Question about Tip's

[Jaypee]

I am sorta kinda thinking of cashing in some flight miles and attending Mem Shannon's live recording session on Feb 9 at Tipitina's. It's a stretch, but here is my question: I've only been there once and getting a cab late at night was tough (pre-K). Assuming that will go and leave on my own, a middle-aged chick, what is it like there after a show to hail a cab?

Or if I rent a car, how is the parking up that way?

[BigDag]

If it was just any old Friday night, I would encourage you to go. Instead standing outside and trying to hail a cab, you can always call United Cab (504-522-9771/504-522-9772) and they would come to get you. No problem.

However, that's the first big weekend of Carnival. There may be a lot of people in town and a cab might be tough to get.

Maybe one of the locals could give you a more definitive answer.

[NOLA]

The crowds the first weekend of carnival shouldn't be too big - they really start pouring into town about mid-week and it gets more and more crowded as we approach Fat Tuesday.

As for transportation, I think United Cab is the way to go if you are not familiar with the area.

[ohio]

Hopefully the cab situation will be better this year. Last Festival it was sometimes impossible to get a cab, at least on weekends. United's phone #'s were perpetually busy. Typical cab stands, such as at hotels, were empty of cabs but plenty of folks in line....

[BigDag]

It's much better now.

[nyc gal]

I have never had a problem finding parking on Tchoup. or Napoleon. If you do a side street, see if you can get someone to walk you to the car--the town's been kinda crazy lately... btw, hotwire and priceline have had great prices, and if you factor in getting to/from the airport in a cab (-it's what, about $40 each way w/the tip?), cars make a lot of sense--besides, how else are you gonna get to an early show on Frenchmen, up to Tips for the evening, then over to the MAple Leaf for a late set??!!!??

[Corona]

Ohio, you talking about fest or Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras was hell for getting a cab anywhere but fest was way better......

[Headless Hornman]

I believe the Sav-a-Center diagonal from Tip's is cool about parking in their lot. Just don't hang out and party in the lot--a number of Rads fans missed SNAFU a few years ago after a visit from the NOPD. The 'smoking hole' has been paved over for a while now.

edit: from Tip's website:
http://www.tipitinas.com/info/directions.asp

Parking is available at SAV-A-CENTER across intersection.

That's probably a better idea than on a side street.

[Jaypee]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will take NYC and HH's advice and rent a car.

I ran the numbers, and you're right - it's much cheaper. I have a mid-size from National for $35.93, inclusive of taxes and fees and crap. That will get me around nicely for 24 hours. And I'm staying at a hotel with free pahhking...

My impulse control meter is not exactly pegged today...I just booked the trip. An overnight trip to NOLA, to immortalize my presence on a live blues recording. This mid-life crisis sh*t is fun!

If anyone else goes to this show, ring me up here on the Boreds. I always like to meet T-heads.

[ozzie]

Have a blast Jaypee!

[funkkjunkie]

roflmao, jp. keep on keeping on with that midlife growth spurt, huni. what a grand time you'll have.

[Jaypee]

Will do, Ozzie, thanks. And Ms. Funk, yeah, I'll keep it up. I have some great role models, two of whom live in Arkansas.

[ohio]

Ohio, you talking about fest or Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras was hell for getting a cab anywhere but fest was way better......
MG. You remember. I think my feet still hurt from that 2 hour march...

[Papins]

along the same line of concern...I've never been to the Rock n Bowl and I'd like to go...how easy is the cab situation there, and what's that area like as far as safety?

[funkkjunkie]

The rocknbowl is on a main drag so that's good. Cabs will come get you if you call them. But you don't want to go behind the rnb into the hood.

[Papins]

thanks

[Amyloves...]

Jaypee, we always park at the grocery store parking lot mentioned above and that's been fine. It's diagonally across the street from Tips and well lit.

[Jaypee]

Amy, thanks, I will look for that parking lot. I think I went in that store there a few years ago to find dinner before the Dr. John/Marcia Ball show at Tip's. A box of Triscuits and spray-on cheez whiz did the trick.

As far as RnB goes, during non-fest time, getting a cab was easy. But during FQF and the Fest, it was difficult. You had tons of people waiting, and when a cab would pull up, it was everyone out for himself. One time it got particularly ugly and two separate groups got into a shouting match over who would get the sole cab that appeared. (We quietly stepped away from that scene. )

So what I learned was not to wait until the very end of the performances to go out and enter the taxi competition.

[Mardigrasbaby35]

along the same line of concern...I've never been to the Rock n Bowl and I'd like to go...how easy is the cab situation there, and what's that area like as far as safety? The area around Rock 'n Bowl at night is a little sketchy, so stick close to the club - but you won't have a problem getting a cab to come get you - however, just an FYI, one use United Cab (522-9771 / 522-9772), but know that since Katrina there are a lot less cabs in teh fleet, so call a little in advance, because it could take a little while to get the cab (also, you might have to do a call back....)

[funkkjunkie]

You're a quick study, girlfriend. :cool: