Ticket Prices

[swag]

$35 advance
$45 gate
Plus service fees.

No Friday-only discount tix like last year.
No mail-order tix.

Ouch.

[mdfest]

I guess I could look myself, but I wont. Any way to get around the fees by buying at the arena, or somewhere local?

[ozzie]

If it wasn't for the 6 grand in airfares... it's a bloody bargain!

[NeenAtlanta]

$35 advance
$45 gate
Plus service fees.

No Friday-only discount tix like last year.
No mail-order tix.

Ouch.

Man, I hate that there are no mail-order tix. Although I'm sure Ticketbastards were delighted to see that go away.

Looking to see if there are group rates. If so, I'm sure we can purchase a whole bunch at once for the Threadheads and maybe save some money.

[husb_2ndliner]

More $$ to TicketBastard. Grrr!!!

[PaulC]

With fond (and gettin' fonder by the year) memories of $12 still dancin' in my head,.. it's still a deal,.. it's still a deal,.. it's still a deal...... It is still a deal... I think I'm convinced... Awwww,.. it's only a little less than a 300% increase in ten years (same pay increase I got,... not) ... and all that during a time where they insist inflation has been under control... Hey, my home insurance in Florida went from $300 to $2,300. in the last 13 years.... I know big screen T.V.'s are less nowadays... Too bad I don't buy one of them every year....

Is $4 beer waitin' around the corner???... noooooooooooooooooooooooooo

It's still a deal....

It's still a deal....

It is,.. isn't it?????

Of course it is...............................................

[husb_2ndliner]

With these prices, and what seems to be an automatic $5 increase every year plus ticket fees, the Fest crowd will just continue to get whiter and less local and less diverse. Kids 2-11 should get in free.

You could say - well just compare them to other shows and it is a bargain. It *is* a bargain to people who go to $75 shows, but to poor people in NOLA it is a lot of money. I'd rather see them cut the budget on big name artists and keep the ticket prices down. I don't usually go for the big name artists anyway.

[PaulC]

With these prices, and what seems to be an automatic $5 increase every year plus ticket fees, the Fest crowd will just continue to get whiter and less local and less diverse. Kids 2-11 should get in free.

You could say - well just compare them to other shows and it is a bargain. It *is* a bargain to people who go to $75 shows, but to poor people in NOLA it is a lot of money. I'd rather see them cut the budget on big name artists and keep the ticket prices down. I don't usually go for the big name artists anyway.

Excellent observations.....

Howard Johnson is right!!!!!!!!!

I have never ever gone to a $75 show,.. and I never will.... until the 2008 Jazz fest......

[ETinCali]

$35 advance
$45 gate
Plus service fees.

No Friday-only discount tix like last year.
No mail-order tix.

Ouch.

Guess the Friday discount was temporary to entice folks back last year...but OK....STILL the best damn value in live music history!!!!
I don't even want to tell you guys what I spent for concerts in 2005-6: several U2 shows, Bonnie Raitt x 2, Pearl Jam, etc....lots of $$$ by my choice...so this always makes me happy when I see what I get!!!
Love JF!!

[Zbonnie]

Yeah, it's the no mail order part that really burns me - I can live with the base ticket price. So, how much is ticketbastard gonna burn us per ticket, anyone know yet?

[ozzie]

With these prices, and what seems to be an automatic $5 increase every year plus ticket fees, the Fest crowd will just continue to get whiter and less local and less diverse. Kids 2-11 should get in free.

You could say - well just compare them to other shows and it is a bargain. It *is* a bargain to people who go to $75 shows, but to poor people in NOLA it is a lot of money. I'd rather see them cut the budget on big name artists and keep the ticket prices down. I don't usually go for the big name artists anyway.

Reminds me... didn't we Zulu Diamond Cutter volunteers donate our freebie tix to locals last year. How did that work and how do we do it again.

Husband, I'm sorry the folk you speak of generally can't afford to attend. I'd be happy to spring for some tix if I knew they went to the right folk (that's right... NOT you MDFest). How would I go about that?

[NOLA]

Looks like the Ticketbastard charge is $5 per ticket plus $5 per order. Cash at the Arena box office is now $2 per ticket. So cash in person at the Arena costs you $3 per ticket plus $5 less than ordering via phone. I haven't seen any mention of group orders (50+ tickets) at a discount but they used to do that...

[swag]

Online at TM.com:
$5 convenience charge per ticket (plus a per-order charge, I imagine).

TM outlets or phone:
$?? per ticket fee, plus $5 per order fee

New Orleans Arena box office:
$2/ticket, cash only.

[NeenAtlanta]

Online at TM.com:
$5 convenience charge per ticket (plus a per-order charge, I imagine).

TM outlets or phone:
$?? per ticket fee, plus $5 per order fee

New Orleans Arena box office:
$2/ticket, cash only.

