3 random complaints

[twangster]

So this is my first fest after about a 10-year layoff. I went all 3 days and had a great time. Saw some amazing music and talked with lots of friendly people. There's a lot of talk about the price in New Orleans but I think it's still a good deal, especially if you get your tix ahead of time. But because I like to complain here the 3 things that bugged me the most...

Talk, talk: It's surprising how close to the music you have to get to the stage to actually be among people who are listening to the music instead of talking to each other. You can be standing 200 feet from Robert Plant and some guy is yakking to his buddy for 10 minutes about seeing Led Zep in 1975! Sometimes you just have to keep pressing forward 'til you get beyond the "talk line". (In this same vein there's a special place in hell reserved for the folks who decide they want to play tambourine to accompany the set.)

Seatsavers: They should really put an end to the practice of seat saving, especially when it rains and seats are at a premium inside the tents. Often it's obvious that people are saving seats for friends who are off watching something else. I know no one wants a hyperregulatory atmosphere but they could put up signs in the tents saying you can't hold a seat for anyone who's not standing within sight. (I know you can always say, well I'll give up the seat if you buddy comes back, but I'd rather not have a tense atmosphere when I'm trying to watch the show.)

Talent bunching: OK, this one is perhaps unavoidable and obviously subjective but it seems like a lot of the top talent plays at the same time at the end of the day. Possibly they could spread it around a little more. It's one thing to have to make a tough choice between two acts, but yesterday you had Al Green, Delbert McClinton, Elvis Costello/Allen Toussaint, and Beausoleil all playing at the same time.

Just a few thoughts to vent ...

[Moon]

Talkers have always pissed me off. I won't even go see mellow acts like Emmylou Harris anymore. I imagine it's only gotten worse since everybody has a cell phone or two now. Alcohol and powdered inhalants are the primary causes for such boorish behavior.

Seat holding should have a time limit but I carry my own chair so it's not that big a deal.

They started putting top draws on at the same time back in the late 90's when the crowds started swelling from 90-100K. It is a pain in the ass but I don't see a better alternative. I always go with the local act when it happens.

[Jordan]

So this is my first fest after about a 10-year layoff. I went all 3 days and had a great time. Saw some amazing music and talked with lots of friendly people. There's a lot of talk about the price in New Orleans but I think it's still a good deal, especially if you get your tix ahead of time. But because I like to complain here the 3 things that bugged me the most...

Talk, talk: It's surprising how close to the music you have to get to the stage to actually be among people who are listening to the music instead of talking to each other. You can be standing 200 feet from Robert Plant and some guy is yakking to his buddy for 10 minutes about seeing Led Zep in 1975! Sometimes you just have to keep pressing forward 'til you get beyond the "talk line". (In this same vein there's a special place in hell reserved for the folks who decide they want to play tambourine to accompany the set.)

Seatsavers: They should really put an end to the practice of seat saving, especially when it rains and seats are at a premium inside the tents. Often it's obvious that people are saving seats for friends who are off watching something else. I know no one wants a hyperregulatory atmosphere but they could put up signs in the tents saying you can't hold a seat for anyone who's not standing within sight. (I know you can always say, well I'll give up the seat if you buddy comes back, but I'd rather not have a tense atmosphere when I'm trying to watch the show.)

Talent bunching: OK, this one is perhaps unavoidable and obviously subjective but it seems like a lot of the top talent plays at the same time at the end of the day. Possibly they could spread it around a little more. It's one thing to have to make a tough choice between two acts, but yesterday you had Al Green, Delbert McClinton, Elvis Costello/Allen Toussaint, and Beausoleil all playing at the same time.

Just a few thoughts to vent ...

Amen to #s one and 2

[McGregor]

#4 I wasn't there. :(

3 days! :D

[revjimk]

Talkers drive me up the wall, not only at Jazzfest but any concert. Do they think we paid $40 to hear their crap? If they want to talk, they can do it at home.
Exactly my feelings on Krauss & Plant, but it was so friggin' crowded, I settled for the reverse strategy. I could see & hear them best from the racetrack, watching the big screen.
rev

[Dr. A.]

talkers are inevitable, but this sunday was the worst for me. i had looked forward to the rob wagner/hamid drake set in the jazz tent as much as anything else all weekend. we were perfectly positioned before the downpour, which sent hundreds of people into the tent that, face it, were not likely to check out a free jazz trio under most circumstances. between the rain pounding on top of the tent, what seemed to be an undervolumed (is that a word?) mix and the incessant talking around me, i have no idea what rob played after the first piece. he seemed to sense this too-made a remark from the stage about if you werent able to hear them well then, check them out that eveing at dba.

a minor complaint, and unavoidable given the conditions, but disappointing to this robphile.

[swag]

Seatsavers: They should really put an end to the practice of seat saving, especially when it rains and seats are at a premium inside the tents. Often it's obvious that people are saving seats for friends who are off watching something else. I know no one wants a hyperregulatory atmosphere but they could put up signs in the tents saying you can't hold a seat for anyone who's not standing within sight. (I know you can always say, well I'll give up the seat if you buddy comes back, but I'd rather not have a tense atmosphere when I'm trying to watch the show.)



I think the Beta Test of this failed. In the set break before the Alvin Batiste tribute last year, they announced no-seat-savings from the stage. I was in the bleachers. The woman in front of me was holding for her husband, who had gone already on a potty & beer run. Some dude came by and plopped down in that spot and refused to leave. I thought they were going to come to blows. Eventually a nearby spot opned up, but it left a very bad vibe in the bleachers for what should have been a spiritually uplifting set.

[saturn]

I think the Beta Test of this failed. In the set break before the Alvin Batiste tribute last year, they announced no-seat-savings from the stage. I was in the bleachers. The woman in front of me was holding for her husband, who had gone already on a potty & beer run. Some dude came by and plopped down in that spot and refused to leave. I thought they were going to come to blows. Eventually a nearby spot opned up, but it left a very bad vibe in the bleachers for what should have been a spiritually uplifting set.

We were in the Jazz tent this year, and they announced a 15 minute rule from the stage.

[papafrog]

We were in the Jazz tent this year, and they announced a 15 minute rule from the stage.

its a slippery issue...
one of the security guys told me 2 ladies had a food in the face fight
over this on saturday...clothes ripped off etc....

[swag]

its a slippery issue...
one of the security guys told me 2 ladies had a food in the face fight
over this on saturday...clothes ripped off etc....

Well, I'm turned on. :o

[Festngator]

Talkers: My no 1 issue.Usally locals or younger bar scene people. Locals because they see these acts all the time and it is like being out in a club. The others think they are in a club "If the music is bothering you conversation it is quieter by the porto-lets"

Seat savers: ask if you can sit until they come back. If no I don't think thats right.

Talent bunching - Too much talent. Do you want everyone at the same stage? have to go to a different Fest
My 2 cents

[Moon]

its a slippery issue...
one of the security guys told me 2 ladies had a food in the face fight
over this on saturday...clothes ripped off etc....

Just damn! I've never seen as much as an in your face moment at JF and when a fight finally does break out, it's between the ladies.

[twangster]

Thanks for everybody's comments. At least I know I'm not alone ... I agree there's probably nothing to be done about #1. On #2 I think posting signs would be more effective than stage announcements, which people may not hear and are ephemeral. With a sign everybody gets the message as they enter and you can always point to it if someone doesn't believe you. On #3 I'm not arguing for less talent, just spreading it out through the day a little more instead of having so many must-sees between 5:30 and 7. (As I said in my initial post, I realize this is subjective but it did seem like on Sunday much of the best stuff was at the end.)

[Lostcajun]

Just damn! I've never seen as much as an in your face moment at JF and when a fight finally does break out, it's between the ladies.

This happens with the threadhead mens all the time. Pure tribal nekedness, fists flying, it's the best part of the fest.... of course, I serve as the neked referee

[back2NOLA]

I think the stacked booking of the big-name acts is to keep the crowds spread out over the grounds, maybe? We were bemoaning this when we first saw the Cubes, but found we could easily zip from one headliner to another, catch half an hour here and half an hour there and greedily consume everyone we wanted to see. It worked out just fine for us -- tho' if you prefer hearing complete sets, it'll be hellish.

