Dr. John was boo'd?

[McGregor]

from offbeat weekly email
I totally understand that "big names" draw crowds at the Jazz Fest, and seem to be necessary for the financial health of the festival, but this year it got to be a little too much: when you have Bon Jovi fans booing Dr. John (who immediately preceded Bon Jovi at the Acura Stage)... It's just disgusting that DR. JOHN was being hassled to leave so the insensitive-and-surely-musically-shallow morons in the crowd could see Bon-Freakin'-Jovi!
Did that really happen?

[mluke66]

Saw that. That's not from anyone either, that's from Jan Ramsey.

"I totally understand that "big names" draw crowds at the Jazz Fest, and seem to be necessary for the financial health of the festival, but this year it got to be a little too much: when you have Bon Jovi fans booing Dr. John (who immediately preceded Bon Jovi at the Acura Stage)...then we have problems. I hope Festival Productions and AEG can come up with some more appropriate megastars to draw crowds next year. Perhaps we'd do better with less quantity of crowds and more quality. It's just disgusting that DR. JOHN was being hassled to leave so the insensitive-and-surely-musically-shallow morons in the crowd could see Bon-Freakin'-Jovi! "

Wow, blistering...

[MaloGator]

If that did happen...Bon Jovi must die. Kill their god.

[sharon_loves_fats]

Wow, that's horrible. I was on the rail for the good Dr. and everyone around me was totally into it. I'm glad I did not have to witness anyone booing, would have made me madder 'n hell.

[Belle]

Someone posted here that it seems to be a scheduling thing. JMTC but the good Dr. should have followed BJ or another act to preceed BJ.

Bad mix

[ncfunk]

That's terrible. I couldn't even get into the infield for Dr. John and had to watch from the back of the track where I could barely hear him. Ended up leaving and going to the Jazz Tent to see Irvin Mayfield. It's too bad, though. I was looking forward to his set.

I think the best solution is to NEVER schedule any local acts on Acura. Fill Acura up with BNAs, leave the local stuff to the rest of the fairgrounds. I'd be VERY happy to never set another foot in the Acura area again.

[glinda]

Witnessed something similar but not so severe at Gentilly. Went there for Bonerama, we got a spot near the back end of the Big Chief stands. Everyone around us were just yelling and partying and we could not hear. When I tried to nicely explain to one loud group that I appreciated they were there pre-partying before Kings of Leon, my friends & I were there to hear the group playing NOW. They just said someone should turn the sound up. They did quiet down for a few minutes tho.

[dpc]

What was Bon Jovi doing at the Jazz Fest to begin with? Really, that was the BEST they could get?

[jonnygospeltent]

Most stories of acts getting boo'd are exxagerated.

[Belle]

What was Bon Jovi doing at the Jazz Fest to begin with? Really, that was the BEST they could get?We got many threads on that one....some love him some hate him, I fall in the middle somewhere but didnt catch it..too busy with Chris Thomas King and John Mayall to even notice.:D

[ncfunk]

What was Bon Jovi doing at the Jazz Fest to begin with? Really, that was the BEST they could get?

I'd say that what he was doing at Jazzfest was bringing in thousands and thousands of people who wouldn't have come otherwise. If you're a music lover, that's a very bad thing. But if you're a promoter (and they're the ones that booked him), it was exactly what they were hoping for.

[Belle]

I'd say that what he was doing at Jazzfest was bringing in thousands and thousands of people who wouldn't have come otherwise. If you're a music lover, that's a very bad thing. But if you're a promoter (and they're the ones that booked him), it was exactly what they were hoping for.

YYR about it being smart for fest...gate dollars. We however met quite a few who regreted not attending other days..some of the BJ fans got it at the Bones set for sure.

[dpc]

We got many threads on that one....some love him some hate him, I fall in the middle somewhere but didnt catch it..too busy with Chris Thomas King and John Mayall to even notice.:D

Good choice ;-)

[RespectThePocket]

Someone posted here that it seems to be a scheduling thing. JMTC but the good Dr. should have followed BJ or another act to preceed BJ.

Bad mix

Quint should have swapped the cubes of Kings of Leon and Dr. John. Can people who like NEW ORLEANS MUSIC have ONE of the big stages PLEASE?

[Belle]

Quint should have swapped the cubes of Kings of Leon and Dr. John. Can people who like NEW ORLEANS MUSIC have ONE of the big stages PLEASE?

KOL would have been great before BJ. Agree on that but I dont like the big stage except Gentilly. Lots of great stuff there.

[Rossvegas]

It's weird. When I first started going to the Fest, I used to practically LIVE at Acura with a few detours here and there throughout the day. This time, it was Sunday before I even saw the stage! I recall being with someone and saying "Hmmm....I haven't been here yet."

[frangooch]

I'd say that what he was doing at Jazzfest was bringing in thousands and thousands of people who wouldn't have come otherwise. If you're a music lover, that's a very bad thing. But if you're a promoter (and they're the ones that booked him), it was exactly what they were hoping for.

If that's the only criteria, there are acts that will bring in bigger crowds than BJ. If all that matters is feeding the coffers where do you draw the line?

[Belle]

It's weird. When I first started going to the Fest, I used to practically LIVE at Acura with a few detours here and there throughout the day. This time, it was Sunday before I even saw the stage! I recall being with someone and saying "Hmmm....I haven't been here yet."

Didnt meet ya AGAIN but it coulda been me...never once at Acura. First year a bit, 2nd year for Krouse and Plant and this year....nada

[ohio]

from offbeat weekly email

Did that really happen?
Not up front.

