, saturn. And yyr, kyfester, can't touch THE jazzfest.

[Belle]

Thanks for everyones time and experience. Just validates what I knew. New Orleans Fest is the Best. Diversity of music, the BEST food, the participants, the night shows and held in the greatest music city in the world.

Also you convinced me I cannot make anyone understand what is so great about Fest. "Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile"

I hereby promise myself that I shall not encourage anyone who "doesn't get it" yet, to come along and hinder my enjoyment cause I sure got it.

You all are the greatest!

[swag]

http://jazzfest.swagland.com/writings.html

[VWGal]

http://jazzfest.swagland.com/writings.html

Hear Hear!!!

[Corona]

perfect :D

[Corona]

awww, luv ya Belle!

[t.o..fester]

I guess I've been lucky with newbies over the years. I've been attending since 1991 and I've introduced about 20 or so 'virgins' to 'fest and I can only think of one or two that didn't really 'get it'. Unfortunately, one of them was my wife. She's been 3 or 4 times, but has never really got into it. Even my father, who is now 74, has been 3 times and was really pissed off that I invited another newbie this past year instead of him. If I make it next year, you can be assured he will be there. (Do you know, that my father is one of very few people who can say they've been in a N.O. police car and not taken to jail. They drove him to the hotel at 4:00 a.m. from Bourbon St., and he did not even remember the name of the hotel. LOL. They drove him around until they found it. It was hilarious. He had been pick pocketed, had no ID, money etc., not that that part if funny.)
I really enjoy introducing newbies to N.O. Adds something to the trip for me.

[Corona]

I do too T.O. and have been bringing them for other trips....I think I'm ready to keep Jazzfest for myself this year...it's also very enjoyable when they love it....but when they don't....it makes for a tough trip. I'm not saying I won't encourage people to come and I'm more than willing to set them up with hotels, tickets etc. but they have to be on their own.....I can't play babysitter or tour guide during fest for awhile. I need a break that's all. I have 3 newbies coming for Voodoo in Oct. and all are New Orleans fest newbies (meaning new to festing all day and then clubs at night). Here's hopin'!

[yehyourite]

You Vaughan's Virgins were delightful and sensuous ;)

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

So, maybe the real question here is what is your second favorite music festival. For me, it would depend on the lineup. Wish I could make Telluride Blues Fest this year.

[funkkjunkie]

Well, alright then, texas fred, my second favorite fest has to be a tie between wakarusa and satchmo.

[mightyradgumbo]

So, maybe the real question here is what is your second favorite music festival. For me, it would depend on the lineup. Wish I could make Telluride Blues Fest this year.

I liked Bonnaroo and Vegoose....Bonnaroo nights were filled with chillin and dinkin' and supps and Vegoose is Vegas, Baby...need I say more? ;)

[Zydekitten]

My second fave festival is High Sierra here in Cali. Fun, fun, fun.

[Corona]

You Vaughan's Virgins were delightful and sensuous ;)
lol...aww shucks....tanks hunni

[Corona]

So, maybe the real question here is what is your second favorite music festival. For me, it would depend on the lineup. Wish I could make Telluride Blues Fest this year.
Crawfish Fest....hands down....no brainer for me. That fest is sah-weet!!!!

[NOLA]

I haven't been to all that many (hey, I've got the best there is right here in my back yard), but I gotta agree, CFF was a total blast. I'm looking forward to making that one an annual tradition.

[ibjamn]

Rhythm & Roots in RI. That is one sweet, laid-back fest & always has lots of NOLA acts.

[t.o..fester]

I do too T.O. and have been bringing them for other trips....I think I'm ready to keep Jazzfest for myself this year...it's also very enjoyable when they love it....but when they don't....it makes for a tough trip. I'm not saying I won't encourage people to come and I'm more than willing to set them up with hotels, tickets etc. but they have to be on their own.....I can't play babysitter or tour guide during fest for awhile. I need a break that's all. I have 3 newbies coming for Voodoo in Oct. and all are New Orleans fest newbies (meaning new to festing all day and then clubs at night). Here's hopin'!

