Standing Room Only??? Please....

[jolie]

Last year when I dared to sit in the grass in the SRO security came along to tell me to get up.

So far this year I have noticed towels spread out taking up major space, folks in chairs (for more than just a set)..

Have the rules changed? Can I bring my chair to set up in SRO on Sunday?
Or is Fest just not enforcing them?

Thanks,

[Lit]

Last year when I dared to sit in the grass in the SRO security came along to tell me to get up.

So far this year I have noticed towels spread out taking up major space, folks in chairs (for more than just a set)..

Have the rules changed? Can I bring my chair to set up in SRO on Sunday?
Or is Fest just not enforcing them?

Thanks,

Definitely saw more than a few chairs set up in the SRO area at Gentilly first weekend this year. I was never told that I could not sit on the grass or on a small blanket in the SRO area last year, but they definitely appeared to do a much better job keeping chairs out of there then.

The only security enforcement action I saw all first weekend this year was really aggressive security in the Gospel tent prohibiting people from sitting on the floor, even though people were allowed to sit in their own camp chairs in the very same areas; and really, really aggressive security in the Blues Tent prohibiting people from dancing in front of the stage during Sharon Jones, even though the band several times made a point of urging the crowd to do precisely that. Very strange.

[Rossvegas]

Speaking of security, it seemed pretty bizarre to me that they checked my backpack (barely) but didn't check me personally at all. I'm not complaining so much, but it would have been REALLY easy to bring in a gun or knife or a substantial amount of booze in my cargo shorts. Just imagine what would happen if...nah, lets not go there right now.

[McGregor]

Speaking of security, it seemed pretty bizarre to me that they checked my backpack (barely) but didn't check me personally at all. I'm not complaining so much, but it would have been REALLY easy to bring in a gun or knife or a substantial amount of booze in my cargo shorts. Just imagine what would happen if...nah, lets not go there right now.

let's not give them any ideas now. :)

[20-20]

Nor sure if we are thinking alike or not McGregor, but I for one wish our Canadian friend would more closely adhere to the "don't ask - don't tell" policy. If he was lucky enough to breeze through with minimal delay and even, gosh forbid, some possible contraband, why complain to the authorities that visit this site? Firstly, it makes the passage through the gates, much,much speedier and secondly, some that visit the festival enjoy some refreshments that they don't provide at the food/beer stands.

[Meters Fan]

I have a rocket launcher waiting for next year in case the helicopter returns.

[charlotte]

Definitely saw more than a few chairs set up in the SRO area at Gentilly first weekend this year. I was never told that I could not sit on the grass or on a small blanket in the SRO area last year, but they definitely appeared to do a much better job keeping chairs out of there then.

The only security enforcement action I saw all first weekend this year was really aggressive security in the Gospel tent prohibiting people from sitting on the floor, even though people were allowed to sit in their own camp chairs in the very same areas; and really, really aggressive security in the Blues Tent prohibiting people from dancing in front of the stage during Sharon Jones, even though the band several times made a point of urging the crowd to do precisely that. Very strange.

I hate when they do that - dance nazi's! When it was the old Blues Fest(outside) stage, dancing was not verbotten, the whole crowd was up on their feet moving. I mean even if there is a designated dancing area (is there one in the Blues tent?), people should be allowed to be spontaneous and get up and move and groove if the spirit moves them, IMO. Sharon Jones - great artist, love her and Dap Kings (especially those wonderful horns).

[Rossvegas]

Nor sure if we are thinking alike or not McGregor, but I for one wish our Canadian friend would more closely adhere to the "don't ask - don't tell" policy. If he was lucky enough to breeze through with minimal delay and even, gosh forbid, some possible contraband, why complain to the authorities that visit this site? Firstly, it makes the passage through the gates, much,much speedier and secondly, some that visit the festival enjoy some refreshments that they don't provide at the food/beer stands.

Guys, I hear ya, but it's one thing to slide in a mickey of gin to increase the fun quotient of the Mango Freezes; it's another thing entirely to be packing a 45 for use in settling some tarp issue or some old grievance at a Mystikal show. I take the word "security" at face value, and for me, that doesn't include protecting people from a Camelback of margaritas, you know?

[Lostcajun]

With all due respect to the "security" people, they are hardly qualified to deal with people who are packing. I pray the day never comes that we have to walk through metal detectors and have to pass by the eyes of well trained security to enter into JF.

[mightyradgumbo]

I agree LC. Ross has a point, having worked many events of wide variety but JF doesn't seem like that type of crowd. At a couple of the stadiums I worked at, we did full pat downs and that is certainly a buzzkill for people who are there for a good time but that is the way the venue is run.