I don't mind paying $40 per ticket, instead of $35, still a great deal. I just wish the extra money was going to Fest instead of the ticketbastards. Hmm, maybe I'll just buy at the gate this year, although I hate wasting the time in line.

[Crazy Alice]

It's still a great deal, though it's getting closer to being just a mediocre deal. And you can sort of justify the base price by telling yourself it's kinda sorta charity and the money's going to a good cause, and it's probably infinitely more expensive to produce now, and a wonder they can do it at all, etc....

BUT...

I'm going with seven other people and we'll all be at the fairgrounds at least two days, so that's 80 bucks going to Ticketmaster. And THAT'S what hurts.

(I also love the name "convenience" charge. Talk about lipstick on a pig.)

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Man, I hate that there are no mail-order tix. Although I'm sure Ticketbastards were delighted to see that go away.

Looking to see if there are group rates. If so, I'm sure we can purchase a whole bunch at once for the Threadheads and maybe save some money. The way to go, if they are still doing it (which i THINK they are) is to buy the tickets directly from teh Fest - last year it was through the ticket office at the Superdome....you buy per weekend, and cash is usually best (you avoid all fees) - if you do this, you avoid all ticket charges - i'd suggest that all the threadheads get together, figure out how many tickets are needed for how many tickets and then by a certain date, send the money to someone in NOLa willing to go down and buy the needed tickets....i'm willing to do the ticket pickup (if its still at the Superdome, its close to my office) and send them out....Amy Winette will vouch for my character, i picked up her brass pass for her....

[Blumie]

I don't mind paying $40 per ticket, instead of $35, still a great deal. I just wish the extra money was going to Fest instead of the ticketbastards. Hmm, maybe I'll just buy at the gate this year, although I hate wasting the time in line.I don't mind paying $250 for my airfare. I don't mind paying $169/night for my hotel. I don't mind paying $35/day for my ticket (although I liked paying $7 a lot more). But I HATE paying $5 to ripoffmaster. I think I'm going brass pass this year. At least then my money goes to a good cause.

[Blumie]

The way to go, if they are still doing it (which i THINK they are) is to buy the tickets directly from teh Fest - last year it was through the ticket office at the Superdome....you buy per weekend, and cash is usually best (you avoid all fees) - if you do this, you avoid all ticket charges - i'd suggest that all the threadheads get together, figure out how many tickets are needed for how many tickets and then by a certain date, send the money to someone in NOLa willing to go down and buy the needed tickets....i'm willing to do the ticket pickup (if its still at the Superdome, its close to my office) and send them out....Amy Winette will vouch for my character, i picked up her brass pass for her....Their office is at New Orleans Arena. Cash only. $2 convenience charge.

[Mardigrasbaby35]

New Orleans Arena
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at
New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St. A $2 per ticket service charge will apply
to cash purchases.


Okay, this is what i was talking about - there is a $2.00 sur-charge, it goes to Jazz Fest rather than ticketmaster - i'm willing to do a big group purchase sometime in mid-march, if people are interested....

[Blumie]

Okay, this is what i was talking about - there is a $2.00 sur-charge, it goes to Jazz Fest rather than ticketmaster - i'm willing to do a big group purchase sometime in mid-march, if people are interested....Do they usually offer group discounts?

[dank_bass]

With these prices, and what seems to be an automatic $5 increase every year plus ticket fees, the Fest crowd will just continue to get whiter and less local and less diverse. Kids 2-11 should get in free.

You could say - well just compare them to other shows and it is a bargain. It *is* a bargain to people who go to $75 shows, but to poor people in NOLA it is a lot of money. I'd rather see them cut the budget on big name artists and keep the ticket prices down. I don't usually go for the big name artists anyway.

I still think they should do something like give discounted admission with a LA Drivers license or something??

[dank_bass]

New Orleans Arena
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at
New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St. A $2 per ticket service charge will apply
to cash purchases.


Okay, this is what i was talking about - there is a $2.00 sur-charge, it goes to Jazz Fest rather than ticketmaster - i'm willing to do a big group purchase sometime in mid-march, if people are interested....

Sounds good to me , you should probably dedicate a thread to it when your ready to roll with it

[Amyloves...]

I'm happy to help out with the group purchase also MGBaby. We'll talk about that when it's closer. I picked up some for other threadheads last year.

[NOLA]

I'd be happy to help out too - just let me know.

Maybe FestyDave knows if the discount for group purchases is available this year and if so, how to take advantage of it???

[Amy Winette]

Excellent observations.....

Howard Johnson is right!!!!!!!!!

I have never ever gone to a $75 show,.. and I never will.... until the 2008 Jazz fest......

Hahaha, same here Paul! But I have been to lot of over $75 shows (Tim McGraw & Faith Hill were $100 a tix without good seats!)

Absolutely still a bargain in my mind. And brass pass is only $80 more than the at the door price for all 6 days, now THAT is a bargain in my mind!