[revjimk]

If people booed Dr. John, thats disgraceful.
I'll never forget Newport Folk Festival in the summer of 1968... strange mix: Janis Joplin with Big Brother & the Holding Company along with acts like Flatt & Scruggs & Buck Owens... first time I ever saw a hippy. Some people were chanting "Big Brother, Big Brother" during the country acts... weird & scary like the book "1984"... but of course they were great
Next year they hired Led Zeppelin, fans rioted, end of festival forever
Also a George Wein production
rev

[jazzjones]

If that's the only criteria, there are acts that will bring in bigger crowds than BJ. If all that matters is feeding the coffers where do you draw the line?

Great point, and one that some of us have pushed before. How long before American Idol stars and Britney Spears and tween poppers start playing the fest? And will some Jazz Fest lovers still defend those selections, in the name of keeping the fest alive?

I'm hardly a purist, as I have loved many of the BNAs over the years.

But, unlike some, I disagree with two lines of thought sort of taken as "articles of faith" related to this discussion.

First, there's the idea that Jazz Fest needs BNAs to survive. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. But if it does, then at what cost is the fest's survival? And if the cost of that survival is bringing in more and more acts with increasingly tenuous connections to anything resembling roots music (as in, the roots of any of the music that the fest is known for), then wouldn't it be a better idea to consider a restructuring of the festival?

As in ... eliminate the overhead (including the huge costs associated with hiring these BNAs) and maybe, if necessary, scale the fest back, re-emphasize New Orleans and Louisiana music and even consider moving to a smaller location?

Maybe include a max of one or two BNAs -- ones with very direct connections to the spirit of New Orleans music -- each weekend?

The whole idea of BNAs really is something of a vicious circle (cycle?), in terms of BNAs costing big $$, and then needing to get more people through the gate, and then needing more $$ and more people to justify the costs of the BNAs, etc.

That second "article of faith" is the idea that when people come to fest solely to hear a BNA, they'll be turned on to New Orleans music and culture and then return to support all of that. Maybe, or maybe not, as demonstrated by the behavior of some of the BJ people at Dr. John and fans of other BNAs elsewhere.

I've heard that that type of "wake-up" moment -- as in, hey, there's more to music than what's on the Top 40 -- has happened and does happen in some cases, as attested to by some of the comments on this board. But I still believe that in many cases some people come to fest to hear a favorite BNA and leave without any appreciable difference in their appreciation of other music. I can't know that for sure, of course.

But, as I've argued before, why does Jazz Fest need to play host to BNAs that you can generally see anywhere, anytime, at any venue across the country? Is that really a part of its mission?

That idea, that attending a BNA show at Jazz Fest results in a turn-on to other New Orleans/NOLA music, reminds me of the line once pushed by smooth-jazz radio programmers -- you know, somehow people who were attracted to "jazz" by Kenny G or The Rippingtons would as a result find their way to real jazz. That seldom or never happened.

Anyway, I guess for me BJ represents something of a tipping point, suggesting that there really will be no end to the BNAs -- more and more, and even far worse than BJ -- at Jazz Fest.

That realization doesn't mean that I won't go, or that I will let the lame stuff spoil my appreciation of the great stuff. Or that, at $50/day, the fest isn't still one of the greatest musical entertainment bargains out there or that I will stop telling all my friends to go to Jazz Fest.

But, IMO, if this is the new and future formula for success for Jazz Fest, then wouldn't the fest better honor its original mission by rethinking that formula, chopping out the BNAs, scaling down, etc., and maybe upping private sponsorship and increasing pay to the local bands and offering reduced or free admission to locals?

It would result in reduced attendance, maybe, but then the fest would have so much less financial overhead to worry about. Would that be such a bad thing? Bigger isn't always better.

(The free-admission FQF, which doesn't feature any BNAs, notches an attendance of 400,000 for one weekend, according to reports).

Now that I've said too much, I'll shut up and wait for the daggers.

[ncfunk]

If that's the only criteria, there are acts that will bring in bigger crowds than BJ. If all that matters is feeding the coffers where do you draw the line?

From my perspective, there's the New Orleans music...jazz, funk, blues, second line, brass bands, Mardi Gras Indians, Cajun, Zydeco and Gospel, and then there's everything else (i.e. pop and rock). Bon Jovi, along with James Taylor, Neil Young, Joe Cocker, Sugarland, KOL, etc. are all just lumped into the 'everything else' category. To me, arguing over which BNA is better is like arguing over which Port-O-Let smells better. None of them really belong at Jazzfest (IMO), but they fill the coffers and keep it running.

So, where to draw the line? I say, draw it around the entire Acura stage area, and then don't cross it!

[dpc]

BJ was not needed to bring in "thousands and thousands" of people. The second Saturday of the Fest is always huge.

[pokerchick66]

Great point, and one that some of us have pushed before. How long before American Idol stars and Britney Spears and tween poppers start playing the fest? And will some Jazz Fest lovers still defend those selections, in the name of keeping the fest alive?

I'm hardly a purist, as I have loved many of the BNAs over the years.

But, unlike some, I disagree with two lines of thought sort of taken as "articles of faith" related to this discussion.

First, there's the idea that Jazz Fest needs BNAs to survive. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. But if it does, then at what cost is the fest's survival? And if the cost of that survival is bringing in more and more acts with increasingly tenuous connections to anything resembling roots music (as in, the roots of any of the music that the fest is known for), then wouldn't it be a better idea to consider a restructuring of the festival?

As in ... eliminate the overhead (including the huge costs associated with hiring these BNAs) and maybe, if necessary, scale the fest back, re-emphasize New Orleans and Louisiana music and even consider moving to a smaller location?

Maybe include a max of one or two BNAs -- ones with very direct connections to the spirit of New Orleans music -- each weekend?

The whole idea of BNAs really is something of a vicious circle (cycle?), in terms of BNAs costing big $$, and then needing to get more people through the gate, and then needing more $$ and more people to justify the costs of the BNAs, etc.