Well maybe us veterans should do it together next year. Never really had a chance to spend much time with you. Think I'd like that.

[larrybawlmer]

BAy Blues Festival on the Chesapeake BAy at Sandy Pt. State Pk in MD. Right on the water. It's been hit or miss whether they have it each year but it's a great setting to hear the blues.Crabcakes too!!

[Corona]

Well maybe us veterans should do it together next year. Never really had a chance to spend much time with you. Think I'd like that.
most definitely T.O., other than Jeff Healey in Toronto, we haven't had much time. BTW, why don't you get your butt to Summerfolk in Owen Sound Sat. or Sunday? www.summerfolk.org
This is where we're heading tomorrow for the weekend. You ever been? I'm getting really excited. Tabasco and his family are driving in from Jersey and have been for the last 7 years for this fest....

[Crawfish Fest]

My most favorite venue has got to be Ft Adams State park in Newport, RI.
It's surrounded by water on 3 sides. The most memorable set i ever saw there was Ray Charles and the Rayettes. Second most memorable day there was at the Folk Fest, one year we had nine inches of no sun in one day. It was so cold, we boiled water to stay warm, a lot of the girls in the crowd decided to go topless and slide in the mud. They saw the steam and came in the jambalaya booth to stay warm, Some guy came in and wanted to smoke in the booth I said no, u cant smoke here near the food. His reply was look at them, their topless, i said yea, but they are not smoking, lol, get out. Off to Destin for the Emarald Coast Boat Poker Run in a few minutes.

[Corona]

Here's some info on Summerfolk....T.O. and Rossvegas....we should get it together for next year. I'll let you know how it was but my sis-in-law is there now and says the vibe is incredible in the campground already :)

Wednesday, August 15, 2007
CATCH THE MAGIC AT SUMMERFOLK


Here it comes! The gates will open on Friday, August 17th at 4:30 and another Summerfolk weekend begins.

Summerfolk has been part of our community for 32 years. It is one of the premier events of its kind in Canada, known far and wide for excellence.

Summerfolk provides an exceptional opportunity for professional musicians to perform. For many of them, their unique talents may not considered trendy or included in what we call mainstream music but that by no means diminishes the importance and relevance of their work.

More than 45 (5 stages) acts will appear at the Festival this weekend. The palette of music you'll hear ranges from vintage songs of the 1930s & 40s to Brazilian beats; pop and blues to bluegrass; Quebecois to Celtic; jigs and reels to African rhythms; comedy, country and dance music plus lots of original songs by the composers themselves. (they also do workshops during the day where at one point all the musicians names are put in a hat and they are pulled to make 4-5 person bands....then they improv...I guess it's magical :) )

Where else would you hear bagpipes, penny whistles, accordions, ukuleles, banjos, fiddles, concertinas, mandolins, harmonicas, all at one location?

With an outstanding Artisan Village, a full complement of activities for children, plenty of good food and a beautiful site on the shores of Georgian Bay, Summerfolk is the place to be!

Come "Inspire Your Senses" and catch the magic at the 32nd annual Summerfolk. I'll see you this weekend.

I'm getting excited now :D Sorry for the drift...carry on :)

[mymecca]

i assume it would be french qtr fest, but i haven't been to that one yet...

moutain aire in quincy, ca was cool, but no longer exists...a camping fest that had two stages, set up side by side...music was continuous completely FOMS free...with music late into the early morn...my favorite way to see galactic :0)

hardly strictly bluegrass here in SF is probably my second fave that i've been to...it's in it's 6th year and has grown to sumpin' like 6 (?) stages...in beautiful golden gate park...excellent lineup...emmylou harris has been a part since the beginning...willie & dolly have been out...this year, doc watson is rumored :0)

[papafrog]

french quarter fest
woodstock
jazzfest nycity before jvc took it over..i think it was still called
newport jazzfestival even tho it was in new yawk..