[Amy Winette]

Reminds me... didn't we Zulu Diamond Cutter volunteers donate our freebie tix to locals last year. How did that work and how do we do it again.

Husband, I'm sorry the folk you speak of generally can't afford to attend. I'd be happy to spring for some tix if I knew they went to the right folk (that's right... NOT you MDFest). How would I go about that?

We're brass passing so our Ms. Lena's volunteer tix will also go back to others. I think we just left em with Ms. Lena and she got em disbursed?

[Amy Winette]

The way to go, if they are still doing it (which i THINK they are) is to buy the tickets directly from teh Fest - last year it was through the ticket office at the Superdome....you buy per weekend, and cash is usually best (you avoid all fees) - if you do this, you avoid all ticket charges - i'd suggest that all the threadheads get together, figure out how many tickets are needed for how many tickets and then by a certain date, send the money to someone in NOLa willing to go down and buy the needed tickets....i'm willing to do the ticket pickup (if its still at the Superdome, its close to my office) and send them out....Amy Winette will vouch for my character, i picked up her brass pass for her....

Yep, my brass passes arrived safe and sound and quickly! Thanks MGB!! :)

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Do they usually offer group discounts? nope, no group discounts that i know of...they do some charitable stuff for school kids etc, but that's all i know about.

[PaulC]

Absolutely still a bargain in my mind. And brass pass is only $80 more than the at the door price for all 6 days, now THAT is a bargain in my mind!

That brass pass does sound very, very temptin' at this point... Gotta love the fact that it also benefits WWOZ...

[rosetree]

They used to let Craftspeople buy tickets at a discount, then they changed it so we were able to buy tickets without fees. I just got my acceptance packet and there is no mention of tickets anywhere!!!:mad: I guess I'm going to be buying at the Arena like everyone else...seeya there!!!

[Calypsogirl]

Hahaha, same here Paul! But I have been to lot of over $75 shows (Tim McGraw & Faith Hill were $100 a tix without good seats!)

Absolutely still a bargain in my mind. And brass pass is only $80 more than the at the door price for all 6 days, now THAT is a bargain in my mind!
Huh??? 45 x 6 = 270; brass pass is $600? is that new math wino-ette??

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Huh??? 45 x 6 = 270; brass pass is $600? is that new math wino-ette??
Brass Pass through wwoz - $350 for both weekends, in/out privileges etc. - your thinking of the Big Chief Pass which is $600 PER weekend....

[sophisticated sissy]

They used to let Craftspeople buy tickets at a discount, then they changed it so we were able to buy tickets without fees. I just got my acceptance packet and there is no mention of tickets anywhere!!!:mad: I guess I'm going to be buying at the Arena like everyone else...seeya there!!!

Do the musicians have to pay to get in, too?:p

[pokerchick66]

Huh??? 45 x 6 = 270; brass pass is $600? is that new math wino-ette??

LMAO @ "wino-ette"! :D

[stlbarb]

a lot of locals attend on free tickets. i believe these tix come from some of the sponsors, etc. the cops love to bust folks selling the free tickets. i think those school groups that attended on thrusday came in free.
when you're really poor, $12 is a lot.
i think the tickest were $7-ish & beer was 1.25 in 1990. someone correct me?

and the big screen plasma i bought last year is now 35% less. exact same model.

[pokerchick66]

Do the musicians have to pay to get in, too?:p

Bad girl, sissy. ;)

Hey Jim, isn't there somebody you can call and ask just to make sure?

[ibjamn]

Brass Pass through wwoz - $350 for both weekends, in/out privileges etc. - your thinking of the Big Chief Pass which is $600 PER weekend....

I was told there would be no math!

[Calypsogirl]

Thank you for that info! I was wondering how that added up!

[festivalgirl]

Yeah, it's the no mail order part that really burns me - I can live with the base ticket price. So, how much is ticketbastard gonna burn us per ticket, anyone know yet?


$6.90/ticket (never found it very "convenient") and I believa an additional $5.00 order charge..........................

two people, three days comes to $42.75 ish a ticket. I'd almost rather buy the $45 tickets at the gate. At least Ticketmaster won't get any of my money!

[Frosty]

Hey, I'm thinking at the gate too. I'd rather have the money go to JF than to Stickitmaster. If anybody is doing a group purchase, please include me. I only have to figure out if it's two or four. we might have friends join us from up here.

[pokerchick66]

Hey, I'm thinking at the gate too. I'd rather have the money go to JF than to Stickitmaster. If anybody is doing a group purchase, please include me. I only have to figure out if it's two or four. we might have friends join us from up here.

Twice last year I went to the gate and had people in line with extra tickets. I got one for $35 and one for $20. I've always bought my ticket at/outside the gate.

[Blitzzzzz]

New Orleans Arena
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St. A $2 per ticket service charge will apply to cash purchases.
Okay, this is what i was talking about - there is a $2.00 sur-charge, it goes to Jazz Fest rather than ticketmaster - i'm willing to do a big group purchase sometime in mid-march, if people are interested....