Just for the record, I never stash anything in my shorts. Everything is in my bag in the main compartment and available for searching. :D

[Rossvegas]

I agree LC. Ross has a point, having worked many events of wide variety but JF doesn't seem like that type of crowd. At a couple of the stadiums I worked at, we did full pat downs and that is certainly a buzzkill for people who are there for a good time but that is the way the venue is run.

Just for the record, I never stash anything in my shorts. Everything is in my bag in the main compartment and available for searching. :D

Dude, that wasn't a piece in your pants? Wow, you must have been glad to see me!

[tvengineer]

Speaking of security, it seemed pretty bizarre to me that they checked my backpack (barely) but didn't check me personally at all. I'm not complaining so much, but it would have been REALLY easy to bring in a gun or knife or a substantial amount of booze in my cargo shorts. Just imagine what would happen if...nah, lets not go there right now.

THey must have heard you...
I saw them chase down a guy to look in the pockets of his pants..

I was told by another threadhead that they witnessed the same thing.

Also... Border security on the surrounding neighborhood was beefed up big time today.. I had trouble getting back to my house.. and many who had arranged parking in peoples yards were not allowed in.

Louis

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Definitely saw more than a few chairs set up in the SRO area at Gentilly first weekend this year. I was never told that I could not sit on the grass or on a small blanket in the SRO area last year, but they definitely appeared to do a much better job keeping chairs out of there then.

The only security enforcement action I saw all first weekend this year was really aggressive security in the Gospel tent prohibiting people from sitting on the floor, even though people were allowed to sit in their own camp chairs in the very same areas; and really, really aggressive security in the Blues Tent prohibiting people from dancing in front of the stage during Sharon Jones, even though the band several times made a point of urging the crowd to do precisely that. Very strange.

part of the rules in the tents is per fire codes

[Lit]

part of the rules in the tents is per fire codes

Oddly, in the Blues Tent they were only herding people away from the area directly in front of the stage, and then forcing them directly into the aisles that presumably would be used for exits in case of emergency. They were not making any efforts to keep the aisles clear, and in fact they were making them worse by funneling people there from the front of the stage. Then again, that may be in perfect compliance with whatever fire codes there are in New Orleans.

[ibjamn]

Also... Border security on the surrounding neighborhood was beefed up big time today.. I had trouble getting back to my house.. and many who had arranged parking in peoples yards were not allowed in.

Yesterday was the first time I had seen that. I was glad we had Benjamin's neighborhood pass or they wouldn't have let us in. BTW, did Benjie tell you that his car was stolen Thurs night? :(

[Lostcajun]

Oddly, in the Blues Tent they were only herding people away from the area directly in front of the stage, and then forcing them directly into the aisles that presumably would be used for exits in case of emergency. They were not making any efforts to keep the aisles clear, and in fact they were making them worse by funneling people there from the front of the stage. Then again, that may be in perfect compliance with whatever fire codes there are in New Orleans.

I was sitting right in front of Jon Cleary when he was playing with John Scofield, fourth row on the aisle. They cleared the aisle except for one person sitting on the floor at the end of the rows. They allowed people to walk up and take pictures in front, but after 15-20 min into the set kept people from coming all the way up front for pictures.

[Lit]

I was sitting right in front of Jon Cleary when he was playing with John Scofield, fourth row on the aisle. They cleared the aisle except for one person sitting on the floor at the end of the rows. They allowed people to walk up and take pictures in front, but after 15-20 min into the set kept people from coming all the way up front for pictures.

The only extended period I spent in the Blues Tent was for Sharon Jones, and I was pleasantly surprised that the entire crowd was on their feet from the start and throughout the whole set. But I did find it strange that, when the band had repeatedly urged people to come and dance right in front, the security very aggressively herded people into the aisles instead. I'm no emergency planner, but it would appear safer to me to have the aisles clear and to allow the people to remain in front of the stage where the band wanted them anyway. Just my .02. Otherwise, it was a far better time than I've had in the Blues Tent in years.

[Staxsun]

The only extended period I spent in the Blues Tent was for Sharon Jones, and I was pleasantly surprised that the entire crowd was on their feet from the start and throughout the whole set. But I did find it strange that, when the band had repeatedly urged people to come and dance right in front, the security very aggressively herded people into the aisles instead. I'm no emergency planner, but it would appear safer to me to have the aisles clear and to allow the people to remain in front of the stage where the band wanted them anyway. Just my .02. Otherwise, it was a far better time than I've had in the Blues Tent in years.

Actually they kept the side aisles completely clear. No one was allowed up or down them unless they were headed to a seat or out of the tent.

[Lit]

Actually they kept the side aisles completely clear. No one was allowed up or down them unless they were headed to a seat or out of the tent.

Not in the front where I was; the two middle aisles were jammed at the front when they pushed the people into them from the front of the stage. I had a seat in the front row on the aisle and the entire aisle next to was packed while I was there. Anytime someone broke off towards the area directly in front of the stage they were herded back into the aisle. I couldn't have cared less, I just thought it was strange.

[Staxsun]

Not in the front where I was; the two middle aisles were jammed at the front when they pushed the people into them from the front of the stage. I had a seat in the front row on the aisle and the entire aisle next to was packed while I was there. Anytime someone broke off towards the area directly in front of the stage they were herded back into the aisle. I couldn't have cared less, I just thought it was strange.

Like I said, the SIDE aisles. They let the middle clog up, especially down front at that show. All the middle aisles had people standing wall to wall in front of the seats.

[PaulC]

Speaking of security, it seemed pretty bizarre to me that they checked my backpack (barely) but didn't check me personally at all. I'm not complaining so much, but it would have been REALLY easy to bring in a gun or knife or a substantial amount of booze in my cargo shorts. Just imagine what would happen if...nah, lets not go there right now.

sittin' here watchin' and listenin' to the nevilles close out... drinkin' again,.. zen of the zif....

a few things things ross,.. one funny as hell.....

first things first though,... are you actually tryin' to get those gate peeps to get touchy with my bear family???...

2nd,.. and this is the absolute complete truth...

took in the late show at the house of rules last night to end my fest with the new mastersounds.... was in line at 3 in the a.m.,.. and they were wavin' wands about the body of all enterin'...

my pockets set the thing buzzin' like a bee hive.... and it wasn't the bear honey.... after repeated attempts to get me to completely empty every cargo pocket,.. she patted down my one remainin' pocket with obvious contraband (and it was a free pat at that :cool:)...

anywho,.. she nailed with some obvious contents... once i removed the five offendin' replacement nuts that i was carryin',.. the very next wave of the wand was buzz free...

my nuts actually set off an alarm.... :eek: :cool:

papa funk thanked mr. neil young for bein' present a lil' while back.... which leads to this..... thank you ross for the gracious two nights use of that most beautiful pad you had lined up... almost wish i was there more than the few hours of sleepy time when i had use of those keys in my pocket....

and in endin',... i hafta' mention a most wonderous woman of fest,.. that bein' the one and only shay... how does that gal do it year afta' year???... the woman is always smilin',.. always lookin' fresh as a daisy,.. and seemin'ly never stops to sleep... she was at the mastersounds show and plannin' on takin' in a 5 am show at the leaf before closin' out the fest at the fair grounds....

she has been my hero for years,.. and remains even more so to this day....

btw,.. made my plane by one actual minute this mornin'.... they scanned my carry on three times... nothing but empty bears and a sh!t load of sharp threadhead pins,.. and a few remainin' nuts........

[tabasco]

My FIRST post since I came back from fest....... I miss you, PaulC. ;)

[PaulC]

My FIRST post since I came back from fest....... I miss you, PaulC. ;)

right back atcha'......

and to think,.. jus' some 50 weeks or so of real life and we get do do it all ova' again....

and you have that crawfish fest yet to do.... much yet to enjoy....

please say hey to the mrs. for me...


and get to work knittin' me anotha' one of those tabasco throws i lost out on.... i forget,.. did dj griff win that one too???....

anotha' damn good man,.. that griff dude......

enjoy....

[Rossvegas]

sittin' here watchin' and listenin' to the nevilles close out... drinkin' again,.. zen of the zif....

a few things things ross,.. one funny as hell.....

first things first though,... are you actually tryin' to get those gate peeps to get touchy with my bear family???...

2nd,.. and this is the absolute complete truth...

took in the late show at the house of rules last night to end my fest with the new mastersounds.... was in line at 3 in the a.m.,.. and they were wavin' wands about the body of all enterin'...

my pockets set the thing buzzin' like a bee hive.... and it wasn't the bear honey.... after repeated attempts to get me to completely empty every cargo pocket,.. she patted down my one remainin' pocket with obvious contraband (and it was a free pat at that :cool:)...

anywho,.. she nailed with some obvious contents... once i removed the five offendin' replacement nuts that i was carryin',.. the very next wave of the wand was buzz free...

my nuts actually set off an alarm.... :eek: :cool:

papa funk thanked mr. neil young for bein' present a lil' while back.... which leads to this..... thank you ross for the gracious two nights use of that most beautiful pad you had lined up... almost wish i was there more than the few hours of sleepy time when i had use of those keys in my pocket....

and in endin',... i hafta' mention a most wonderous woman of fest,.. that bein' the one and only shay... how does that gal do it year afta' year???... the woman is always smilin',.. always lookin' fresh as a daisy,.. and seemin'ly never stops to sleep... she was at the mastersounds show and plannin' on takin' in a 5 am show at the leaf before closin' out the fest at the fair grounds....

she has been my hero for years,.. and remains even more so to this day....

btw,.. made my plane by one actual minute this mornin'.... they scanned my carry on three times... nothing but empty bears and a sh!t load of sharp threadhead pins,.. and a few remainin' nuts........