That second "article of faith" is the idea that when people come to fest solely to hear a BNA, they'll be turned on to New Orleans music and culture and then return to support all of that. Maybe, or maybe not, as demonstrated by the behavior of some of the BJ people at Dr. John and fans of other BNAs elsewhere.

I've heard that that type of "wake-up" moment -- as in, hey, there's more to music than what's on the Top 40 -- has happened and does happen in some cases, as attested to by some of the comments on this board. But I still believe that in many cases some people come to fest to hear a favorite BNA and leave without any appreciable difference in their appreciation of other music. I can't know that for sure, of course.

But, as I've argued before, why does Jazz Fest need to play host to BNAs that you can generally see anywhere, anytime, at any venue across the country? Is that really a part of its mission?

That idea, that attending a BNA show at Jazz Fest results in a turn-on to other New Orleans/NOLA music, reminds me of the line once pushed by smooth-jazz radio programmers -- you know, somehow people who were attracted to "jazz" by Kenny G or The Rippingtons would as a result find their way to real jazz. That seldom or never happened.

Anyway, I guess for me BJ represents something of a tipping point, suggesting that there really will be no end to the BNAs -- more and more, and even far worse than BJ -- at Jazz Fest.

That realization doesn't mean that I won't go, or that I will let the lame stuff spoil my appreciation of the great stuff. Or that, at $50/day, the fest isn't still one of the greatest musical entertainment bargains out there or that I will stop telling all my friends to go to Jazz Fest.

But, IMO, if this is the new and future formula for success for Jazz Fest, then wouldn't the fest better honor its original mission by rethinking that formula, chopping out the BNAs, scaling down, etc., and maybe upping private sponsorship and increasing pay to the local bands and offering reduced or free admission to locals?

It would result in reduced attendance, maybe, but then the fest would have so much less financial overhead to worry about. Would that be such a bad thing? Bigger isn't always better.

(The free-admission FQF, which doesn't feature any BNAs, notches an attendance of 400,000 for one weekend, according to reports).

Now that I've said too much, I'll shut up and wait for the daggers.

You won't get daggers from me, JJ. I LIKE the BNAs, I just didn't like Bon Jovi. I love Jazzfest and all the smaller acts and the new music I discover every year but the BNAs are the hook for me (depending on the BNA).

[jazzjones]

well, if you'd like, you can just slap me in the face instead.:D

[Belle]

Great point, and one that some of us have pushed before. How long before American Idol stars and Britney Spears and tween poppers start playing the fest? And will some Jazz Fest lovers still defend those selections, in the name of keeping the fest alive?

I'm hardly a purist, as I have loved many of the BNAs over the years.

But, unlike some, I disagree with two lines of thought sort of taken as "articles of faith" related to this discussion.

First, there's the idea that Jazz Fest needs BNAs to survive. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. But if it does, then at what cost is the fest's survival? And if the cost of that survival is bringing in more and more acts with increasingly tenuous connections to anything resembling roots music (as in, the roots of any of the music that the fest is known for), then wouldn't it be a better idea to consider a restructuring of the festival?

As in ... eliminate the overhead (including the huge costs associated with hiring these BNAs) and maybe, if necessary, scale the fest back, re-emphasize New Orleans and Louisiana music and even consider moving to a smaller location?

Maybe include a max of one or two BNAs -- ones with very direct connections to the spirit of New Orleans music -- each weekend?

The whole idea of BNAs really is something of a vicious circle (cycle?), in terms of BNAs costing big $$, and then needing to get more people through the gate, and then needing more $$ and more people to justify the costs of the BNAs, etc.

That second "article of faith" is the idea that when people come to fest solely to hear a BNA, they'll be turned on to New Orleans music and culture and then return to support all of that. Maybe, or maybe not, as demonstrated by the behavior of some of the BJ people at Dr. John and fans of other BNAs elsewhere.

I've heard that that type of "wake-up" moment -- as in, hey, there's more to music than what's on the Top 40 -- has happened and does happen in some cases, as attested to by some of the comments on this board. But I still believe that in many cases some people come to fest to hear a favorite BNA and leave without any appreciable difference in their appreciation of other music. I can't know that for sure, of course.

But, as I've argued before, why does Jazz Fest need to play host to BNAs that you can generally see anywhere, anytime, at any venue across the country? Is that really a part of its mission?

That idea, that attending a BNA show at Jazz Fest results in a turn-on to other New Orleans/NOLA music, reminds me of the line once pushed by smooth-jazz radio programmers -- you know, somehow people who were attracted to "jazz" by Kenny G or The Rippingtons would as a result find their way to real jazz. That seldom or never happened.

Anyway, I guess for me BJ represents something of a tipping point, suggesting that there really will be no end to the BNAs -- more and more, and even far worse than BJ -- at Jazz Fest.

That realization doesn't mean that I won't go, or that I will let the lame stuff spoil my appreciation of the great stuff. Or that, at $50/day, the fest isn't still one of the greatest musical entertainment bargains out there or that I will stop telling all my friends to go to Jazz Fest.

But, IMO, if this is the new and future formula for success for Jazz Fest, then wouldn't the fest better honor its original mission by rethinking that formula, chopping out the BNAs, scaling down, etc., and maybe upping private sponsorship and increasing pay to the local bands and offering reduced or free admission to locals?

It would result in reduced attendance, maybe, but then the fest would have so much less financial overhead to worry about. Would that be such a bad thing? Bigger isn't always better.

(The free-admission FQF, which doesn't feature any BNAs, notches an attendance of 400,000 for one weekend, according to reports).

Now that I've said too much, I'll shut up and wait for the daggers.

No daggars from me!!

You raised several good points.

