View Full Version : sobriety and the jazz fest
bobby monaco
10-01-2008, 07:40 PM
I have been attending the fest since 1991 from Vancouver.I stopped drinking three years ago which has prevented me from attending.I love the fest and wondered if there was a group out there that attends/participates together.The festival is like Christmas to me with lots of great memories-looking for some comradarie and strength in numbers for 09....
Hey Bobby. I'm a drinker, but last year first weekend I was on some meds which couldn't be mixed with alcohol. I still had a good time, hung with drinkers and non-drinkers alike, drank water and the occasional non-alcoholic beer. My point is, even if you don't find a non-drinker group to hang with, come on down anyway!
rosetree
10-01-2008, 10:11 PM
Hey bobby...I'm a non-drinker, designated driver, and virtual bartender!
This group is a great diverse bunch of people, drinkers and non-drinkers alike! C'mon down and pass a good time at the Fest!:D
festivalgirl
10-01-2008, 11:35 PM
Bobby - I enjoy a drink but don't need a drink to enjoy Fest. I have to believe there are many people who don't drink at Fest. I'd be surprised if there wasn't an AA group who attends. Hopefully, you can come back and enjoy the music with us.
mamaroux
10-01-2008, 11:40 PM
Hi Bobby! I mostly drink water at the fest fairgrounds... well I've been known to add the occasional airline bottle to my Mango Freeze at the end of the day, but water is my mainstay, after starting out the day with an iced coffee... and maybe an iced rosemint tea if I feel the need for a boost of caffeine. I do drink, but have never gotten drunk, hungover or plastered... which seems to annoy some folks :)
Can't say as I've ever seen anyone in this group force drink on anyone, or make fun of them if they didn't drink... I think we're all in it for the music... and the great friendships just came along by chance!
denideadhead
10-02-2008, 12:03 AM
Can't say as I've ever seen anyone in this group force drink on anyone, or make fun of them if they didn't drink... I think we're all in it for the music... and the great friendships just came along by chance!
Yeah U rite ! Never seen anyone force drink on anyone in this Krewe or pretty much anywhere else at fest or note shows...but now trying to sway somebody on trying new music ...well that is a horse of different color :D
There is also a rather large group of Wharf Rats that attend fest every year ...not as visible as at Dead related shows but the WR is very present and a fabulously kool krewe !
Amy Winette
10-02-2008, 12:50 AM
Hey bobby...I'm a non-drinker, designated driver, and virtual bartender!
This group is a great diverse bunch of people, drinkers and non-drinkers alike! C'mon down and pass a good time at the Fest!:D
Swampie doesn't drink either. Funkk and Hebjamn don't partake much either. And Cisco isn't a drinker. As Jeff pointed out, there's so much great food and non-alcoholic bevies, you (not Jeff or me) don't even need to drink!
jerseygirl67
10-02-2008, 07:56 AM
Swampie doesn't drink either. Funkk and Hebjamn don't partake much either. And Cisco isn't a drinker. As Jeff pointed out, there's so much great food and non-alcoholic bevies, you (not Jeff or me) don't even need to drink!
C'mon Down!!! I am water girl during the day...save my imbibing for later in the evening....either way, this is such a great and supportive group of people...you will be fine (and supported)!!! And congrats on 3 years! ;)
duende
10-02-2008, 11:51 AM
We ran into a couple of visitors who were following my wife and me back to the Marigny after one of the fest nights this year. They were following us because they were kind of lost looking for a meeting and were hoping we'd know the Frenchmen neighborhood, so I'm guessing there are many more meetings throughout the city. Rest assured there is a way to do Fest sober and with zeal, I'm a cut-way-back-on-Dr.'s-orders guy these days - now, if could ween myself off of the 5-hour energy shots... btw, I was amazed at how inexpensively I could indulge my musical needs AND remember most of what I experienced after my voluntary reduction - brilliant!
Papins
10-02-2008, 01:40 PM
I have been attending the fest since 1991 from Vancouver.I stopped drinking three years ago which has prevented me from attending.I love the fest and wondered if there was a group out there that attends/participates together.The festival is like Christmas to me with lots of great memories-looking for some comradarie and strength in numbers for 09....
$5 beer is the reason I don't drink at the fairgrounds. I'll hang with you.