You're welcome, amigo! BTW, did you happen to leave your laptop in the condo? I received some weird call from the Wyndham telling me that someone had it locked up somewhere...

[PaulC]

our sweet friend anne came along on the last night to claim the other room,.. and she managed to leave her lap top behind... funny thing is,.. in tryin' to help her get her belongin's down to the lobby,.. we then failed to load up her suitcase when they retrived her car from where eva' they park em'... she did quickly return for the suitcase,.. only to have to return yet again later that evenin' for her lap top....

you can't believe how long i spent on the phone jus' tryin' to get the number of that place when she called me from the fairgrounds informin' me that she thought she may have left it in her room.... it would have been much easier walkin' back over there....

what a great place that was.. you could have held a party for 40 people there.... many thanks again......


edit...... ya' didn't like my radioactive nut story???.....

[Rossvegas]

our sweet friend anne came along on the last night to claim the other room,.. and she managed to leave her lap top behind... funny thing is,.. in tryin' to help her get her belongin's down to the lobby,.. we then failed to load up her suitcase when they retrived her car from where eva' they park em'... she did quickly return for the suitcase,.. only to have to return yet again later that evenin' for her lap top....

you can't believe how long i spent on the phone jus' tryin' to get the number of that place when she called me from the fairgrounds informin' me that she thought she may have left it in her room.... it would have been much easier walkin' back over there....

what a great place that was.. you could have held a party for 40 people there.... many thanks again......


edit...... ya' didn't like my radioactive nut story???.....

Loved the radioactive nut story! I'm just glad that the HOB is a nut-free zone...you can't be too careful! (Gawd, what a buzz kill! What were they thinking?)

BTW, I owe ya $25 bucks - they refunded my room cleaning payment when I checked out! I'll get you a gift certificate at Liuzza's... :>)

[PaulC]

Loved the radioactive nut story! I'm just glad that the HOB is a nut-free zone...you can't be too careful! (Gawd, what a buzz kill! What were they thinking?)

BTW, I owe ya $25 bucks - they refunded my room cleaning payment when I checked out! I'll get you a gift certificate at Liuzza's... :>)


you will do no such thing.... i owe you...

much gratitude for the beautiful digs..........

and the nuts made it in,.. but they had to clear security first.... nice that they allowed the nuts entrance because i got hungry later that evenin'...

then again,.. sometime afta' 4 in the mornin' ain't exactly the evenin' no more..... ....

[neverleft]

sittin' here watchin' and listenin' to the nevilles close out... drinkin' again,.. zen of the zif....

a few things things ross,.. one funny as hell.....

first things first though,... are you actually tryin' to get those gate peeps to get touchy with my bear family???...

2nd,.. and this is the absolute complete truth...

took in the late show at the house of rules last night to end my fest with the new mastersounds.... was in line at 3 in the a.m.,.. and they were wavin' wands about the body of all enterin'...

my pockets set the thing buzzin' like a bee hive.... and it wasn't the bear honey.... after repeated attempts to get me to completely empty every cargo pocket,.. she patted down my one remainin' pocket with obvious contraband (and it was a free pat at that :cool:)...

anywho,.. she nailed with some obvious contents... once i removed the five offendin' replacement nuts that i was carryin',.. the very next wave of the wand was buzz free...

my nuts actually set off an alarm.... :eek: :cool:

papa funk thanked mr. neil young for bein' present a lil' while back.... which leads to this..... thank you ross for the gracious two nights use of that most beautiful pad you had lined up... almost wish i was there more than the few hours of sleepy time when i had use of those keys in my pocket....

and in endin',... i hafta' mention a most wonderous woman of fest,.. that bein' the one and only shay... how does that gal do it year afta' year???... the woman is always smilin',.. always lookin' fresh as a daisy,.. and seemin'ly never stops to sleep... she was at the mastersounds show and plannin' on takin' in a 5 am show at the leaf before closin' out the fest at the fair grounds....

she has been my hero for years,.. and remains even more so to this day....

btw,.. made my plane by one actual minute this mornin'.... they scanned my carry on three times... nothing but empty bears and a sh!t load of sharp threadhead pins,.. and a few remainin' nuts........

I always knew you were all nuts Paul. I can even see your nuts on your one ear.

I was wonderin' where you and Shay and a few other people were Saturday Night. I almost made it to the Mastersounds show too. I started out with Paul Sanchez then Medeski, Martin and Wood, and Trombone Shorty at the Colton Theater. Then went to Frenchman to DBA and caught Little Freddie King till about 3:30am. Walked down to the Chart Room and had a beer with Juls, Ozzie and Ken. Left there at 4:30am to catch my cab to the airport.
Shay and Juls are my heros too. Always having a goodtime and I'm sure they rocked it with Vinyl till 7am
All in all a great trip for me.