[mdfest]

Talkers are the worst. They screw up recordings. Some even speak into the mics-right Tabasco?

[Gards]

Talkers are the worst. They screw up recordings. Some even speak into the mics-right Tabasco?

Last night at Piano night I forced to move away from the stage to escape from 2 guys who were holding up there cell phones so as to relay the music to friends somewhere, ok for 30 seconds but after 2 minutes I was angry when I moved I copped the digital camera people one who was videoing in my line of vision for a few minutes I yelled at him then thought what the heck and moved back near the bar to escape this was good but a little pushy but you expect that.
Then foghorn leghorn took up a spot at the bar and talked rubbish for a long time making it hard for others,I eventualy told him to shut up and so did a guy bigger than me,made little difference but I think he must have been a smoker so he left and didnt get his spot back.
No one wants to create a bad vibe but at crowded venues with quiter acts playing what can you do.
It was still a good night and good cause.
Gards

[Rossvegas]

I hate it when bands are playing when I'm trying to talk. Sometimes I have to really shout to get my neighbour to hear me, and only when they are playing a quiet part or a ballad is my voice able to project properly over all that racket. I mean, isn't that why they invented the ipod? So people could listen to their music without bothering me and my friends??? Sheesh. :>)

[tangledupinblue]

Talkers are the worst. They screw up recordings. Some even speak into the mics-right Tabasco?

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o133/klsarge/IMG_0260.jpg

[PaulC]

I hate it when bands are playing when I'm trying to talk. Sometimes I have to really shout to get my neighbour to hear me, and only when they are playing a quiet part or a ballad is my voice able to project properly over all that racket. I mean, isn't that why they invented the ipod? So people could listen to their music without bothering me and my friends??? Sheesh. :>)

too funny....

i don't think ross wins many librarian type quiet man awards... neither do i...

laughin' and dancin' go perfectly hand in hand at outdoor fests.......

i can't help but laugh when i turn around to enjoy the crowd scene and so many people are sittin' motionless.... the nerve of them folk to harsh my dancin' mellow....

i take pride in gettin' the blues tent up and dancin',.. all of the blues tent that is,.. for the end of the tab show... we were "sittin' in the very first row jus' a lil' off to the left of center when we got up to dance for the third time the place went wild.... maybe it was tabs mommy grindin' along her son (kinda creepy after awhile) that really got the crowd riled up and goin' on,... but me and a couple of cutie pie peeps i was with kept givin' it a try until it finally took hold... yeah,.. yeah,.. i know it was really tabs mommy that sealed the deal,.. but we did our best to get that place rockin',.. and it did....

[tangledupinblue]

Hey Ross....get your arse over here so we can go dink some bloodies before the party....

[jazzykeb]

Hey Ross....get your arse over here so we can go dink some bloodies before the party....

you make me sick! How can i read that while I am still at work? Well, I'll be dinkin with ya this time tomorrow!

Have fun! (but not too much without me!)

[revjimk]

Moon
"alcohol & powdered inhalants are the prime cause of such boorish behavior"
Tell me about it!
I'll never forget back in the 80s, 2 brothers I knew bought a bar in small town Colorado, specifically to bring in music. They actually brought in Donovan, but had the nerve to break the 2 sets into separate shows,charging top$ for each. Then the friggin' OWNER sat right behind me, talking nonstop. Even when I bitched repeatedly, MF couldn't help himself...
However, even back when I indulged in those non Rasta substances, I never talked thru a show. The real problem is being totally self centered.
At a classical concert, they'd throw you out!
rev

[tangledupinblue]

NO FUN BEING HAD HERE AT ALL!!!!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o133/klsarge/IMG_0937.jpg

[tangledupinblue]

you make me sick! How can i read that while I am still at work? Well, I'll be dinkin with ya this time tomorrow!

Have fun! (but not too much without me!)

I can't believe you will ALL be here tomorrow.
I don't think I will have a voice but I know sign language...