[Staxsun]

Of course there are many cool fests with different vibes. Let me put in a bid for the King Biscuit Blues Festival (I know that's not the name now.) It's very laid back with a small-town vibe. The price is right as well...free.

[festbabe]

Ha! My second must-have fests each year are so totally different from JF and allows me to relish in my other favorite culture -- the North Texas Highland Games and Scottish Festival (June) and Southwest Celtic Music Assoc Irish Fest (March) - I serve beer at this one annually. LOVE bagpipes! (and beer!)

[McGregor]

JamInTheDam Fest in Amsterdam is pretty fun, such a cool city. It's usually about 4-5 bands over 3 days. Each band plays daily in two bars that are side by side (bars is a poor choice of words, little music venues, very nice).

I didn't even really like the bands much when I went and still had a blast.

here's the site >>http://www.jaminthedam.com/

You can do the whole thing for around $2500 and eat do it very right (flight is around $750, food, fun, hotel)

[Ohio Pearl]

...I used to very generally compare it to a very mini-jf, on the jazz end! The laid back vibe, the beautiful setting, the night shows, the musicians hangin' around town w/you all weekend...it's definitely worth checkin' out some year...I had a couple of memorable b'days there tendin' bar!

I'm also partial to my own fest here in lovely Dayton, OH...it's Cityfolk, 'round the 4th of July every year...this year we had Hot 8 (I LED the 2nd line parade...) and Lafayette Rhythm Devils, amongst others...we also do shows all year, bgrass, jazz, world, etc. If you're in town, check us out...cityfolk.org.

[Belle]

Keep it going. The whole bored can plan something new off this. WooHoo.:)

[Corona]

don't ya love it :)

[t.o..fester]

most definitely T.O., other than Jeff Healey in Toronto, we haven't had much time. BTW, why don't you get your butt to Summerfolk in Owen Sound Sat. or Sunday? www.summerfolk.org
This is where we're heading tomorrow for the weekend. You ever been? I'm getting really excited. Tabasco and his family are driving in from Jersey and have been for the last 7 years for this fest....

You know I was up that way over the long weekend (aug) and for the week after. Stayed at Blue Mountain, but did not get over quite as far as Owen Sound. Visited Walters Falls, Meaford etc, as well as Wasaga Beach. Nice area. We had a great time. This weekend, wife is doing her re-cert as a personal trainer, so I have the kids, daughter works. Maybe I should ask my son if he wants to go for a day.

[NeenAtlanta]

Magnolia Fest and Spring Fest at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida are lovely.

It's a camping festival, on beautiful grounds, with real showers.

They tend to book jam bands and folk/bluegrass stuff, but they've had some NOLA acts in the past.

http://www.magmusic.com/magnolia.htm

Plus they rent golf carts so you can zip around easily. THat was big fun!

[Goose]

Another vote for the High Sierra Music Festival...always a great variety of music...bluegrass, jambands, funk, blues, etc. And there's always great Nola bands there....

http://www.highsierramusic.com/

[funkkjunkie]

All these festivals are on my to do list. Just a few years until I can hit the road yearround! With breaks to hang out with the grands, of course!

[sophisticated sissy]

Magnolia Fest and Spring Fest at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida are lovely.

It's a camping festival, on beautiful grounds, with real showers.

They tend to book jam bands and folk/bluegrass stuff, but they've had some NOLA acts in the past.

http://www.magmusic.com/magnolia.htm

Plus they rent golf carts so you can zip around easily. THat was big fun!


Looks like a lot of fun! What a fantastic lineup, too. I'd love to see Dread Clampitt!