[Rossvegas]

Man, Paul and I saw Juls at the Eddie Bo tribute show, and I thought she was going to go down for the count. She wobbled...her eyes were closed...and then: she sprang back to life. I said to Paul: "hell, if I was her trainer and we were in a prizefight, I would have been waving my arms and tossing in the towel by now." I'm 99% sure that she caught a nap while on her feet...now THAT'S impressive.

[neverleft]

Man, Paul and I saw Juls at the Eddie Bo tribute show, and I thought she was going to go down for the count. She wobbled...her eyes were closed...and then: she sprang back to life. I said to Paul: "hell, if I was her trainer and we were in a prizefight, I would have been waving my arms and tossing in the towel by now." I'm 99% sure that she caught a nap while on her feet...now THAT'S impressive.

Yes, she totally has the ability to sleep on her feet. I've seen it a couple of times. The first time I thought I must of been sayin' something kind of boring, but I realized she was just catching a cat nap while on her feet. It is impressive to see her do it, and comes in good use in New Orleans too.

[PaulC]

I always knew you were all nuts Paul. I can even see your nuts on your one ear.

I was wonderin' where you and Shay and a few other people were Saturday Night. I almost made it to the Mastersounds show too. I started out with Paul Sanchez then Medeski, Martin and Wood, and Trombone Shorty at the Colton Theater. Then went to Frenchman to DBA and caught Little Freddie King till about 3:30am. Walked down to the Chart Room and had a beer with Juls, Ozzie and Ken. Left there at 4:30am to catch my cab to the airport.
Shay and Juls are my heros too. Always having a goodtime and I'm sure they rocked it with Vinyl till 7am
All in all a great trip for me.

robbie my man,.. that smile of yours,.. your great laugh,.. and your constant good nature and highly energetic hugs put you well into hero status in my eyes this year,.. and i mentioned that to many a peep along the way... but seein' as how are now but a one year wonder to me personally,.. that shay bird still gets top billin'... but be sure my friend,.. that smile and personality of yours became a thing of legend to many this year...

as for that last saturday nite,.. in order,.. liuzza madness after an incredible day of fest,.. then crashed the house party behind liuzza's for the umpteenth time in the last many years,.. from there had a gigantic and very tasty slice of pizza down the street,.. hung and danced at the corner party,.. almost lost my shaker three different times... got a great photo of me and the local legend that is the tambourine lady... later shared a cab to the quarter,.. sucked down my last dozen of raw boy at felix's,.. lightinin' quick shower in the room i saw for all of two hours,.. got down to the chart room and danced w/ the san fran ladies to some great tunes,.. in between drinks of course...

while cynthia and the rest of the san fran/chicago crew were formulatin' a game plan for the evenin' at the chart room,.. a few of us made it over to irvin mayfields at the royal sonesta... great show,.. but hot as hell in there.... back to the chart room for a few more and that san fran/chicago crew was still busy plannin' :confused:...

most of them decided to do something that sounded like a terrible idea so sango and i decided to finish out the nite w/ the mastersounds,.. while sharin' the hot rippin' music that mayfields joint offered,.. it was the complete opposite temp drippin' wise,.. frosty cold in the house of rules that night... don't recall the stomp bein' that coo temp wise,.. but obviously the crowd was much thinner....

miss ya' big time robbie.... you brought much joy to my heart this year.....

tryandtryagain at verizon dot net...... got a funny story for ya'....

and some great pics......

[PaulC]

Man, Paul and I saw Juls at the Eddie Bo tribute show, and I thought she was going to go down for the count. She wobbled...her eyes were closed...and then: she sprang back to life. I said to Paul: "hell, if I was her trainer and we were in a prizefight, I would have been waving my arms and tossing in the towel by now." I'm 99% sure that she caught a nap while on her feet...now THAT'S impressive.

juls and i nearly put her dude into a coma after the fest on 2nd sat,... as we blah blahed for quite some time outside liuzza's....

i needed to toss in the towel one night at the howlin' wolf,.. i was in and out of a daze for well ova' an hour and a half.... plenty of head nods,.. and the bar came in quite handy holdin' me up... had a young gal poke me in the ribs,... and when i looked her way,.. she told me,.. "i didn't know theresa anderson played violin"... that statement woke me up for awhile.... :rolleyes:

[johnb]

I hate when they do that - dance nazi's! When it was the old Blues Fest(outside) stage, dancing was not verbotten, the whole crowd was up on their feet moving. I mean even if there is a designated dancing area (is there one in the Blues tent?), people should be allowed to be spontaneous and get up and move and groove if the spirit moves them, IMO. Sharon Jones - great artist, love her and Dap Kings (especially those wonderful horns).