[Moon]

Moon
"alcohol & powdered inhalants are the prime cause of such boorish behavior"
Tell me about it!
I'll never forget back in the 80s, 2 brothers I knew bought a bar in small town Colorado, specifically to bring in music. They actually brought in Donovan, but had the nerve to break the 2 sets into separate shows,charging top$ for each. Then the friggin' OWNER sat right behind me, talking nonstop. Even when I bitched repeatedly, MF couldn't help himself...
However, even back when I indulged in those non Rasta substances, I never talked thru a show. The real problem is being totally self centered.
At a classical concert, they'd throw you out!
rev

I sat behind three women once at a Lyle Lovett show:

"Ohh! I love this song. When I get married, this will be our song."
"Have you seen Patty's hair. OHMIGOD!"
"You guys want another hit off this."

It went on like this for 40 minutes. When somebody asked them politely to shut the fuck up, they just got louder. I tried to move but the no-neck nazi usher wouldn't hear of it. If I had a gun, I might have shot them. About the only thing you can do is move away, like to another stage.

[jazzjones]

Sample response to annoying loud-ass talkers (loud ass-talkers?): "Are we interrupting you?"
Say it loudly enough and they'll be pissed at you, but possibly shamed into silence.

Then again, if they're drunk, bigger than you and/or packin'......

[Jaypee]

My only two "must sees" were in the Jazz Tent. The first one was the Berklee Jazz Ensemble, which kicked off Saturday, so I sat up front. Nonetheless, some guy 3 rows back yelled into his cellphone for most of their set. (why f#@*& ing bother going into the tent if you're on the phone).

So I moved, only to have my concentration interrupted by two couples who pulled up nearby to discuss the different Food Areas. Shooting dirty looks doesn't matter.

My second "must see" was Astral Project. Of course, their set started when the masses sought cover from the hard rain. I was near the back, so of course, it was a big gab best. I left in frustration.

This happens a lot in the Jazz Tent. I have concluded that the New Orleans Jazz Festival has a top notch jazz lineup, in a venue that makes it impossible to enjoy. What a dichotomy.

If anyone has a formula on how to block out crowd chatter and concentrate on the music, let me in on it (other than sitting front and center all day, which means no food, beer or pee breaks).

[jazzjones]

Astral Project would have been on my must-see list had I attended first weekend, so guess I'm not sorry I missed that.

re: "This happens a lot in the Jazz Tent. I have concluded that the New Orleans Jazz Festival has a top notch jazz lineup, in a venue that makes it impossible to enjoy. What a dichotomy."

I've often felt exactly the same way.
What's frustrating, too, particularly when it rains, is that people at the last minute will take shelter (can't blame em for the that) by standing in the aisles, thus blocking the view of people who might ahve been sitting in place for a couple of sets just so they could be there to hear a favorite.

Unfortunately, I don't have a formula, although it would make sense for the tent "ushers" to ask some of "talkers" to at least be quiet and some of "blockers" to at least crouch down in the aisle.

[twangster]

I just stumbled on this ... I have no idea of it's accurate. I wonder if this is the brouhaha referred to earlier here:

http://humidhaney.typepad.com/the_humid_haney_rant/2008/04/stacy-head-does.html

[Mexi]

Just damn! I've never seen as much as an in your face moment at JF and when a fight finally does break out, it's between the ladies.

I think you're right....
Last year I was in SRO area for Rod Stewart and some women were being the biggest bee-otches i'd ever seen at JF. They laid down a blanket-At Acura- trying to reserve this big space--In the SRO section! Then proceded to yell at anyone who accidentaly stepped on thier blanket . Probably a good thing I'm a lover & not a fighter, cause that was complete shenanigans.

[zzupschuck]

My only gripe is the people that arrive late and then want to set up chairs and/or blankets in the standing/dancing only areas. Once or twice daily security might pass by and tell them they have to set up behind the white line, but then they just wait until the coast is clear and sit back down. It is not fair to the people that get to Jazzfest at 11a.m. or so to get a good spot, and then have someone get there at 4 just to see a big name act and plop down closer to the stage. Last year wasn't too bad, but at the Gentilly Stage, Friday and Saturday was ridiculous. There were at least 40-50 tarps and blankets on the ground in the standing area.