[ohio]

Looks like a lot of fun! What a fantastic lineup, too. I'd love to see Dread Clampitt!
Sis- did you know the Magfest folks had a MagMidwest Fest in summer of '05 at Bill Monroe's Bean Blossom park right over in Nashville IN? It was hottest day of the year, but a blast with Bela Fleck, Peter Rowan, The Duks, and even Dread Clampitt. They are way fun with their stoner bluegrass blues! Unfortunately the magfest folks have been having some financial problems that have kept them from having another midwest fest. They say they would love to, and hope to do so again. Very happy vibe there, but it was Death Valley hot that weekend. Great place to rent an RV for. Only about an hour and a half from here.

[ohio]

...I used to very generally compare it to a very mini-jf, on the jazz end! The laid back vibe, the beautiful setting, the night shows, the musicians hangin' around town w/you all weekend...it's definitely worth checkin' out some year...I had a couple of memorable b'days there tendin' bar!

I'm also partial to my own fest here in lovely Dayton, OH...it's Cityfolk, 'round the 4th of July every year...this year we had Hot 8 (I LED the 2nd line parade...) and Lafayette Rhythm Devils, amongst others...we also do shows all year, bgrass, jazz, world, etc. If you're in town, check us out...cityfolk.org.
This looks great! can't beleive I've never heard of it- only an hour away. Is it crowded? They should advertise down here if they need more attendance. Please post here before next year's fest!
Great line up last year-
http://www.cityfolk.org/festival/images/spacer.gifPeter Rowan and Tony Rice
The Holmes Brothers
Hot 8 Brass Band
Lafayette Rhythm Devils
The Lee Boys

[LisaRI]

Favorite fest all year of course is Jazzfest, its so much more than a music festival, as everyone else has pointed out...if I could only do one a year, it would have to be jazzfest. But luckily I am not forced to make that choice!

Near and dear to my heart is Rhythm and Roots - wouldn't call it second favorite, it's my "home festival", and was my first, when it was the Cajun & Bluegrass fest at Escoheag. I have been going every year since 1987, and so has Joe, and that festival brought us together in 91/92.

Funny how we all seem to think of the same things, I am trying to decide on a fall fest trip, and these are some of the ones I'm considering...

Festivals Acadiens, Lafayette and/or Voice of the Wetlands Oct 13-14
We love Lafayette/ Acadiana, but haven't been there since 2002; and just saw Tab last night so after looking on his website today, I see VOW is the same weekend as Lafayette. maybe one day of each and a little travelling around

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Sanfrancisco Oct 6-7
lineup is not posted but pollstar lists alot of great acts and its free, and San Francisco is a very cool place to visit.

Blues Cruise out of San Diego Oct 6-13 never been on a cruise before, but this is the type of cruise I'd go on, if not now, maybe another year.

IBMA World of Bluegrass / Fan Fest Nashville Oct 5-7 - an indoor bluegrass festival with an unbelievable lineup. haven't been to Nashville in a while.

Arkansas Blues and Heritage (Biscuit) Oct 6-7? heard so many great things about this one

Magnolia fest, Florida Oct 26-29 /might not work with work

and maybe some other candidates will emerge on this bored...too bad Tallstacks isn't every year, that was a great time in Cincinnati last year!

[sophisticated sissy]

re: Tall Stacks- the Delta Queen may be taken out of service after the '08 season. It is the last authentic steampowered sternwheeler that takes on overnight passengers that is made of wood. That's where the problem lies...due to Coast Guard regulations that forbid overnight passengers on a wooden vessel. The DQ lost has its historic exemption, under which it had been operating since the 70s, and will no longer be permitted to accomodate overnight passengers. It will take an act of Congress to keep it in business.


I know it's a big thing to have all the boats come into town, but it would be wonderful if Cincy would just put on the music portion of Tall Stacks every year. There is talk each time after Tall Stacks of doing this, but it never has materialized.


City Folk puts on a lot of musical events throughout the year, not just the blues fest. I went in '05 to see Hubert Sumlin. Last year, they had Michael Doucet Avec BouSouliel. Didn't go this year, due to my trip to Canada.