I miss the old blues stage.The sound was better and I never got shut out by the size of the crowd for a popular act.

[swag]

I miss the old blues stage.The sound was better and I never got shut out by the size of the crowd for a popular act.

I did - I remember trying to see Gatemouth there and not being able to get close enough to get decent sound. That area was pretty tiny. Say what you will about the Blues Tent, but they get way more people in there than the old HOB stage could support.

[Ron]

Speaking of security, it seemed pretty bizarre to me that they checked my backpack (barely) but didn't check me personally at all. I'm not complaining so much, but it would have been REALLY easy to bring in a gun or knife or a substantial amount of booze in my cargo shorts. Just imagine what would happen if...nah, lets not go there right now.

On Friday, the security guard wanted to check inside the two sunglasses cases in my backpack yet there were much bigger areas in the pack. Not sure what they were looking for in the cases.

[Lit]

I did - I remember trying to see Gatemouth there and not being able to get close enough to get decent sound. That area was pretty tiny. Say what you will about the Blues Tent, but they get way more people in there than the old HOB stage could support.

I liked the intimacy of the old HOB stage. The Jazz & Heritage stage has a similar feel to me. I rarely make it to the Blues Tent now because I don't like the vibe (or lack thereof). The only extended period I spent there this year was for Sharon Jones, and thankfully everyone was on their feet dancing for the whole set. I've never seen that before in the Blues Tent (albeit in limited visits), but if it was like that more of the time I would definitely spend more time there.

I'm curious about your assertion that they get way more people in the Blues Tent than the old HOB stage could support. Considering that the Blues Tent is comprised entirely of seats and aisles, I wonder if that's true. Seats and aisles take up considerably more space per person than standing requires. I don't know the answer, and I certainly don't mean to doubt the Jazzfest Answer Man, but your assertion got me thinking...

[Staxsun]

I liked the intimacy of the old HOB stage. The Jazz & Heritage stage has a similar feel to me. I rarely make it to the Blues Tent now because I don't like the vibe (or lack thereof). The only extended period I spent there this year was for Sharon Jones, and thankfully everyone was on their feet dancing for the whole set. I've never seen that before in the Blues Tent (albeit in limited visits), but if it was like that more of the time I would definitely spend more time there.

I'm curious about your assertion that they get way more people in the Blues Tent than the old HOB stage could support. Considering that the Blues Tent is comprised entirely of seats and aisles, I wonder if that's true. Seats and aisles take up considerably more space per person than standing requires. I don't know the answer, and I certainly don't mean to doubt the Jazzfest Answer Man, but your assertion got me thinking...

I'm with Swag on this one. The tent is amazingly large compared to the area that was the blues stage. I'm not crazy about tents, but it's a big one. At the old stage, there was only so far out you could go without being on a walkway or in an area that the sound bleed would get you.

[revjimk]

STRONG opinions on this one: the Blues tent is horrible. I'm a huge blues fan (discovered JF from 1976 album browsing thru blues bin, discovered Clifton Chenier& zydeco the same way in mid 70s)
The sound is muddy, the vibes over controlled. Doc Watson's picking deserves crystal clear sound, and it was OK, but could have been superb outside. I was disapointed by every single act I saw there, and I luv 'em all!
The old HOB stage had perfect sound, the crowd could spill over infinitely, and the bleachers were an ideal spot.
Tear down that tent, Mr. Davis!
rev

[Lit]

I'm with Swag on this one. The tent is amazingly large compared to the area that was the blues stage. I'm not crazy about tents, but it's a big one. At the old stage, there was only so far out you could go without being on a walkway or in an area that the sound bleed would get you.

STRONG opinions on this one: the Blues tent is horrible. I'm a huge blues fan (discovered JF from 1976 album browsing thru blues bin, discovered Clifton Chenier& zydeco the same way in mid 70s)
The sound is muddy, the vibes over controlled. Doc Watson's picking deserves crystal clear sound, and it was OK, but could have been superb outside. I was disapointed by every single act I saw there, and I luv 'em all!
The old HOB stage had perfect sound, the crowd could spill over infinitely, and the bleachers were an ideal spot.
Tear down that tent, Mr. Davis!
rev

I think there are two separate issues here: (1) whether the Blues Tent actually allows a greater number of people to see a performance than the old Blues Stage; and (2) whether the Blues Tent is better or worse than the old Blues Stage in any event.

I don't know the answer to #1 and I don't think the fact that it may be a larger area provides a definitive one, because I think it takes a lot more space to accommodate all those chairs and massive aisles than it does to have people standing. As for #2, I am squarely in the camp that preferred the old Blues Stage. Not even close imo.