I doubt that the $2 convenience charge goes to the Jazz Fest. Ticket offices don't run on angel dust, the $2 fee covers the cost of the operation. In a way, the Fest saves money by not having to run their own ticket operation which is a not inconsiderable headache.
And remember, the Arena box office is only a few blocks from Layfayette Square, so combining it with the Wednesday at the Square Festivities is a pretty easy deal. Likewise, Ingrid's Party, Mother's, heck, there's lots of things to do in the vicinity.:cool:

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I was told there would be no math!
I'm right there with you, i'm a lawyer, we don't cipher well.....

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I doubt that the $2 convenience charge goes to the Jazz Fest. Ticket offices don't run on angel dust, the $2 fee covers the cost of the operation. In a way, the Fest saves money by not having to run their own ticket operation which is a not inconsiderable headache.
And remember, the Arena box office is only a few blocks from Layfayette Square, so combining it with the Wednesday at the Square Festivities is a pretty easy deal. Likewise, Ingrid's Party, Mother's, heck, there's lots of things to do in the vicinity.:cool:
Just make sure you buy PRIOR to the weekend you want to go - once the weekend starts, can't get tickets for that amount at the arena - Arena box office is probably about 6 blocks from Lafayette square - it is an easy walk - and, of course, i'd rather $2.00 to the Arena as opposed to $5.00 to ticketmaster

[mendelj2]

I can't believe I don't know (this will be fest #7) but what is the deal with the brass pass? costs? benefits?

[Amy Winette]

I'm right there with you, i'm a lawyer, we don't cipher well.....

I thought my math was pretty good for a lawyer! $45 x 6 = $270, brass pass is $350, $350 - $270 = $80. I think I'm good for $80 worth of free water!!

[festivalgirl]

I can't believe I don't know (this will be fest #7) but what is the deal with the brass pass? costs? benefits?


$350.00/pass good for all 6 days, in/out privileges, hospitality area ......

It's a great deal if ou go both weekends and a great cause in general (WWOZ). Unfortunatly, it is out of my budget but I am a member of WWOZ at the workingman's level!! ;)

www.wwoz.org

[mendelj2]

$350.00/pass good for all 6 days, in/out privileges, hospitality area ......

It's a great deal if ou go both weekends and a great cause in general (WWOZ). Unfortunatly, it is out of my budget but I am a member of WWOZ at the workingman's level!! ;)

www.wwoz.org

thanks! I'll have to wait til we can make both weekends.

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I can't believe I don't know (this will be fest #7) but what is the deal with the brass pass? costs? benefits?

mendle - check out all of the threads titled Brass Pass or Brass Pass update - all info. is there....let us know if you can't find it....

[Mardigrasbaby35]

thanks! I'll have to wait til we can make both weekends.

email Robin@wwoz.org - she'll set you up with the Brass Pass.....

[Jada]

I think locals should get a huge discount.

[barry10016]

I thought my math was pretty good for a lawyer! $45 x 6 = $270, brass pass is $350, $350 - $270 = $80. I think I'm good for $80 worth of free water!!

true dat

[Carolina Beadhead]

Reminds me... didn't we Zulu Diamond Cutter volunteers donate our freebie tix to locals last year. How did that work and how do we do it again.

Husband, I'm sorry the folk you speak of generally can't afford to attend. I'd be happy to spring for some tix if I knew they went to the right folk (that's right... NOT you MDFest). How would I go about that?

We had no good way to set that up. There weren't a lot of locals back and we had no way to find those that were. Ms Lena coouldn't see any way to make that happen.

[Blumie]

I was told there would be no math!Thank you, Chevy Chase!

[Blumie]

I thought my math was pretty good for a lawyer! $45 x 6 = $270, brass pass is $350, $350 - $270 = $80. I think I'm good for $80 worth of free water!!Looks good to me, too, but my former managing partner used to remind me that a lawyer with a calculator was a dangerous thing!

[Amy Winette]

I was doing spreadsheets the other day. I think that's malpractice per se.

[petegumbo]

I'm buying my tickets at the fairgrounds...the lines move fast enough

[PaulC]

I'm buying my tickets at the fairgrounds...the lines move fast enough

Totally agree.... The line (or lack there of) was a total non-issue last year and all my money went right to the fest (I hope)... a no brainer in many ways (especially if your plans might change),.. and as the Pokie mentioned,.. you just might happen across someone with an extra who is in a charitable mood....

I had some extra tickets (from somebody who had to change their plans) to "The Blues and Brews" in Telluride this year and the people who bought them from me got a pretty hefty discount... By the way, those tickets (for one stage only) were over $50/day with fees...

[csoul]

We had no good way to set that up. There weren't a lot of locals back and we had no way to find those that were. Ms Lena coouldn't see any way to make that happen.