Not an any order of your post but

I think BNA's are here to stay...folks who come for the one act can see them at prices well below what a regular show would cost and the gate of just BJ fans was probably worth it to fest. Not only do they get their gate but some of them do get it while there. We had converstations with quite a few who did and will be back...BNA's or not. That is good.

Don't have the vigor of scaling down fest that you have. I like it large.

As one who didnt see any act at Acura I really wasnt bothered but it seems that Quint needs to line up the stages better.

[ohio]

I'm with you, Jazz. I've argued those points before, though never so eloquently as you. I truly believe this all to be true. I'll stand with you and take the daggers as well.

[pokerchick66]

well, if you'd like, you can just slap me in the face instead.:D

OMG! Never!

How about a hug? (((((((JazzJones)))))))

[jazzjones]

OMG! Never!

How about a hug? (((((((JazzJones)))))))

Gosh, thanks, and hug back.

And thanks for saying so, Ohio. Last one standing brings the JF flag back.

[dpc]

I have no problem with BNAs. Just wish they'd pick better acts. James Taylor and Bon Jovi....Snooze Fest.

[duende]

I didn't hear any detractors, but to be honest - I didn't hear much Dr. John either... everyone was busy "gettin' their drunk on" for the headliner. Welcome to the world of the opening act, which, Nevilles Brothers excepted, includes even the biggest NOLA acts if stacked-up against a big national draw. The artists know the score, but it's sure irritating to be be one of the faithful who is there to see the local and plans to make a bee-line outta there before (fill in BNA name here).

I can't help but think of the No Nukes story where Jackson Brown runs up to Tom Petty and the band to tell'em that the crowd isn't boo-ing them... they're yelling "BRUUUUCE" for Springsteen's headliner spot. Tom quite rightly asks "what's the difference?".

[ncfunk]

BJ was not needed to bring in "thousands and thousands" of people. The second Saturday of the Fest is always huge.

If not BJ, then some other BNA. If they weren't needed to bring in the crowds, do you really think Jazzfest would pay them all that money to come and play? If the second Saturday was going to be crowded no matter what, I'm pretty sure they'd just book local (i.e. less expensive) acts and increase their bottom line.

[ncfunk]

I have no problem with BNAs. Just wish they'd pick better acts. James Taylor and Bon Jovi....Snooze Fest.

That's just the point. "Better" is subjective. Obviously lots of people like James Talyor and Bon Jovi. Who's to say they wouldn't be bored to death by whatever BNAs you'd prefer to see?

[Lostcajun]

Stupid people are stooopid.

They have a habit of show up just about everywhere. They show up at our jobs and work along side us. In many cases they get promoted to manager! They show up at family reunions. The get elected to political office. They make movies. They certainly will show up in churches, and even at concerts.

Stoopid is as stoopid does.

[jazzjones]

Stupid people are stooopid.

They have a habit of show up just about everywhere. They show up at our jobs and work along side us. In many cases they get promoted to manager! They show up at family reunions. The get elected to political office. They make movies. They certainly will show up in churches, and even at concerts.

Stoopid is as stoopid does.

I hate when that happens

[groovy1967]

You know, it only takes two drunken idiots booing to say "people were booing Dr. John." The festival is large and literally covers a lot of ground, so each of us is bound to have a different experience, depending on where we are standing/sitting/lying in the fetal position.

I think ncfunk had a great idea with reserving Acura for BNAs and putting local acts elsewhere. I, for one, would be very happy if I never had to set foot at Acura…or Gentilly. Perhaps all the local acts could just play in my hotel room with room service providing Soft Shell Crab Po’ Boys, Trout Baquet, and Creole’s Stuffed Bread throughout the day. ;)

But in all seriousness, I don’t think this is such a bad idea. However…


That second "article of faith" is the idea that when people come to fest solely to hear a BNA, they'll be turned on to New Orleans music and culture and then return to support all of that. Maybe, or maybe not, as demonstrated by the behavior of some of the BJ people at Dr. John and fans of other BNAs elsewhere.

I've heard that that type of "wake-up" moment -- as in, hey, there's more to music than what's on the Top 40 -- has happened and does happen in some cases, as attested to by some of the comments on this board.

It would be a damn shame if that happened with people sequestering themselves at Acura all day. There are already many people who do just that, so keeping it BNA-only would only make that situation worse.

Perhaps the solution is to book local acts at Acura earlier in the day when crowds are smaller.

I also agree with the notion of trying to book acts at Acura back-to-back who have some sort of congruous appeal. I guess Dr. John does not appeal to women from Jersey who use too much hairspray.


But I still believe that in many cases some people come to fest to hear a favorite BNA and leave without any appreciable difference in their appreciation of other music. I can't know that for sure, of course.

That’s probably true because the average person is a blithering idiot. I don’t think we can waste our time worrying about them. They should have the opportunity to see great Nola acts, and if they don’t take advantage, it’s their loss. Of course, none of this will matter after 17 hurricanes on Bourbon Street.


But, as I've argued before, why does Jazz Fest need to play host to BNAs that you can generally see anywhere, anytime, at any venue across the country?

For me, I think the bigger question is why do the majority of locals only show up once or twice, purely to see the BNAs? I have no answer to that, and it baffles me.


That realization doesn't mean that I won't go, or that I will let the lame stuff spoil my appreciation of the great stuff. Or that, at $50/day, the fest isn't still one of the greatest musical entertainment bargains out there or that I will stop telling all my friends to go to Jazz Fest.

Exactly! With 12 stages, there are multiple ways to avoid the BNAs and the people who love them. You may have to miss a local act in the process, but who among us gets to see everyone they want to see at Jazz Fest? We all have to make sacrifices when so many great acts are scheduled simultaneously. I can’t ever recall a single minute of Jazz Fest when I couldn’t find something spectacular on one of the 12 stages.