[Frosty]

At Ravinia, they have ushers walk around with signs asking people to keep the noise down. It seems to work pretty well. I never understand people who want to get where the music is loud so they can shout over it.

[Jaypee]

I found a way to soften my disappointment at missing Astral Project. I wound up sitting in the condo, looking at the beautiful architecture across the street, watching the early evening rain, and listening to AP on my iPod...recording live at JF last year.

It was the next best thing to hearing them 'really live'. I could listen to this great music and soak up (no pun intended) the rainy day ambiance in the French Quarter.

[belyin]

talkers are inevitable, but this sunday was the worst for me. i had looked forward to the rob wagner/hamid drake set in the jazz tent as much as anything else all weekend. we were perfectly positioned before the downpour, which sent hundreds of people into the tent that, face it, were not likely to check out a free jazz trio under most circumstances. between the rain pounding on top of the tent, what seemed to be an undervolumed (is that a word?) mix and the incessant talking around me, i have no idea what rob played after the first piece. he seemed to sense this too-made a remark from the stage about if you werent able to hear them well then, check them out that eveing at dba.

a minor complaint, and unavoidable given the conditions, but disappointing to this robphile.

Apparently there was very little gain in the P.A. system in the Jazz Tent. They aren't supposed to go over 100 db, and the rain and crowd noise at their worst measured 98 db, so you can see (hear) the problem. Somewhat perversely, they stuck with their set plan, and Hamid moved up front with his frame drum while Rob blew softly on his soprano. Eventually, everyone was forced to shut up and listen, which they pretty much did at least towards the front where I was. Hamid then switched back to the kit for one tune. Then he was back on the frame drum as he chanted before Rob came in with his clarinet. This time it was a little easier to hear, and most of the crowd seemed like they wanted to listen. And after that they finished with one of those rolling 6/8 rhythms that Rob likes (and that Hamid really rolls on.)

I wondered what the people who were there by rain not choice made of the set, but everywhere I went with Hamid after the set strangers came up to him and told him how much they enjoyed it. Even under the best of circumstances, the sound in the Jazz Tent is a challenge, and this has been the case ever since they moved it from the grass infield to the cement parking lot.

[innertube]

"Then again, if they're drunk, bigger than you and/or packin'"

remember alcohal is not your friend.............

[Terry]

So this is my first fest after about a 10-year layoff. I went all 3 days and had a great time. Saw some amazing music and talked with lots of friendly people. There's a lot of talk about the price in New Orleans but I think it's still a good deal, especially if you get your tix ahead of time. But because I like to complain here the 3 things that bugged me the most...

Talk, talk: It's surprising how close to the music you have to get to the stage to actually be among people who are listening to the music instead of talking to each other. You can be standing 200 feet from Robert Plant and some guy is yakking to his buddy for 10 minutes about seeing Led Zep in 1975! Sometimes you just have to keep pressing forward 'til you get beyond the "talk line". (In this same vein there's a special place in hell reserved for the folks who decide they want to play tambourine to accompany the set.)

Seatsavers: They should really put an end to the practice of seat saving, especially when it rains and seats are at a premium inside the tents. Often it's obvious that people are saving seats for friends who are off watching something else. I know no one wants a hyperregulatory atmosphere but they could put up signs in the tents saying you can't hold a seat for anyone who's not standing within sight. (I know you can always say, well I'll give up the seat if you buddy comes back, but I'd rather not have a tense atmosphere when I'm trying to watch the show.)

Talent bunching: OK, this one is perhaps unavoidable and obviously subjective but it seems like a lot of the top talent plays at the same time at the end of the day. Possibly they could spread it around a little more. It's one thing to have to make a tough choice between two acts, but yesterday you had Al Green, Delbert McClinton, Elvis Costello/Allen Toussaint, and Beausoleil all playing at the same time.

Just a few thoughts to vent ...