[steeleye]

sittin' here watchin' and listenin' to the nevilles close out... drinkin' again,.. zen of the zif....

a few things things ross,.. one funny as hell.....

first things first though,... are you actually tryin' to get those gate peeps to get touchy with my bear family???...

2nd,.. and this is the absolute complete truth...

took in the late show at the house of rules last night to end my fest with the new mastersounds.... was in line at 3 in the a.m.,.. and they were wavin' wands about the body of all enterin'...

my pockets set the thing buzzin' like a bee hive.... and it wasn't the bear honey.... after repeated attempts to get me to completely empty every cargo pocket,.. she patted down my one remainin' pocket with obvious contraband (and it was a free pat at that :cool:)...

anywho,.. she nailed with some obvious contents... once i removed the five offendin' replacement nuts that i was carryin',.. the very next wave of the wand was buzz free...

my nuts actually set off an alarm.... :eek: :cool:

papa funk thanked mr. neil young for bein' present a lil' while back.... which leads to this..... thank you ross for the gracious two nights use of that most beautiful pad you had lined up... almost wish i was there more than the few hours of sleepy time when i had use of those keys in my pocket....

and in endin',... i hafta' mention a most wonderous woman of fest,.. that bein' the one and only shay... how does that gal do it year afta' year???... the woman is always smilin',.. always lookin' fresh as a daisy,.. and seemin'ly never stops to sleep... she was at the mastersounds show and plannin' on takin' in a 5 am show at the leaf before closin' out the fest at the fair grounds....

she has been my hero for years,.. and remains even more so to this day....

btw,.. made my plane by one actual minute this mornin'.... they scanned my carry on three times... nothing but empty bears and a sh!t load of sharp threadhead pins,.. and a few remainin' nuts........

Now having had the distinct pleasure of meeting you, I have little doubt that your nuts set off alarms.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Our Krewe enjoys the Blues Tent and have been hanging there more & more over the last few years. My top 3 or 4 sets this year were on that stage.

[ibjamn]

Our Krewe enjoys the Blues Tent and have been hanging there more & more over the last few years. My top 3 or 4 sets this year were on that stage.

We saw you in the tent a LOT this year! :)

[Belle]

Our Krewe enjoys the Blues Tent and have been hanging there more & more over the last few years. My top 3 or 4 sets this year were on that stage.


Others disagree but I found the "vibe" wonderful. Never spent much time in tents until this year and we loved the crowd and artists.

Earlier before the fest there was a post on the lack of blues at fest or the tent but I disagree.

Saw Doc Watson, Wolfman, Chris Thomas King, John Mayall and Buddy Guy and it was all good with great peeps in the tent.

Just wondering if I was where the complainers were? (JOKE~lame at best)

Damn I had such a good fest just wondering if folks expect too much or are just gonna bitch no matter.

[jolie]

We saw you in the tent a LOT this year! :)

I saw Fred ALOT outside the tent this year... He was everywhere!:)

Others disagree but I found the "vibe" wonderful. Never spent much time in tents until this year and we loved the crowd and artists.

Earlier before the fest there was a post on the lack of blues at fest or the tent but I disagree.

Saw Doc Watson, Wolfman, Chris Thomas King, John Mayall and Buddy Guy and it was all good with great peeps in the tent.

Just wondering if I was where the complainers were? (JOKE~lame at best)

Damn I had such a good fest just wondering if folks expect too much or are just gonna bitch no matter.

I had a great fest as well Belle! It was a stellar year...

Still curious why they don't enforce the SRO at Gentilly.. it was a big deal when they implemented it a few years ago and now nothing but blankets and chairs to the right of stage in SRO... kinda goes agains the original idea.. those who like to sit and camp can do so a lil further back... those that like to move and stand can come up and do so.

Don't spend alot of time at the Blues Tent, but when we stoppped in Sunday morning it smelled so bad we were forced to leave.. (not a complaint, just an observation):)

[sharon_loves_fats]

Speaking of security, it seemed pretty bizarre to me that they checked my backpack (barely) but didn't check me personally at all. I'm not complaining so much, but it would have been REALLY easy to bring in a gun or knife or a substantial amount of booze in my cargo shorts. Just imagine what would happen if...nah, lets not go there right now.

Some days they checked my backpack more thoroughly than others, but they never once asked me to open my purse.

[tvengineer]

Yesterday was the first time I had seen that. I was glad we had Benjamin's neighborhood pass or they wouldn't have let us in. BTW, did Benjie tell you that his car was stolen Thurs night? :(

YEa... Stolen might be a bit of a stretch though.. Impounded is the correct word...

They use these camera vans that automatically scan license plates and pop up red flags whenever something is amiss with a vehicle... then the tow trucks come... The license plate on their car was not quite legit. ...
He knows that the car is in the pound at this point.. but I'm sure he doesn't have the $$$$ to get it back.