But, IMO, if this is the new and future formula for success for Jazz Fest, then wouldn't the fest better honor its original mission by rethinking that formula, chopping out the BNAs, scaling down, etc., and maybe upping private sponsorship and increasing pay to the local bands and offering reduced or free admission to locals?

Upping private sponsorship is easier said than done, especially in this economic climate. Corporations are cutting their funding across the board. Now is not the time to look for more funds; you’d be pleased as punch if you can somehow only manage to lose 25% of the previous year’s corporate funding.

Moreover, as I said elsewhere, I would think the relationship with Shell is somewhat in peril. If you were an executive at Shell, would you want to continue to associate your brand with an event where the artists attacked you? I’m not excusing the company’s behavior, but as a Director of Marketing, I know that I wouldn’t spend my company’s funds on something that’s going shine a harsh light upon us and make us look worse than we would if we spent no money at all. It’s sad but true.


It would result in reduced attendance, maybe, but then the fest would have so much less financial overhead to worry about. Would that be such a bad thing? Bigger isn't always better.

I think it gets overlooked a lot but Jazz Fest is not like Bonnaroo or other massive money-making festivals. It’s partly owned by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., a non-profit which seemingly does a lot for the music community, including WWOZ. The festival needs to earn money to fund the foundation. If Bon Jovi helps Nola kids get free music lessons, then I’m fine with livin’ on a prayer.


Now that I've said too much, I'll shut up and wait for the daggers.

Daggers are so messy, and I’m wearing white today. I’ll throw marshmallows instead.

[Rossvegas]

Well, I don't know why I should be forced to sit through a set by some piano playing old fart when all I'm REALLY paying to see is Bon Jovi. I mean, the dude had TRUMPETS with him, for Gawd's sake. Isn't there a tent for that kind of stuff? (BTW, if anyone happened to find my lost beer bong, drop me a line...)

[sophisticated sissy]

Maybe you accidentally sat on it? If that is the case, then it's in the same place your head is. :p

[bluesgirl]

Well, I don't know why I should be forced to sit through a set by some piano playing old fart when all I'm REALLY paying to see is Bon Jovi. I mean, the dude had TRUMPETS with him, for Gawd's sake. Isn't there a tent for that kind of stuff? (BTW, if anyone happened to find my lost beer bong, drop me a line...)

How about your "I (heart) Bon Jovi" shirt? Did you lose that, too?

[Rossvegas]

Maybe you accidentally sat on it? If that is the case, then it's in the same place your head is. :p

I'm a cowboy....on a beer bong I ride.

[jazzjones]

I think it gets overlooked a lot but Jazz Fest is not like Bonnaroo or other massive money-making festivals. It’s partly owned by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., a non-profit which seemingly does a lot for the music community, including WWOZ. The festival needs to earn money to fund the foundation. If Bon Jovi helps Nola kids get free music lessons, then I’m fine with livin’ on a prayer.
.

I guess that's part of what I'm responding to - Jazz Fest isn't like the other massive money-making festivals, and shouldn't be, and doesn't need to go in that direction because it IS partly owned by a non-profit. And I don't believe that the mission of that non-profit includes becoming the biggest concert promoter around and bringing in massive crowds at any cost.

And a big part of the reason that the fest needs tons of folks to attend is because of what it costs to bring the BNAs to play the fest in the first place.

IMO, there are plenty of ways, including some of the efforts underway by great existing charitable organizations/foundations, to get free music lessons for NOLA kids aside from bringing washed-up '80s hair bands to headline Jazz Fest.

[sophisticated sissy]

Well, like Kinky Freidman sez, "There's two kinds of people who wear cowboy hats: Cowboys and assholes." :)

[SOUNDBUM]

I think B.J. was done as kind of a favor. I mean I'm sure they did not do it for free but I think they wanted to do it and Quint said why not and a deal was struck. You know that they were hanging out when Jon's football team was here for the arena bowl. I can't say I agree with having them play Jazz Fest but I did catch some of their set and thought they had a pretty good set.

[sophisticated sissy]

As I see it, it ain't about Bon Jovi, their music, or the quality of their set. It's about their fans. The ones I noticed were crude, selfish and ignorant. The sad thing is these peeps are not spring chickens anymore. They're in the 35 y.o and up set, so technically, they are middle-aged.

With the Kings Of Leon, it's a matter of youthful enthusiasm, which is admirable and completely forgivable, IMO.

OH, well ... I guess the B.J. peeps would've disapproved even if Johnny V., GP,Jr., James Booker, Snooks Eaglin, Professor Longhair, Louie Armstrong, and Irma Thomas had all been up on the stage before their beloved icons. If arena type shows are what the people want, then give it to 'em.:)

[Belle]

aside from bringing washed-up '80s hair bands to headline Jazz Fest.


Boni Jovi is not a washed up 80's hair band. Most of the albums and success came in the 90's and 00's

Not a fan but like the facts.

[marignygreg]

Boni Jovi is not a washed up 80's hair band. Most of the albums and success came in the 90's and 00's

Not a fan but like the facts.

True, but the hair stayed in the 80's !! ;)

[Belle]

True, but the hair stayed in the 80's !! ;)


I may not love Jon but he is one hot dude hair or not.:D

[Frosty]

Can we have a McDonald's booth please. Put it right next to the guy who makes the hot sausage po'boys. It will help spark revenues for the Fest. Hey, if you don't like it, there are plenty of other food choices. For now.

[Lit]

IMO, there are plenty of ways, including some of the efforts underway by great existing charitable organizations/foundations, to get free music lessons for NOLA kids aside from bringing washed-up '80s hair bands to headline Jazz Fest.

Boni Jovi is not a washed up 80's hair band. Most of the albums and success came in the 90's and 00's

Not a fan but like the facts.