I ran into the seat saving thing sitting next to someone from France. I volunteered to hold his seat, but didn't know he would be gone for as long as he was. ( Won't do that again, other than for a pre agreed on time limit for being away.) It became a little uncomfortable for me when someone sitting next to the empty seat asked me if his wife could sit there, and this after I explained the party was returning. So, of course I said sure. It all worked out ok as she left before he came back, but it certainly did detract from my enjoying the music to a degree.

[altpensacola]

This happens a lot in the Jazz Tent. I have concluded that the New Orleans Jazz Festival has a top notch jazz lineup, in a venue that makes it impossible to enjoy. What a dichotomy.



this is SO true, the sound was awful this year.

BUT I wanted to say, I noticed the yellow shirts doing their best to keep the last minute rain-out crowd from blocking views, (I would not want that job). They stayed on top of it, at least on the left side in the first 2-3 sections.

[revjimk]

I've taken to avoiding Accura & the Blues Tent like the plague. Its just another big crowded rock concert, with morons aplenty.Plus, no matter where I sat, sound at Blues Tent was atrocious, too loud, couldn't make out individual instruments.I can usually have great time and JAZZFEST experience concentrating on the Congo Square, Fais DoDo & Gentilly stages.
rev

[whodean]

Not really a complaint but I was surprised when a guy in the front line of the sitting area near Acura stage was pissed that people were standing in front of him for Stevie Wonder...you cannot expect much personal real estate at a festival with several hundred thousand people.

[Doubledown]

Talent bunching: OK, this one is perhaps unavoidable and obviously subjective but it seems like a lot of the top talent plays at the same time at the end of the day. Possibly they could spread it around a little more. It's one thing to have to make a tough choice between two acts, but yesterday you had Al Green, Delbert McClinton, Elvis Costello/Allen Toussaint, and Beausoleil all playing at the same time.

Just a few thoughts to vent ...[/QUOTE]

I could not agree more.

[Belle]

We had no issues at Fest but the night shows did have me wondering why they came at all. It was rude but there are many rude folks these days. Ran into a bitch of teller at the bank today. They are everywhere not just at fest. I did get my satisfaction with her boss however:D

[infested]

What I noticed with talent bunching:

The Stevie crowd was thick and the Michael Franti crowd I heard was really thin. Most anyone who is familiar with Franti knows that they should be seeing the legendary Stevie Wonder. They're paying top dollar to these acts to be there and the fans can't see them all - would have been nice to put Art Neville on Congo as a headliner and have Franti before Stevie. Of course, there will never be and end to FOMS, but I would like to see artists with similar fan bases at different times.

[Dr. A.]

i was in the crowd for franti for a bit and didnt find it thin at all. i thought the crowd for prine was sparse.
i avoided wonder altogether for several reasons. glad so many loved it. the T-P reviewer, keith spera, seems to have felt his set was a bit lacking. i am paraphrasing, but he said it was a great hour long show that took twice as long to deliver. my in laws went to the fest that day only just to see stevie and left quite disappointed, (my father in law's comment: "he just played too much weird shit. jazzfest is not the place for weird shit".

i thought the sound was better second weekend than first, particularly in the jazz tent, and admitedly rain pounding on the roof was not that much of an issue. the sound for the bad plus was great from my seat, and i liked them much more than i had hoped.

not a surprise really, but i think the alejandro escovedo set first thing second saturday was the best thing i saw all weekend long.

[chrisjoseph]

alejandro was great!!

[Festvet]

Talkers have always pissed me off. I won't even go see mellow acts like Emmylou Harris anymore. I imagine it's only gotten worse since everybody has a cell phone or two now. Alcohol and powdered inhalants are the primary causes for such boorish behavior.

Seat holding should have a time limit but I carry my own chair so it's not that big a deal.

They started putting top draws on at the same time back in the late 90's when the crowds started swelling from 90-100K. It is a pain in the ass but I don't see a better alternative. I always go with the local act when it happens.

Went to see Shannon McNally at Republic last year and there were what seemed like hundreds of sorority girls there yacking thru the whole show like they were at a frat party or something. I thought she was going to walk off stage a few times, but she carried on. If looks could kill!