Geeze, I feel bad. We were actually GIVEN free tickets by a local for one of our days last year. We were standing in her parents' flooded, gutted out home and she said "Are you all here for JF?" We said, "Yes" and she said "Well, today's your lucky day" and handed us two tix. I never even thought about donating. The other day we bought some from locals passing by the main gate. They had extras they didn't need and sold them to us for face value. And thanked us over and over for coming. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those NOLA locals. Can't wait to get back.!

[fesstgeek]

I checked through the TicketMaster online ordering system...

It's $6.90 PER TICKET, PLUS a handling charge for the order.
^^^^^^^^^^^
I'm MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GONNA SIT STILL FOR IT!!!

Two of us come for the whole Fest: 6 days x 2 tix x $35 = $420 BEFORE
the damn fees. And we can't use the cheap mail, 'cause by 48 hours before the first day, we gone! Another 12 x $6.90 = $82.80 in "CONVENIENCE" fees. Like we have any option with no mail order. Eighty three bucks to place ONE order for 12 tickets, ONLINE (no operator salary to pay)!!

This is legalized theft, aided and abetted by the JF organization.

LET 'EM HEAR ABOUT IT!!! Yeah, only $83, we can come up with it...but that is $83 less we have to put into the pockets of NOLA artists and businesses, which is our purpose in coming this year, as it was last and the 8 years prior. Multiply that $83 times the thousands of other couples/ pairs of people that do the whole shot. This is a massive windfall for T-M. What do THEY give back? The corporate greed that has crept in is simply appalling. JF, DO THE MAIL ORDER; PAY LOCAL PEOPLE TO DO IT!!!

BTW If you censor this post, you WILL read it elsewhere.

Fesstgeek

[grisgris]

I think I will go with the Brass Pass this year. I would rather give my money to WWOZ than ticketbastard.

[heyhon]

well, as others have recommended, just buy the damn tix at the gate. Then, at least, the foundation benefits instead of the ticket agencies. It's really not all that much more, in the grand scheme of things.

I do, however, concur with the opinion that the pricing hurts the local, more disadvantaged demographic. I wish some folks could get a break.

[PaulC]

The gate does the trick....

As a non-profit I always though they handed out thousands of freebie tickets to local orginizations (churches, schools)....

I was more than a little surprised to hear you peeps who discuss tossing beers around for a bit get in free...

[Amyloves...]

Paul, all volunteers get in for free. Whether it's "tossing beers for a bit" (4 - 5 hours of being extremely busy) or working with the artists through fest organizers, all volunteers get in free. My friend worked all six days last year from 7-11 so she got in free every day. How would these booths get workers if the workers had to pay 40 bucks to work?

[PaulC]

All the t-heads put in four hour shifts???... Sorry,.. had no idea you worked that hard :o It always sounded more like fun than work....

I was ready to help out (no ticket needed),.. but I had a much shorter time frame in mind...I would enjoy the hell out of bein' on the front line being a non-flirty type of guy...;)

[swag]

All the t-heads put in four hour shifts???... Sorry,.. had no idea you worked that hard :o It always sounded more like fun than work....

I was ready to help out (no ticket needed),.. but I had a much shorter time frame in mind...I would enjoy the hell out of bein' on the front line being a non-flirty type of guy...;)

I split a shift last year, we each worked 2 hours. But only got one ticket, not one each.

[ozzie]

And I think most of Ms lena's krewe had their own tix so didn't take the freebies. Not that I think there's anything wrong with taking the freebie if your fest budget's tight.

Wow Amyloves.... every day!

[ozzie]

Wasn't there a car parking benefit for volunteers?

[Amyloves...]

Not me Ozzie....it was a coworker friend! I worked one day at Ms Lena's, but I had the Brass Pass already so I didn't use the ticket. Yep, Paul, it was a four hour shift from 10-2. It is hard work, but still a lot of fun!

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I was doing spreadsheets the other day. I think that's malpractice per se.AMY DIDN'T YOU SEE ME POST - YOU KNOW US LAWYER AREN'T GOOD A CIPHERING!!!! (OR SPELLING FOR THAT MATTER :D )

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I checked through the TicketMaster online ordering system...

It's $6.90 PER TICKET, PLUS a handling charge for the order.
^^^^^^^^^^^
I'm MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GONNA SIT STILL FOR IT!!!

Two of us come for the whole Fest: 6 days x 2 tix x $35 = $420 BEFORE
the damn fees. And we can't use the cheap mail, 'cause by 48 hours before the first day, we gone! Another 12 x $6.90 = $82.80 in "CONVENIENCE" fees. Like we have any option with no mail order. Eighty three bucks to place ONE order for 12 tickets, ONLINE (no operator salary to pay)!!

This is legalized theft, aided and abetted by the JF organization.