To be fair, I think the correct genre is "hair metal."

[Headless Hornman]

Well, like Kinky Freidman sez, "There's two kinds of people who wear cowboy hats: Cowboys and assholes." :)

Damn, I've got a Kinky Freidman talking doll and it doesn't say that!

Best of the 20 or so in it is: "Yes, that's a Cuban cigar. But I don't consider it supporting their economy, I'm burning their fields!"

[Frosty]

To be fair, I think the correct genre is "hair metal."

BNA Alert: Whitesnake!

[Belle]

BNA Alert: Whitesnake!


You in fine form today Frosty!!!;)

[pokerchick66]

BNA Alert: Whitesnake!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJChh7ghGnE

Love it. :D

[frangooch]

If not BJ, then some other BNA. If they weren't needed to bring in the crowds, do you really think Jazzfest would pay them all that money to come and play? If the second Saturday was going to be crowded no matter what, I'm pretty sure they'd just book local (i.e. less expensive) acts and increase their bottom line.

Well, since Jazz mentioned it, do you think Britney (or Madonna) would be appropriate? How about some gangsta rap? from one point of view, that's a roots as it gets.

[Cleophus]

"Don't give the people what they want, give them what they should want."
--Bill Graham

[frangooch]

"I think ncfunk had a great idea with reserving Acura for BNAs and putting local acts elsewhere. "

I support this idea, as long as they move the Acura stage out of the fairgrounds. ;-)

[sophisticated sissy]

Damn, I've got a Kinky Freidman talking doll and it doesn't say that!


Yes, It's on page 15 of his book "Cowboy Logic." I love Kinky almost enough to move to Texas just so I could vote for him for Gov. !


Burning their fields, indeed!:D

[ncfunk]

Can we have a McDonald's booth please. Put it right next to the guy who makes the hot sausage po'boys. It will help spark revenues for the Fest. Hey, if you don't like it, there are plenty of other food choices. For now.

Come on now...if there's going to be a McDonald's booth, it HAS to be right smack in the middle of the Acura stage area. Might as well throw in some Funnel Cakes and Cotton Candy. In fact, build a big fence around Acura and call it AcuraFest! Use some of the proceeds to fund JazzFest.

[jmac]

my 2 cents...Bon Jovi SUCK!!! The good Doc should have never been before freakin BJ...the Doc is a legend!!!

[jazzjones]

Boni Jovi is not a washed up 80's hair band. Most of the albums and success came in the 90's and 00's

Not a fan but like the facts.

Really? Beg to differ.

Darn you for making me look this up, but ...

The first four Bon Jovi studio albums, including Bon Jovi (Runaway, Shot Through the Heart) and the massive Slippery When Wet (You Give Love a Bad Name, Living in the Prayer, Wanted: Dead or Alive) were all released in the '80s.

In terms of chart action, aside from their recent country "reinvention," they didn't have that much success in the '90s and '00s.

Not that I really gave them much thought after the '80s. And I did back then because a)my job required it, and b)they were omnipresent.

[ncfunk]

Well, since Jazz mentioned it, do you think Britney (or Madonna) would be appropriate? How about some gangsta rap? from one point of view, that's a roots as it gets.

Like I said, I don't think than BJ, James Taylor, Joe Cocker or ANY of the BNA's are appropriate.

It seems like you think I'm defending BJ's presence at fest, and I'm not sure where you got that idea. I simply said that from the promoter's point of view, BJ brought in a bunch of people that wouldn't have otherwise been there, which as a music lover is a very bad thing, but I'm sure the promoters were pleased as punch.

[jazzjones]

Yes, It's on page 15 of his book "Cowboy Logic." I love Kinky almost enough to move to Texas just so I could vote for him for Gov. !


Burning their fields, indeed!:D

Kinky gets my vote for next fest BNA

[sophisticated sissy]

Kinky gets my vote for next fest BNA

+1 !!!
Kinky & The Texas Jewboys gets my vote, too! :)

[pokerchick66]

Sorry. Gotta go with Hasselhoff.

[jazzjones]

Sorry. Gotta go with Hasselhoff.

I KNEW you'd say that!

[RespectThePocket]

Well, since Jazz mentioned it, do you think Britney (or Madonna) would be appropriate? How about some gangsta rap? from one point of view, that's a roots as it gets.

Maybe not Britney, but definitely Christina.

From the Keith Spera article on Quint:

“Davis went looking for a partner with deep pockets. He found one in AEG Live…In 2004, Davis and AEG signed a five-year agreement, with two five-year options, to co-produce the festival for the Jazz and Heritage Foundation.”

From the AEG website.

“Tours -AEG Live's touring divisions are Concerts West, The Messina Group, Moore Entertainment Group, Atlanta Worldwide Touring and Art Show. Each division focuses on specific genres of music, delivering unparalleled service and expertise. Current and recently completed tours include Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, Prince, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, Paul McCartney, Kenny Chesney, Usher, Dixie Chicks, My Chemical Romance, American Idols Live, Dancing with the Stars and The Color Purple.”

What AEG brought to the table is money and a desire to make more money. Quint Davis had to pick his poison (and yours) from a certain list.

Two plus two still equals four.

[Rossvegas]

Maybe not Britney, but definitely Christina.

From the Keith Spera article on Quint:

“Davis went looking for a partner with deep pockets. He found one in AEG Live…In 2004, Davis and AEG signed a five-year agreement, with two five-year options, to co-produce the festival for the Jazz and Heritage Foundation.”

From the AEG website.

“Tours -AEG Live's touring divisions are Concerts West, The Messina Group, Moore Entertainment Group, Atlanta Worldwide Touring and Art Show. Each division focuses on specific genres of music, delivering unparalleled service and expertise. Current and recently completed tours include Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, Prince, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, Paul McCartney, Kenny Chesney, Usher, Dixie Chicks, My Chemical Romance, American Idols Live, Dancing with the Stars and The Color Purple.”