Tall Stacks was a ball last year and we had beautiful weather, too. It was awesome.

[ChiTownHuck]

For a background, after we attended our first Jazz Fest, Augie and I have gone to ACL (3 years), Wakarusa (3 years), Lollapalooza (2 years), and the various street fest and club shows around the Chicagoland area. While I love those other festivals for their own beauty and the music and format that occurs there, they are not Jazz Fest. The combination of music, vibe, people, and food at the Fairgrounds in combination with music all night long and restaurants throughout the city just can not be beat. Not to mention that the party always spills out into the streets (Mermaid Lounge was one of my favorite places for this). Plus New Orleans is just part of my soul now.

With respect to taking new people to Jazz Fest, we have had good luck. Even a couple that came down with us that was a little high maintenance had a good time. Our rule is we will not babysit someone and make them have a good time, which can be hard. The thing is, it is hard to tell if someone will "get it" before you bring them down. My favorite moment is when someone new is experiencing "the moment" and turns to look at you with an expression that screams, "this is awesome", and you can just nod knowingly.

Going back to why Jazz Fest is the best in my opinion, there is a field full of us looking for that awesome moment year after year. When is Jazz Fest next year. :)

[ChiTownHuck]

..Oh and did I mention that the music just kicks @ss?

[jonnygospeltent]

Swag once said something to the effect that the food was so good at Jazzfest that he would go even if there wasn't any music.I'll kick it up a notch and say hanging out with various Threadheads is so much fun i'd go if there was no food or music.

[t.o..fester]

most definitely T.O., other than Jeff Healey in Toronto, we haven't had much time. BTW, why don't you get your butt to Summerfolk in Owen Sound Sat. or Sunday? www.summerfolk.org
This is where we're heading tomorrow for the weekend. You ever been? I'm getting really excited. Tabasco and his family are driving in from Jersey and have been for the last 7 years for this fest....

So did you make Owen Sound?? A report please if you did.

[rosetree]

When is Jazz Fest next year. :)

Jazz Fest is always last weekend in April / first weekend in May.
So this year's dates are:
April 25, 26, 27 -----May 2, 3, 4. HTH! :D :D :D

[Corona]

We sure did and it was a wonderful fest. I'm wiped out right now but will post it soon with pics....the campfires at our campground across the street from the fest were amazing. Sat. night brought 11 guitars, 2 fiddles, 2 mandolins, a stand-up bass, and one saxaphone....it was magical....every time I turned my head, another musician showed up and joined the crowd....we had 70 people at the fire at one time and the music was incredible. They played every night from around 11 til 6 a.m. It was crazy. Will post more later....it was such a well run fest and the talent was incredible.....the site was gorgeous and so relaxing...lots of hippies and lots of people from 40's to 80's.....it really was a fest for everyone. I'm there for sure next year. www.summerfolk.org

[Corona]

oh yeah, hanging with Tabasco and his family again was wonderful. They camped right next to a lady who evacuated from Slidell to Sudbury. She had her saints gear on :) Tab and co. were fantastic fest-mates. I miss them already!!

[ohio]

Swag once said something to the effect that the food was so good at Jazzfest that he would go even if there wasn't any music.I'll kick it up a notch and say hanging out with various Threadheads is so much fun i'd go if there was no food or music.
yyr, for true!

[Zydekitten]

oh yeah, hanging with Tabasco and his family again was wonderful. They camped right next to a lady who evacuated from Slidell to Sudbury. She had her saints gear on :) Tab and co. were fantastic fest-mates. I miss them already!!
I tried to send you a "musical message" and a cell phone pic from Tahoe with a snippet of Trombone Shorty . . . did you get anything?? :D

[Zbonnie]