Papins
10-02-2008, 01:48 PM
I have been attending the fest since 1991 from Vancouver.I stopped drinking three years ago which has prevented me from attending.I love the fest and wondered if there was a group out there that attends/participates together.The festival is like Christmas to me with lots of great memories-looking for some comradarie and strength in numbers for 09....
I really don't drink like I used to. This past Jazz Fest, I passed up going to the meet-ups because for some reason, I figured it's would be a major party scene, and I'm just not into that anymore. I'm there to hear music.
marignygreg
10-02-2008, 02:11 PM
Catch me in the morning before my first beer, otherwise, well...lets just say I can hang with ETG Adams...burp.
Phatpapa
10-02-2008, 02:25 PM
Catch me in the morning before my first beer, otherwise, well...lets just say I can hang with ETG Adams...burp.
Me too mg
Ahh, alcohol at JF, the breakfast of champions.
Staxsun
10-02-2008, 04:33 PM
Never was much of a drinker at Fest anyway, but after my triple bypass in '96 I had to cut back to very little. After my stents in '06 and a change in medication, I could no longer drink at all. I haven't had a drink in two years now, but no one in this group would call me a wallflower. I still party hearty.
jonnygospeltent
10-02-2008, 04:38 PM
And you are a perfect buddy to have around when you can't find your wallet and think you left it in the bar you were at all morning instead of looking by your suitcase.
Staxsun
10-02-2008, 04:54 PM
And you are a perfect buddy to have around when you can't find your wallet and think you left it in the bar you were at all morning instead of looking by your suitcase.
Thank you, my friend! I'm looking forward to our next adventure at the Postman Bar.
I really don't drink like I used to. This past Jazz Fest, I passed up going to the meet-ups because for some reason, I figured it's would be a major party scene, and I'm just not into that anymore. I'm there to hear music.
Please come to one next time.
People drink at the meet-ups as they drink at the stages, that is, some folks have a beer in hand, some don't. No one is pounding them, and it's not a party scene in that sense. It is a big social thing, and there are so many people to meet and greet that you can end up missing a bunch of music; but you can certainly also pass thru quickly if there's something calling your ears.
Chicago Fest Fan
10-02-2008, 08:18 PM
I have been attending the fest since 1991 from Vancouver.I stopped drinking three years ago which has prevented me from attending.I love the fest and wondered if there was a group out there that attends/participates together.The festival is like Christmas to me with lots of great memories-looking for some comradarie and strength in numbers for 09....
Hey Bobby,
During fest we have a 10 min rule... you must take at least a 10 minute break between beers while on the fairgrounds. So if you time it just right?
Corona
10-02-2008, 08:21 PM
Swampie doesn't drink either. Funkk and Hebjamn don't partake much either. And Cisco isn't a drinker. As Jeff pointed out, there's so much great food and non-alcoholic bevies, you (not Jeff or me) don't even need to drink!
Very true Ames.....lots of people that don't drink and it doesn't make a difference one iota. I guess it all depends on how YOU feel about it Bobbi and how comfortable you are.....as far as fun and acceptance...you'll find it right here with us and at the fest :)
i wanna be in NOLA
10-02-2008, 08:45 PM
Not at all in the same dynamic, bobby, but the two years that I was pregnant and abstaining from drink were pretty interesting when it came to social events where everyone around me was drinking heavily. Let's just say I never act like some people I know ;)
I understand why the first couple years would have been too much temptation but if you're up to coming to the Fest for a great time without the drink then a great time is there for you. Great music, great food, great people, great vibe...
wowsah, I need a NOLA fix!
Amy Winette
10-02-2008, 10:19 PM
Please come to one next time.
People drink at the meet-ups as they drink at the stages, that is, some folks have a beer in hand, some don't. No one is pounding them, and it's not a party scene in that sense. It is a big social thing, and there are so many people to meet and greet that you can end up missing a bunch of music; but you can certainly also pass thru quickly if there's something calling your ears.
Yeah, it's pretty mild. There's some beer drinking, but it's all ages, all access, Jordan's kids giving out lagniappes is a highlight, it's definitely not a frat party!
festivalgirl
10-02-2008, 10:57 PM
Yeah, it's pretty mild. There's some beer drinking, but it's all ages, all access, Jordan's kids giving out lagniappes is a highlight, it's definitely not a frat party!