LET 'EM HEAR ABOUT IT!!! Yeah, only $83, we can come up with it...but that is $83 less we have to put into the pockets of NOLA artists and businesses, which is our purpose in coming this year, as it was last and the 8 years prior. Multiply that $83 times the thousands of other couples/ pairs of people that do the whole shot. This is a massive windfall for T-M. What do THEY give back? The corporate greed that has crept in is simply appalling. JF, DO THE MAIL ORDER; PAY LOCAL PEOPLE TO DO IT!!!

BTW If you censor this post, you WILL read it elsewhere.

Fesstgeek
fesstgeek - i think some of us locals (me, amylovesthefest and Nola, i believe have expressed interest so far) in Nola are going to get together and organize a mass ticket purchase for those of you out of town - if your comfortable, we'll set it up somehow a little closer to the fest where the outoftowners will send us the money for tickets, we'll go and purchase them at the Arena where there only a $2.00 surcharge and then put them in the mail...it will work someway like that......more details to come, later in February, there will be a thread about it....

[Terry]

The way to go, if they are still doing it (which i THINK they are) is to buy the tickets directly from teh Fest - last year it was through the ticket office at the Superdome....you buy per weekend, and cash is usually best (you avoid all fees) - if you do this, you avoid all ticket charges - i'd suggest that all the threadheads get together, figure out how many tickets are needed for how many tickets and then by a certain date, send the money to someone in NOLa willing to go down and buy the needed tickets....i'm willing to do the ticket pickup (if its still at the Superdome, its close to my office) and send them out....Amy Winette will vouch for my character, i picked up her brass pass for her....


I believe they were sold last year at the N.O Arena, which I think is a different place than Superdome, as I recall across the street from Superdome. Also someone else in thread says there is a $2 fee per ticket. This how I bought mine last year, and I will do same for second weekend. Thanks for that reminder. I was thinking you had to buy tickets for both weekends before Fest started, because that's what I did last year.From previous thread, someone said box office closes at 4pm . This strikes me as being a little ridiculous. If that is true this year, it will be unfortunate as my plane gets in at 3:40 on Thur 4/26. This will be my eighth Fest and I have never paid a fee to Ticketmaster, having either bought tickets in person before Fest or thru mail. On the other hand, if it's true that there is a $2 fee per ticket,buying in person, that's just $3 less than than Tickemaster times 3 = $9 plus $5 charge for order,for a total of $14 more for tickets for first weekend, going thru Ticketmaster rather than buying in person. Do I have that right? If so, I can live with that.

[Terry]

Hey, I'm thinking at the gate too. I'd rather have the money go to JF than to Stickitmaster. If anybody is doing a group purchase, please include me. I only have to figure out if it's two or four. we might have friends join us from up here.


Just another thought re buying at gate, was there one day last year that was a washout because of rain? I know that happens very infrequently, but it's a thought,should that happen again, or should it rain so heavy I might decide not to go, unless there was an act I just had to see, not going that one day would just about make up the difference for buying at gate than in advance. Of course I would hate to see that happen, but it is something for me to think about.

[Terry]

I thought my math was pretty good for a lawyer! $45 x 6 = $270, brass pass is $350, $350 - $270 = $80. I think I'm good for $80 worth of free water!!


I know from observation at previous Fests you also get shade, seats and tables, and do I remember seeing fruit as well. Anything else?

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I know from observation at previous Fests you also get shade, seats and tables, and do I remember seeing fruit as well. Anything else?

in/out privileges for the entire fest.....

[Mardigrasbaby35]

not that i EVER leave once i'm there....

[Carolina Beadhead]

Wasn't there a car parking benefit for volunteers?

Yes, Ms Lena had a limited number of parking passes. I'm waiting to hear if it will be the same as last year.

[Amy Winette]

All the t-heads put in four hour shifts???... Sorry,.. had no idea you worked that hard :o It always sounded more like fun than work....

I was ready to help out (no ticket needed),.. but I had a much shorter time frame in mind...I would enjoy the hell out of bein' on the front line being a non-flirty type of guy...;)

It feels like more fun than work Paul ;)

Like Swag, Jeff & I split a shift so 2 hours each, we had tix so didn't use the free one, just handed it back and I hope it was put to use.

[Rossvegas]

These Ticketbastard people never cease to amaze me. As a former concert promoter, I KNOW FOR A FACT that these "convenience charges" and "service fees" are just a legalized way for the promoter and Ticketmaster to rake in additional revenue that can't be grabbed by the artists. (Most artists have a guarantee vs. percentage deal.) Basically, Ticketmaster has arranged to steal a percentage of ticket money on the promoters' behalf, although I doubt that is the case in terms of NOJHF since they wouldn't have a such a deal.

The latest scam I saw involved tickets for an upcoming Billy Joel show here in Toronto. They advertised the best tickets at $167.50, but if you wanted to be on the floors between rows 1 and 13, you had to bid for the tickets in an auction! The last I checked, the first rows were going for $300 a piece. Once again, Ticketmaster and the promoters (and quite possibly the artist) have found a way to participate in "legal scalping" while keeping the very best seats away from the general public.

