The Graying of Jazzfest

[chicagomike]

The "ailment thread" has me thinking. This year I really noticed the aging of the fest crowd. I was 26 when I started attending and there seemed to be a lot of people in my age group. With ticket costs skyrocketing, are we going to lose that youthful element that helps keep Jazzfest vibrant ? We know its still the best deal in town but that is alot of money for most young people. I always envisioned Jazzfest as a place that really had a wide age range. Now it seems like the 20-somethings are not attending like they once did. What effect may this have on the future of Jazzfest?

[Moon]

I'm more concerned about my JazzFest budget than the yutes'. I think we can safely expect JF costs to continue climbing. I'm grateful Shell stepped up and based on everything I've read, the Shell guy is a model corporate citizen but the reality is, those folks expect a return on their investment over time. Big Chief, Grand Marshall, and Mighty Cootie Py O packages are going to become more common.

[Staxsun]

I have noticed that all my friends have gotten much older since I've been attending Jazzfest. Whazzupwiddat? I'm older, and it's tough for me to afford to go. I can't imagine being in my twenties and finding enough money to do it. As long as I can hang with the lady dancing in Economy Hall who has been doing it as least as long as I've been festing, I'll be there.

[Frosty]

I saw tons of young people. I think it is all where you hang out. Billy Joel and Sheryl Crow will bring older audiences than Dave Matthews and the Raconteurs. I tend to hang out where the older crowds go but walking the track, there are plenty of young people.

[jazzykeb]

Were you there second weekend Mike? I saw a lot 20 somethings. A lot of grey too, but a lot of mix. Regardless there were plenty of people grey or not.

[swag]

Originally Posted by Frosty

I saw tons of young people. I think it is all where you hang out. Billy Joel and Sheryl Crow will bring older audiences than Dave Matthews and the Raconteurs. I tend to hang out where the older crowds go but walking the track, there are plenty of young people.

When I finally ventured out into the downpour to catch the last 45 minutes of Billy Joel's set, I remember being surprised how young the crowd was.

(Though I suspect that was a factor of the weather, as much as anything else...)

[Moon]

Originally Posted by Staxsun

I have noticed that all my friends have gotten much older since I've been attending Jazzfest. Whazzupwiddat? I'm older, and it's tough for me to afford to go. I can't imagine being in my twenties and finding enough money to do it. As long as I can hang with the lady dancing in Economy Hall who has been doing it as least as long as I've been festing, I'll be there.

I hear ya brother. When I started Festing back in the mid-80s, tickets were $10 in advance, $12 at the gate. Beer was $2 and t-shirts were $10. Our $49 a night room was split 4 ways. About the only thing that hasn't gone up astronomically are the CD prices at LMF.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Moon

I hear ya brother. When I started Festing back in the mid-80s, tickets were $10 in advance, $12 at the gate. Beer was $2 and t-shirts were $10. Our $49 a night room was split 4 ways. About the only thing that hasn't gone up astronomically are the CD prices at LMF.

I wonder how airfares compare? That is far more of an expense for many than the actual tickets.

[mwgirlonherown]

I was surprised to see how young the crowd was at John Prine.
I didn't think anyone under the age of 45 knew about our mailman from Maywood. Very cool!

The night shows definitely had a younger feel to them.

[mariena]

My two stepdaughters wanted to come, but costs wouldn't let them. We would have helped them some, but it is not cheap to do Jazzfest. That being said, I did notice a lot of youths there.