What AEG brought to the table is money and a desire to make more money. Quint Davis had to pick his poison (and yours) from a certain list.

Two plus two still equals four.

OMG! Poison? They would be AWESOME!

[jhjpotter]

I've heard that that type of "wake-up" moment -- as in, hey, there's more to music than what's on the Top 40 -- has happened and does happen in some cases, as attested to by some of the comments on this board. But I still believe that in many cases some people come to fest to hear a favorite BNA and leave without any appreciable difference in their appreciation of other music. I can't know that for sure, of course.
I think people who appreciate good music, irrespective of who is playing it, have that wake up moment. I was one of those for sure. First time I saw Bonerama, Rebirth, Hot 8, Galactic, Dr. John, Trombone Shorty, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. was when I was hooked way above and beyond the BNA's I first came to see at fest (Ben Harper & Widespread Panic). Then there are those who are just there for one band and are not looking for good music, they just want to hear the songs they've heard on the radio for 20-30 years.

[bluesgirl]

OMG! Poison? They would be AWESOME!

Will Brett bring the bus? :p

You know, that would be an awesome episode. Have a couple of the chicks hit on some La. rock stars. :D

[Lit]

I have no problem with BNAs. Just wish they'd pick better acts. James Taylor and Bon Jovi....Snooze Fest.

Snoozapalooza?

[Belle]

Maybe not Britney, but definitely Christina.

From the Keith Spera article on Quint:

“Davis went looking for a partner with deep pockets. He found one in AEG Live…In 2004, Davis and AEG signed a five-year agreement, with two five-year options, to co-produce the festival for the Jazz and Heritage Foundation.”

From the AEG website.

“Tours -AEG Live's touring divisions are Concerts West, The Messina Group, Moore Entertainment Group, Atlanta Worldwide Touring and Art Show. Each division focuses on specific genres of music, delivering unparalleled service and expertise. Current and recently completed tours include Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, Prince, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, Paul McCartney, Kenny Chesney, Usher, Dixie Chicks, My Chemical Romance, American Idols Live, Dancing with the Stars and The Color Purple.”

What AEG brought to the table is money and a desire to make more money. Quint Davis had to pick his poison (and yours) from a certain list.

Two plus two still equals four.

The math always works

[Lit]

Sorry. Gotta go with Hasselhoff.

You asked for it:

http://www.lesjones.com/www/images/posts/hasselhoffian-recursion.gif



Blame Ohio for introducing this to the bored...

[jhjpotter]

Well, since Jazz mentioned it, do you think Britney (or Madonna) would be appropriate? How about some gangsta rap? from one point of view, that's a roots as it gets.LUDA!!!

[Rossvegas]

I completely understand everyone's comments and feeling about this - I think we're all basically on the same side - but the reality is that the genie is out of the bottle, and its never going back.

Don't believe me? Why not apply for Quint's job. You can tell the Foundation, the sponsors, AEG et. al that you're going to shrink the entertainment budget, do away with the BNA's, return the thing to its quaint roots and see long the interview lasts. They've grown this Fest into a massive money-making juggernaut for both the city and the organizers, and there's no way that they're turning back now! The ONLY way that will ever happen is if the Fest has a couple of REALLY bad years in a row (Gawd forbid) and they're forced to do the thing on a shoestring. Until then, it's full engines ahead...and that means BNA's, baybee.

[Frosty]

OMG! Poison? They would be AWESOME!

Ugh, that explains a lot.

[Rossvegas]

You asked for it:

http://www.lesjones.com/www/images/posts/hasselhoffian-recursion.gif



Blame Ohio for introducing this to the bored...

No, I don't think we did. Nope. I've checked the transcripts....nothing.

[Rossvegas]

Ugh, that explains a lot.

Well Frosty, a wise man once said: "Every rose has it's thorns."

[jhjpotter]

Current and recently completed tours include Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, Prince, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, Paul McCartney, Kenny Chesney, Usher, Dixie Chicks, My Chemical Romance, American Idols Live, Dancing with the Stars and The Color Purple.”Hey, Prince, Eagles, and if they continue the new annual country act, Kenny Chesney would be fun (Buffet with cowboy boots) and the Dixie Chicks would be good too, I know Amy would kill for that.

I know plenty of dudes on this board who may not admit it, but they would be scrambling front and center for a good view of Christina Aguilera... OINK!!

[Zydekitten]

No, I don't think we did. Nope. I've checked the transcripts....nothing.
Hey, don't hassle the Hoff!

[jhjpotter]

This thread is tiring. It's the same discussion that was had on a large thread last week, the week before, the month before, the year before and the year before that. It is what it is. I think Jan Ramsey is on the anti-Bon jovi train and is exaggerating and generalizing what a few jerk-holes were doing during the Dr's set. (Thanks for the raffle plug this year Jan!!). I wasn't at the set, was over catching the Mouth that is Fred, so I can't attest as an eye witness. I still think this particular instance is a scheduling issue. Dr. woulda been better with KOL either before or after and Cowboymouth would've won some serious fans over had they played before BJ.

[Zydekitten]

P.S. - why are we still slicing and dicing this topic???

[jhjpotter]

Well Frosty, a wise man once said: "Every rose has it's thorns.""Just like every cowboy slings a big beer bong..."

[jhjpotter]

P.S. - why are we still slicing and dicing this topic???too much caffeine, overcoming the tiredness. this dog has already been beaten to death and now we're handing it over to Michael Vick....

[Lit]

Kenny Chesney would be fun (Buffet with cowboy boots)

I think I just threw up in my mouth.

I know plenty of dudes on this board who may not admit it, but they would be scrambling front and center for a good view of Christina Aguilera... OINK!!