I personally wouldn't give a rat's ass about paying TM their service fee for Jazzfest...provided they could show me how they've built a house for Habitat, paid for instruments...anything! As far as I know, they haven't put a dime back into the city....

Assholes!

[petegumbo]

keep it simple, buy you jazzfest tickets at the gate, day-of-show.....

[fesstgeek]

I really appreciate the offer. Doing the 'at the gate' thing so many seem to advocate would add $120 to our tab. Maybe the Foundation would get it, but their overhead will swallow some. Again, I'd rather be spending that money in local shops or dropping it in musician's jars. We also have friends who may be in NOLA before Fest and could buy for us. But thousands of people likely can't be accomodated that way; watch for the box office to say they're 'out' and refer people to T-M. T-M wants their loot and they do not play nice! Fight the power! Bring back mail order NOW!!! fesstgeek

[stlbarb]

some of 'em create their own discount of sorts. they've found ways to cut their beverage costs. but that's all i say about that here. big brother may be watching.

[stlbarb]

i have organized group sales in the past, but it was such a nightmare last year, i've retired. (nightmare was due to how late i received the tickets and trying to get them shipped all over the country, the last set arrive at the 11th hour. too much stress.)
now if someone else is foolish enough to do it, i'm in.
otherwise i hope to arrive early enough on thursday 4/26 to buy advance tickets. or rely on local friends to purchase mine with theirs.
if those fall thru, its definitely my plan for 2nd weekend.
where is the Arena? - last time i bought in town was at the dome. there was a line, but i ran into old friends and made some new ones. worth a little time to save $8 per ticket.
we could organize a line party for the daze 'tween. safety in numbers if we're all carrying a lot of cash to buy tickets with

[stlbarb]

Are the tix you purchase at the fest good for any day? so you can purchase them just once? (i've always bought advanced)
although the line is only long on the first day because of will call tickets.

[NeenAtlanta]

Are the tix you purchase at the fest good for any day? so you can purchase them just once? (i've always bought advanced)
although the line is only long on the first day because of will call tickets.

Two different tickets. One for first weekend, and you'll need 3 of them for all 3 days. A different ticket for 2nd weekend, and again you need 3 of them for all 3 days (per person).

So yeah, you can go to the gate and purchase 3 for first weekend. You may even be able to buy 3 for 2nd weekend at the same time, not sure about that though. Might have to do it again for 2nd weekend on 2nd Friday.

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Guess the Friday discount was temporary to entice folks back last year...but OK....STILL the best damn value in live music history!!!!
I don't even want to tell you guys what I spent for concerts in 2005-6: several U2 shows, Bonnie Raitt x 2, Pearl Jam, etc....lots of $$$ by my choice...so this always makes me happy when I see what I get!!!
Love JF!!

ohhh, i'm so jeolous, i'm dying to see U2 but they never come down to NOLa - i'm considering flying to texas next time they play in houston or dallas, i'm correct to assume they're awesome live???? Oh, and keep an eye out on the board - mid february some of us locals are going to organize and then buy tickets for people out of town - we'll buy them at the Arena so they're will only be the $2.00 extra fee, and nothing to ticketmaster...more details to come....

[Mardigrasbaby35]

i have organized group sales in the past, but it was such a nightmare last year, i've retired. (nightmare was due to how late i received the tickets and trying to get them shipped all over the country, the last set arrive at the 11th hour. too much stress.)
now if someone else is foolish enough to do it, i'm in.
otherwise i hope to arrive early enough on thursday 4/26 to buy advance tickets. or rely on local friends to purchase mine with theirs.
if those fall thru, its definitely my plan for 2nd weekend.
where is the Arena? - last time i bought in town was at the dome. there was a line, but i ran into old friends and made some new ones. worth a little time to save $8 per ticket.
we could organize a line party for the daze 'tween. safety in numbers if we're all carrying a lot of cash to buy tickets with
we're foolish enough to do it......details to come.

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Are the tix you purchase at the fest good for any day? so you can purchase them just once? (i've always bought advanced)
although the line is only long on the first day because of will call tickets. you buy the tickets per weekend - (i.e. tickets for the first weekend will be good for any of the first weekend days - tickets for the second weekend, good for any of teh second weekend days....)

[johnstp]

I started going to the Fest when the tickets were $15 ($20 with the roundtrip bus ticket), and I long for those days. But, just for comparative purposes, I'll tell you that I just returned from seeing Marcia Ball and Buckwheat Zydeco in Burlington, VT. Ticket price? $38, plus convenience charge.

Now, I have no problem paying that, but it should illustrate how good a deal Jazzfest still is.

[stlbarb]

Neens. its trampkat. i know there are different tickets for each weekend. but the 'free tickets' are usually for a certain day, so wasn't sure if the day tickets from the box office were.

will definitely get 2nd weekend on wednesday or thursday.

so you'e coming this year for sure - have you strated laying out outfits yet?