My most favorite venue has got to be Ft Adams State park in Newport, RI.
It's surrounded by water on 3 sides. The most memorable set i ever saw there was Ray Charles and the Rayettes. Second most memorable day there was at the Folk Fest, one year we had nine inches of no sun in one day. It was so cold, we boiled water to stay warm, a lot of the girls in the crowd decided to go topless and slide in the mud. They saw the steam and came in the jambalaya booth to stay warm, Some guy came in and wanted to smoke in the booth I said no, u cant smoke here near the food. His reply was look at them, their topless, i said yea, but they are not smoking, lol, get out. Off to Destin for the Emarald Coast Boat Poker Run in a few minutes. Hehehe, good story!:)

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

We sure did and it was a wonderful fest. I'm wiped out right now but will post it soon with pics....the campfires at our campground across the street from the fest were amazing. Sat. night brought 11 guitars, 2 fiddles, 2 mandolins, a stand-up bass, and one saxaphone....it was magical....every time I turned my head, another musician showed up and joined the crowd....we had 70 people at the fire at one time and the music was incredible. They played every night from around 11 til 6 a.m. It was crazy. Will post more later....it was such a well run fest and the talent was incredible.....the site was gorgeous and so relaxing...lots of hippies and lots of people from 40's to 80's.....it really was a fest for everyone. I'm there for sure next year. www.summerfolk.org

Summerfolk sounds a lot like the Kerrville Folk Festival here in Texas.
www.kerrville-music.com

[Corona]

I tried to send you a "musical message" and a cell phone pic from Tahoe with a snippet of Trombone Shorty . . . did you get anything?? :D
Did you send it to my Canajun or my Nola phone? I haven't checked the Nola phone since Satchmo.....thanks hunni!! Was Shorty was hot or what???? :)

[Zydekitten]

Did you send it to my Canajun or my Nola phone? I haven't checked the Nola phone since Satchmo.....thanks hunni!! Was Shorty was hot or what???? :)
Ahhh, it could be the Nola phone - it was the number you gave me during Satchmo . . .

Shorty was WAY hot as usual, he RIPPED up the joint!! He and the band did an amazing version of When the Saints Come Marching In, for which I started a second line (I'm SO proud, it's the first time I've ever started a second line!) and I got a great Shorty hug afterwards. :D

The Tahoe/Truckee locals had been a bit shy to dance at first, but by the end of their set, Shorty and his boyz had them shaking what their mamas gave them big time and it made me think of you and the lovely Sam! :)

[funkkjunkie]

Way to do it right, kitten!

[t.o..fester]

[QUOTE=Corona;90250]We sure did and it was a wonderful fest. I'm wiped out right now but will post it soon with pics....the campfires at our campground across the street from the fest were amazing. Sat. night brought 11 guitars, 2 fiddles, 2 mandolins, a stand-up bass, and one saxaphone....it was magical....every time I turned my head, another musician showed up and joined the crowd....we had 70 people at the fire at one time and the music was incredible. They played every night from around 11 til 6 a.m. It was crazy. Will post more later....it was such a well run fest and the talent was incredible.....the site was gorgeous and so relaxing...lots of hippies and lots of people from 40's to 80's.....it really was a fest for everyone. I'm there for sure next year. www.summerfolk.org[/QUOT

Sounds like you had a great time. I'll have to think ahead and try for this next year. (Although the camping part does not really appeal to me. I'm more into the chalets at Blue Mountain. LOL.) Will await your pics.

[Corona]

Ahhh, it could be the Nola phone - it was the number you gave me during Satchmo . . .

Shorty was WAY hot as usual, he RIPPED up the joint!! He and the band did an amazing version of When the Saints Come Marching In, for which I started a second line (I'm SO proud, it's the first time I've ever started a second line!) and I got a great Shorty hug afterwards. :D

The Tahoe/Truckee locals had been a bit shy to dance at first, but by the end of their set, Shorty and his boyz had them shaking what their mamas gave them big time and it made me think of you and the lovely Sam! :)
oh mannnnn!! that sounds so fantastic! Starting a 2nd line is so fun huh? Did it once at John Boutte in Detroit. It was a bit intimidating at first but our group got people off their feet and it was great! :) Good one kitten! I'll check my Nola phone for your message :)