[innertube]

something needs to be done with the chairs at the tents....2nd saturday at the gospel & blues tents they had the side exits all messed up...could not get in or out...and these are adults...so i thought....very dangerous...plus the people just get rude...

my 2cents.....the festival should just fill the area up with their chairs

[SickStrings]

I think orienting the gospel tent so that the PA is aimed right at the blues tent is a mistake. During Keb Mo I could barely hear him, it sounded like Van Halen was doing a gospel show through one of those subwoofer laden toyotas or something. Very distracting. But not as much as the three old ladies from NYC who talked almost all the way through Derek Trucks and then finally left, deciding it wasn't for them. I wonder how they knew? They sure weren't listening.

[mdfest]

One kudo to fest- I like the white line that the chair peeps have to set up behind. Allows those who want to wander in and stand a place to go, rather than making them navigate all the chairs and campsites. I was at Accura for both Stevie and Buffett and had no one walking thru- compared to Springsteen, where it was constant.

[Bluesthinker]

There will always be lot's of people interaction with the huge crowds. I thought the Jazz tent kept the aisles open fairly well.

My biggest complaint is the overlapping sound. I was at a spot for Stevie Wonder that I had been in for several shows over the years. Franti's sound came thundering thru from behind. I've never heard it so loud from behind at this spot. Congo also can raise sound havic on the Fais Do Do stage too.

The Blues tent did have the dancing area....though never saw many people dancing there. Better to use the space for seating

[Mule]

my father in law's comment: "he just played too much weird shit. jazzfest is not the place for weird shit".


I would venture to guess your father-in-law doesn't see much live music. What "weird shit" was he referring to? JAZZ?? Yeah, Stevie played some jazz. Pretty weird to hear jazz at Jazzfest I agree. Stevie gave the crowd something special, not a greatest hits show. That is exactly what I hope for at just about any show I attend. I want to hear something unique and thats what we got from Stevie, lots of ad-libbing and jamming. To each his own I guess.

[jazzjones]

Ad-libbing, jamming and jazz are great, and it was cool to hear Stevie play Coltrane's "Giant Steps."

But that 10-minute extension of "Ribbon in the Sky," when Stevie tried to get everyone in the crowd to sing along and he repeated the words like 100 times, was quite monotonous, and it really slowed the momentum of the show.

Stevie was in great voice and he had a first-rate band with him. The last two-thirds of the show were fantastic and, for me, made his set one of my highlights.

I agree with Spera. When you play in front of a crowd that large, with so many people talking, you really have to think about pacing. Putting three or four really slow tunes together at the start just didn't work for that stage. And it was pretty clear that Stevie hadn't clued Irma Thomas in to the tunes that they were doing - not really fair to her, and didn't make for what could have been a great moment with the two of them.

That's not criticizing Stevie, just suggesting that he didn't make the best choices for the venue. If you had a spot close to the stage, might have been just fine. But how many thousands didn't have prime spots?

[brush]

The Allison Miner Stage was a real disappointment for me. After the Katrina damage, it was moved outside to the Laniappe Area. The Miner Stages used to be one of my favorite stages, inside the Race Track Grandstands, always a nice place to beat the heat or the rain and catch an intimate concert or conversation. Apparently the Grandstands have been repaired, but its now reserved for the VIPs. The Miner stage remains outside and the configuration is terrible. The bands or interviewers are left playing to a bunch of plants and bushes, because the seat are either to the extreme left or right of the stage. I went to see the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and although they were great, the extremely loud Oyster Venders were very distracting. The used to be one of the highlights of the Fest for me, but unfortunately it is no longer.
I paid $50 to attend the Fest, and over $1000 to get to NO, this is a lot of money for me. I'm not sure I like the US vs Them attitude that Shell, Big Chief Experience, Sheraton VIP have brought to Jazzfest. I'm not sure I'll be coming back for a while.

[pokerchick66]

But that 10-minute extension of "Ribbon in the Sky," when Stevie tried to get everyone in the crowd to sing along and he repeated the words like 100 times, was quite monotonous, and it really slowed the momentum of the show.



I almost fell asleep. Till "For the City" came on. Then I was back to jammin my azz off. :D