I've admitted it here at least a few times that I think she's got incredible, legitimate talent--musically, that is. I think she could use some image consulting to move gracefully past the skank phases she has gone through while transitioning from teen phenom to young woman, but I would love to hear her perform live, and I've got no problem admitting that. I wouldn't necessarily need a good view (although I wouldn't look away either), but I would want to hear her well. Great pipes. Seriously.

[Lit]

P.S. - why are we still slicing and dicing this topic???

It's like hot stove baseball talk; what else are we gonna do until the next Fest?

[Zydekitten]

too much caffeine, overcoming the tiredness. this dog has already been beaten to death and now we're handing it over to Michael Vick....
Amen, brother. I'd be open to a change of topic . . . I'll get us started - which housewives are more real: New York or Orange County?

[jazzjones]

Amen, brother. I'd be open to a change of topic . . . I'll get us started - which housewives are more real: New York or Orange County?

ahem ... I believe that that topic probably is so large that it deserves its own thread.

[Zydekitten]

It's like hot stove baseball talk; what else are we gonna do until the next Fest?
Why would I talk about baseball on a hot stove??

[Frosty]

Why would I talk about baseball on a hot stove??

errr, wouldn't it be a hot PLATE.

[festivalgirl]

Why would I talk about baseball on a hot stove??

Cooking the 'roids???

(sorry, just watched the latest manny update .... his doctor made him do it :rolleyes:)

[Frosty]

P.S. - why are we still slicing and dicing this topic???

Yeah, let it go people and bring on RUSH!!!

[jazzjones]

P.S. - why are we still slicing and dicing this topic???

because it's there?

[Lit]

It's like hot stove baseball talk; what else are we gonna do until the next Fest?

Why would I talk about baseball on a hot stove??

errr, wouldn't it be a hot PLATE.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_stove_league

[jolie]

Amen, brother. I'd be open to a change of topic . . . I'll get us started - which housewives are more real: New York or Orange County?

Real as in unenhanced? -- definately New York...
BTW.. have you seen the tough biotches from NJ that are comimg up next season?? they scare me.

[Zydekitten]

Real as in unenhanced? -- definately New York...
BTW.. have you seen the tough biotches from NJ that are comimg up next season?? they scare me.
Yeah, they're seriously Sopranoesque!

[dank_bass]

Hey, Prince, Eagles, and if they continue the new annual country act, Kenny Chesney would be fun (Buffet with cowboy boots) and the Dixie Chicks would be good too, I know Amy would kill for that.

I know plenty of dudes on this board who may not admit it, but they would be scrambling front and center for a good view of Christina Aguilera... OINK!!

Actually i could listen to her sing all day, the looks are just a bonus with her. However, the pop crap she sings can take a hike ... i predict her doing more "real" music in the near future ... i mean i think she already has

[Rossvegas]

I think I just threw up in my mouth.



I've admitted it here at least a few times that I think she's got incredible, legitimate talent--musically, that is. I think she could use some image consulting to move gracefully past the skank phases she has gone through while transitioning from teen phenom to young woman, but I would love to hear her perform live, and I've got no problem admitting that. I wouldn't necessarily need a good view (although I wouldn't look away either), but I would want to hear her well. Great pipes. Seriously.

Funny...her skank phase was my favourite phase! :>)

It reminds me of when you meet a woman and she tells you about how she USED to be really promiscuous and have crazy sex until all hours of the morining. Used to. Then she discovered Jeebus. Great. Thanks for that info...

[dank_bass]

Cooking the 'roids???

(sorry, just watched the latest manny update .... his doctor made him do it :rolleyes:)

And he had a chance to appeal it but said "nah" to that, and has been advised not to say anything else regarding it ... but he's innocent, right?

[Zydekitten]

And he had a chance to appeal it but said "nah" to that, and has been advised not to say anything else regarding it ... but he's innocent, right?
Just let Manny be . . . enhanced, I guess.

[festivalgirl]

And he had a chance to appeal it but said "nah" to that, and has been advised not to say anything else regarding it ... but he's innocent, right?

his doctor made him do it .......

now he doesn't need to fake an injury to take a few weeks off .....

how pathetic & greedy have these guys gotten. they're taking female fertility drugs to try to mask the 'roids. imagine manny preggers. :eek:

[dank_bass]

his doctor made him do it .......

now he doesn't need to fake an injury to take a few weeks off .....

how pathetic & greedy have these guys gotten. they're taking female fertility drugs to try to mask the 'roids. imagine manny preggers. :eek:

Hey, he's losing 8 million during his suspension ... can we start a chip-in account for him??

[festivalgirl]

Hey, he's losing 8 million during his suspension ... can we start a chip-in account for him??

i think i just heard ticket sales at dodger stadium crash. that was just after joe torre's head exploded.

[pokerchick66]

"Just like every cowboy slings a big beer bong..."

ROFLMAOOO!

[Zydekitten]

i think i just heard ticket sales at dodger stadium crash. that was just after joe torre's head exploded.
I wish I could feel bad for them, but as a Giants fan - I just don't have it in me . . . sorry.

Schadenfreude is my middle name right now.

[festivalgirl]

I wish I could feel bad for them, but as a Giants fan - I just don't have it in me . . . sorry.

Schadenfreude is my middle name right now.

Nothing to be sorry for ..... I just live here - not a Dodger fan. Certainly not a Manny fan. NL West seems to have become the Baseball Challenged Division.

[Zydekitten]

NL West seems to have become the Baseball Challenged Division.
Boy, ain't THAT the truth! How the mighty have fallen . . . :(

[Cleophus]

I wish I could feel bad for them, but as a Giants fan - I just don't have it in me . . . sorry.

Ha! Same here. :)