[Corona]

[QUOTE=Corona;90250]We sure did and it was a wonderful fest. I'm wiped out right now but will post it soon with pics....the campfires at our campground across the street from the fest were amazing. Sat. night brought 11 guitars, 2 fiddles, 2 mandolins, a stand-up bass, and one saxaphone....it was magical....every time I turned my head, another musician showed up and joined the crowd....we had 70 people at the fire at one time and the music was incredible. They played every night from around 11 til 6 a.m. It was crazy. Will post more later....it was such a well run fest and the talent was incredible.....the site was gorgeous and so relaxing...lots of hippies and lots of people from 40's to 80's.....it really was a fest for everyone. I'm there for sure next year. www.summerfolk.org[/QUOT

Sounds like you had a great time. I'll have to think ahead and try for this next year. (Although the camping part does not really appeal to me. I'm more into the chalets at Blue Mountain. LOL.) Will await your pics.
still haven't downloaded them yet...slacker :(

[swag]

oh mannnnn!! that sounds so fantastic! Starting a 2nd line is so fun huh? Did it once at John Boutte in Detroit. It was a bit intimidating at first but our group got people off their feet and it was great! :) Good one kitten! I'll check my Nola phone for your message :)

What Boutte song did you 2ndline to?

[Corona]

roflmao...he did When the Saints Go Marching In....as his last song.....

[Zydekitten]

oh mannnnn!! that sounds so fantastic! Starting a 2nd line is so fun huh? Did it once at John Boutte in Detroit. It was a bit intimidating at first but our group got people off their feet and it was great! :) Good one kitten! I'll check my Nola phone for your message :)
It was totally great! I had my parasol (as always on a hot sunny day) and I whipped that bad boy out and started grooving in the crowd with my girlfriend Carmen following right behind . . . Shorty was surprised and pleased, he grinned at me and got folks to fall in the line behind us as we wove our way through the peeps. Then he and the band jumped down from the stage and began their own second line along with ours, we then merged into one big second line . . . big fun! :)

[ohio]

cool fun!

[Belle]

You go girl!!!

[Corona]

It was totally great! I had my parasol (as always on a hot sunny day) and I whipped that bad boy out and started grooving in the crowd with my girlfriend Carmen following right behind . . . Shorty was surprised and pleased, he grinned at me and got folks to fall in the line behind us as we wove our way through the peeps. Then he and the band jumped down from the stage and began their own second line along with ours, we then merged into one big second line . . . big fun! :)
Yayyy!!! You showed them how to do it New Orleans style :D :D

[NYMAMA]

Whos da girl?

Youre da girl!

Oh yeah!!!!

[Zydekitten]

http://k41.pbase.com/u48/kujira12/upload/36951826.FrenchKittypic_20030307_201423.jpg

[tabasco]

Since my other "favorite fest" was mentioned (Summerfolk) I'd like to ad another of my favorites. Musikfest, in Bethlehem Pa. Heres a brief history:

In 1984, nearly 182,000 people attended a small, grass-roots music festival in Bethlehem, Pa. featuring 118 performers and 295 performances on six stages. At the time, no one knew how large the event would grow or how long it would last.

Amazingly, more than two decades have passed since that first Musikfest. And from those humble beginnings, the event has blossomed into a 10-day musical spectacular that attracts more than one million people from throughout the country. The festival, which showcases nearly every musical style imaginable, features:

* More than 300 performers from across the country and around the globe.
* Musical programming at 13 different indoor and outdoor stages (nine of the stages are free).
* 10 great nights of headline entertainment.
* Mouth-watering foods, plenty of children's fun and activities and a spectacular closing-night fireworks display.

http://www.musikfest.org/

Agreeing with Swag that nothing beats Jazzfest food this one comes a close 2nd. Once I get a chance I'll post a short review on my original thread. http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?t=2852