Louis

[groovy1967]

Three notes on chairs and sitting:

1) It would be nice if they applied the no-chair rule to Congo Square because unless there's an African or jazz act playing there, it's impossible to move. Thankfully, I generally only go there for the African or jazz acts.

2) The ushers in Economy Hall do a great job. It's really hard to control the pandemonium that erupts when us nutcases start secondlining, but they do some nice work and know when to let people go crazy and when to reign in the crowd. I'm always impressed with them.

3) During the Dew Drop Inn Review, the security in the Blues Tent became pretty lax several times and let people get up on their feet and dance. In fact, I saw some rather incredible moves coming from one of the ushers. This was amazingly impressive stuff, and the man cut loose like it was 1968. When the song ended, he transformed right back into an usher and started making people sit again. It was fascinating to watch. Thankfully, he let me cut loose during the "Stagger Lee" closer.

[swag]

BYO lawn chairs take up way more room than standing folks do, but the rows of plastic chairs used in the tents squeeze folks in pretty tight. The HOB stage went away just as chairs-in-a-bag were becoming ubiquitous; I'm sure if it were still there, much of the area would be taken up by campers...

I too preferred the vibe of the outdoor stage, but I'm sure the Tent accomodates a lot more people.

And the sad fact is, for all the cries for dancing room in the blues tent, when there has been space without folding chairs (in the back in past years, on the sides this year), it quickly fills with BYO chairs. The only way to get and keep dancing space in that tent would be to enforce an SRO section...

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

[QUOTE=jolie;257723]I saw Fred ALOT outside the tent this year... He was everywhere!:)

As always, I was running from stage to stage. Major FOMS.......
Before Neil Young started I look up and David is standing two feet from
me.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

We saw you in the tent a LOT this year! :)

It was nice to see your smiling face several times in the tent this year.

[Lit]

And the sad fact is, for all the cries for dancing room in the blues tent, when there has been space without folding chairs (in the back in past years, on the sides this year), it quickly fills with BYO chairs. The only way to get and keep dancing space in that tent would be to enforce an SRO section...


Very true. I walked through the blues tent to scope it out early one day this year in between sets when there were very few people there and no one in those spaces without chairs. I was psyched because there appeared to be areas where I could stand and [try to] groove [or something like that]. But whenever I returned during a performance those areas were filled with people sitting in BYO camp chairs. And that's my disappointment with the blues tent; 99% of the time I've been there, 99% of the crowd is sitting down. Sharon Jones was the very welcome exception in my experience. I just don't get how all those folks can remain seated for that great music, and that's what kills the vibe there for me. I think simply keeping the BYO chairs out of those areas would go a long way to improving the situation.

[taveanator]

I pray the day never comes that we have to walk through metal detectors and have to pass by the eyes of well trained security to enter into JF.

I think the $50 ticket price is the best security the fest can have. What thugs are going to want to pay to gang-bang in a place where there's no place to hide let alone run?
And if it ever does happen Lord help the bastards when the crowd gets a hold of them.

[nyc gal]

Very true. I walked through the blues tent to scope it out early one day this year in between sets when there were very few people there and no one in those spaces without chairs. I was psyched because there appeared to be areas where I could stand and [try to] groove [or something like that]. But whenever I returned during a performance those areas were filled with people sitting in BYO camp chairs. And that's my disappointment with the blues tent; 99% of the time I've been there, 99% of the crowd is sitting down. Sharon Jones was the very welcome exception in my experience. I just don't get how all those folks can remain seated for that great music, and that's what kills the vibe there for me. I think simply keeping the BYO chairs out of those areas would go a long way to improving the situation.

We actually had a security guy call a cop over to "move" us because we refused to step aside from where we were standing, which was by the tent opening, inside, off to the side, in the only little patch of floor (maybe 10 x10 feet) NOT filled in by camp chairs. We were "blocking the view" of the folks in the camp chairs. Honestly, between the muddy sound and the vigilant security guys, we pretty much avoided the blues tent. I'm with Rev Jim--the open field stage format was a great place for the blues stage. The blues do not belong in a tent.

[Corona]

Yes, she totally has the ability to sleep on her feet. I've seen it a couple of times. The first time I thought I must of been sayin' something kind of boring, but I realized she was just catching a cat nap while on her feet. It is impressive to see her do it, and comes in good use in New Orleans too.
Sha stays with us on Frenchmen and I can attest that that girl RARELY sleeps. She is truly amazing...always smiling and like someone said....fresh as a daisy...even when she was down with a cold at the beginning of fest, she bounced back like the trooper she is :) Miss ya Sha Sha!!

[Cleophus]

I think simply keeping the BYO chairs out of those areas would go a long way to improving the situation.

Agreed as well, if the powers-that-be are reading this.