[stlbarb]

i'll send the tums with my check.

[balmer_hophead]

If you buy at the gate, are there service fees? Or is it $45 total?

[NeenAtlanta]

Neens. its trampkat. i know there are different tickets for each weekend. but the 'free tickets' are usually for a certain day, so wasn't sure if the day tickets from the box office were.

will definitely get 2nd weekend on wednesday or thursday.

so you'e coming this year for sure - have you strated laying out outfits yet?

Hey Barb! Yup, definitely coming. I've got hotel and plane tix all set. I went by Walmart yesterday to pick up something else, and wound up picking up my first few items for fest (ponchos, small sunscreen tubes, lighters, etc.) I was thinking it's time to start my fest box, but that's ridiculous right? 3 more months!!!

Can't wait to see you sweetie!

[stlbarb]

the beauty of driving is you get to take all that stuff in a big rubbermaid. its still packed from last year. just need to restock rain ponchos we took out for the playoffs. new sunscreen. some tissues left, but need to stock more. tissues are boring lagniappe, but i think some folks will be disappointed if they dont get their jazzfest emergency kit from me. last year i added a bandaid and safety pin to the stuff i usually put in it. its nice to think people will think of me in the portapotties.

[stlbarb]

that's cool. i could do a 2 hour beer shift for Ms Lena.
i dont want to miss much fest. i'm an 11-7 type.
i dont need a free ticket.
who do i contact? can i be tacky and wait for the grids to pick a shift?

[stlbarb]

i think its 6.90 per ticket from Ticket monster. that makes it 20.70. so if we could save that money times 100 people, that's almost 2k we could donate to NOMC instead.
last year i did group tickets for our krewe and charge a flat fee to cover mailings etc. i donated the left over money at the patry. it wasnt a lot, can't remember, maybe $30 or a little more. but little amounts add up to big amounts.

[nolalou]

If you are in the New Orleans area, or have friends here , tickets purchased at the box office in the New Orleans arena (next to the Superdome) have a $2 per ticket service charge, instead of the $5 per ticket charge from TicketBastards. If your buying a bunch of tickets that $3 per ticket savings can add up.

Louis

[stlbarb]

Be careful with $80 worth of water. you dont want to end up like that radio contestant.

can you take the water out of the hospitality area? can you take 2 at a time?

[stlbarb]

thta's why i use excel for everyone's ticket order when i do the group thing. i stick in the number and it does all the calculations.
of course if you set up the calc wrong.....

[PaulC]

If you buy at the gate, are there service fees? Or is it $45 total?


The gate is $45 total,.. and if you're lucky someone might hail you down and sell you an extra of theirs for less....

[PaulC]

I started going to the Fest when the tickets were $15 ($20 with the roundtrip bus ticket), and I long for those days. But, just for comparative purposes, I'll tell you that I just returned from seeing Marcia Ball and Buckwheat Zydeco in Burlington, VT. Ticket price? $38, plus convenience charge.

Now, I have no problem paying that, but it should illustrate how good a deal Jazzfest still is.

It's still a good deal,.. but it sure has gone up a good deal...

I remember a day back around 1974, 75,.. drivin' around town with a couple of friends of mine,.. a little smoke wafting about,.. and the radio started to advertise a local (Springfield, Ma.) upcoming concert date for Linda Ronstadt...

One of my friends went absolutely bonkers,.. yellin' out "LINDA RONSTADT!!!!.. MAN, I'D PAY ANYTHING TO SEE HER..." No sooner did he finish his primal scream,.. they announced an $8 ticket price,.. and he immediately followed that up with,.. "WHAT,.. NO WAY I'M PAYING THAT MUCH!!!... I nearly choked to death laughin'....

[PaulC]

Another way to view price increases:

After I was married 25 years, I took a look at my wife one day and
said, "Honey, 25 years ago, we had a cheap apartment, a cheap car, slept on a sofa bed and watched a 10-inch black and white TV, but I got to sleep every night with a hot 25-year-old blonde."

"Now, we have a nice house, nice car, big bed and plasma screen TV,
but I'm sleeping with a 50-year-old woman. It seems to me that you are
not holding up your side of things."

My wife is a very reasonable woman. She told me to go out and find a
hot 25-year-old blonde, and she would make sure that I would once again be living in a cheap apartment, driving a cheap car, sleeping on a sofa
bed and watching a 10-inch black and white TV.

Aren't older women great? They really know how to solve your
mid-life crisis.

[Corona]

i think its 5.90 per ticket from Ticket monster. so that makes it 16.90. so if we could save that money times 100 people, that's almost 1700 we could donate to NOMC instead.
last year i did group tickets for our krewe and charge a flat fee to cover mailings etc. i donated the left over money at the patry. it wasnt a lot, can't remember, maybe $30 or a little more. but little amounts add up to big amounts.
But you DID bring jello shots :D :D