Yeah, behind the Beer Tent is easy to find, conveniently located & lot's of open space. Nothing really to do with beer.
mamaroux
10-03-2008, 12:10 AM
Yeah U rite ! Never seen anyone force drink on anyone in this Krewe or pretty much anywhere else at fest or note shows...but now trying to sway somebody on trying new music ...well that is a horse of different color :D
There is also a rather large group of Wharf Rats that attend fest every year ...not as visible as at Dead related shows but the WR is very present and a fabulously kool krewe !
oh yeah... who'd fight an intro to some new music?? :)
mamaroux
10-03-2008, 12:12 AM
Never was much of a drinker at Fest anyway, but after my triple bypass in '96 I had to cut back to very little. After my stents in '06 and a change in medication, I could no longer drink at all. I haven't had a drink in two years now, but no one in this group would call me a wallflower. I still party hearty.
you do that, you do!
mamaroux
10-03-2008, 12:13 AM
Please come to one next time.
People drink at the meet-ups as they drink at the stages, that is, some folks have a beer in hand, some don't. No one is pounding them, and it's not a party scene in that sense. It is a big social thing, and there are so many people to meet and greet that you can end up missing a bunch of music; but you can certainly also pass thru quickly if there's something calling your ears.
yup, what Swag said!!
mamaroux
10-03-2008, 12:15 AM
Yeah, behind the Beer Tent is easy to find, conveniently located & lot's of open space. Nothing really to do with beer.
well...other than helping Ms Lena sell it to those who want it, to raise money for her group!
Never was much of a drinker at Fest anyway, but after my triple bypass in '96 I had to cut back to very little. After my stents in '06 and a change in medication, I could no longer drink at all. I haven't had a drink in two years now, but no one in this group would call me a wallflower. I still party hearty.Yes you do! It's never a consideration to anyone!
Ludlows23
10-03-2008, 02:39 AM
Hey Bobby - I was COMPLETELY sober during JazzFest 2008 (I almost made a button...) - I missed having Liuzza's killer bloody mary's (it felt very weird ordering a virgin mary) but ended up having a blast. I actually was with one of my VERY heavily partying friend and out partied him sober. It was actually fun to not be hung over AND to remember all of the silly things my friends did. Jazz fest is about the music and the people (and the food) - not about the alcohol. Come back and hang with the TH's!
ozzie
10-03-2008, 05:42 AM
Well, Kenny doesn't drink much at the best of times and certainly not at fairgrounds. Thank GAWD... imagine if there was two of us in the same family!
He gets such a hard time, especially at work type functions, when he orders softies... but like all else we've come across in New Orleans, everything is offered to you but no-one gives a rats what you do or don't do.
I've managed to go all day at Fest without drinking. I was probably broke or hungover but I know I've done it. It's really hard though to eat crawfish, listen to cajun music, and not drink a beer. You might want to avoid the Fais Do Do area.
in New Orleans, everything is offered to you but no-one gives a rats what you do or don't do.
If there was a slogan contest for the city, I would nominate you with this one, Oz.
TFF!
jonnygospeltent
10-03-2008, 03:03 PM
The reason I started drinking in high school was only to get up the nerve to ask pretty women to dance with me.
The reason I started drinking in high school was only to get up the nerve to ask pretty women to dance with me.
Oh and the more you drank, the prettier they got, right?! :D
Frosty
10-03-2008, 03:58 PM
The reason I started drinking in high school was only to get up the nerve to ask pretty women to dance with me.
Dude, were you Cougar hunting or what? Pretty WOMEN while in high school? I was just trying to get high school girls to go out with me.
marignygreg
10-03-2008, 06:47 PM
Oh and the more you drank, the prettier they got, right?! :D
Beer goggles.
Jay Fest
10-07-2008, 02:54 AM
I drink very little at Fest (I did make an exception this year at the Threadheads Patry). I have yet to buy an alcoholic drink at the fairgrounds in my 11 years. I used to find myself dozing off during some good performance because I'd had too much to drink (which was sometimes only one drink!). I decided that if I had to choose between enjoying the buzz or enjoying the music (and having a fatter wallet to boot), it was no contest! If you've managed to stay dry for three years, you obviously have some similar strategy that works for you. You should be all right, even without a support group to hang with. Just remember that anybody who won't respect your desire not to indulge is someone you don't want to be spending time with anyway.