New Orleans Jazz Fest 2012

Penny Lane · Dec 20, 2011, 02:22 PM

So this is just dawning on me..the Beale Fest is the weekend before this (during 1st weekend of Jazz Fest) and there is a good possibility MMJ will play this? Where did anyone see/hear this? (or did I imagine this?)

Fully · Dec 20, 2011, 02:55 PM

Somebody posted a link to the Beale Street Music Fest facebook page. I don't remember where, but apparently they have all of the bands that will be on the lineup "liked" which usually means that's who is going to appear. I always thought that this was part of Memphis in May so I thought it was the same weekend as Jazz Fest since that weekend is in May. I could be wrong though. I haven't really researched it.

Sassbox · Dec 20, 2011, 03:05 PM

Quote from: NoVa_NoLa on Dec 19, 2011, 02:28 PM
Tickets for night time shows -- if Pres. Hall does the Midnight Preserves series again and includes MMJ again, tix will be tough to get.

If this does happen again, I WILL get you a ticket this time. So regret that. :'(

Looks like Al Green has been announced as second weekend TBA. Verrrrrrrrry nice.

Fully · Dec 20, 2011, 04:30 PM

Quote from: Sassbox on Dec 20, 2011, 03:05 PM
Quote from: NoVa_NoLa on Dec 19, 2011, 02:28 PM
Tickets for night time shows -- if Pres. Hall does the Midnight Preserves series again and includes MMJ again, tix will be tough to get.

If this does happen again, I WILL get you a ticket this time. So regret that. :'(

Looks like Al Green has been announced as second weekend TBA. Verrrrrrrrry nice.

That is very nice! Al Green has always been on todo list.

Jackets N Pones · Dec 20, 2011, 05:15 PM

Quote from: Penny Lane on Dec 20, 2011, 02:22 PM
So this is just dawning on me..the Beale Fest is the weekend before this (during 1st weekend of Jazz Fest) and there is a good possibility MMJ will play this? Where did anyone see/hear this? (or did I imagine this?)

Beale Street is the second weekend of Jazz Fest next year, May 4-6 (something is up with the Beale Street Website and they still have the 2011 dates up). I talked to Bo after the Houston show and he said they are playing Jazz Fest and Beale Street in 2012. I do not know when the line-up will be announced, but it sounds like they will be playing Jazz Fest and Beale Street back to back, so hopefully (as previously mentioned here) Beale Street comes first to increase our chances of an aftershow in New Orleans!

Sassbox · Dec 20, 2011, 05:45 PM

Quote from: Jackets N Pones on Dec 20, 2011, 05:15 PM
Quote from: Penny Lane on Dec 20, 2011, 02:22 PM
So this is just dawning on me..the Beale Fest is the weekend before this (during 1st weekend of Jazz Fest) and there is a good possibility MMJ will play this? Where did anyone see/hear this? (or did I imagine this?)

Beale Street is the second weekend of Jazz Fest next year, May 4-6 (something is up with the Beale Street Website and they still have the 2011 dates up). I talked to Bo after the Houston show and he said they are playing Jazz Fest and Beale Street in 2012. I do not know when the line-up will be announced, but it sounds like they will be playing Jazz Fest and Beale Street back to back, so hopefully (as previously mentioned here) Beale Street comes first to increase our chances of an aftershow in New Orleans!

Speculation is they're going to close out Acura on Thursday, with ZBB Friday, Eagles on Saturday and Foos on Sunday. I'll be disappointed if they don't make the 50th anny set with PHJB on Sunday, though :'(

Jon T. · Dec 21, 2011, 09:27 AM

Quote from: Sassbox on Dec 20, 2011, 05:45 PM
Quote from: Jackets N Pones on Dec 20, 2011, 05:15 PM
Quote from: Penny Lane on Dec 20, 2011, 02:22 PM
So this is just dawning on me..the Beale Fest is the weekend before this (during 1st weekend of Jazz Fest) and there is a good possibility MMJ will play this? Where did anyone see/hear this? (or did I imagine this?)

Beale Street is the second weekend of Jazz Fest next year, May 4-6 (something is up with the Beale Street Website and they still have the 2011 dates up). I talked to Bo after the Houston show and he said they are playing Jazz Fest and Beale Street in 2012. I do not know when the line-up will be announced, but it sounds like they will be playing Jazz Fest and Beale Street back to back, so hopefully (as previously mentioned here) Beale Street comes first to increase our chances of an aftershow in New Orleans!

Speculation is they're going to close out Acura on Thursday, with ZBB Friday, Eagles on Saturday and Foos on Sunday. I'll be disappointed if they don't make the 50th anny set with PHJB on Sunday, though :'(

Piss. This changes everything. Do you think this is pretty credible speculation? I was looking over some of the VIP packages and one of them said premium seating for the Acura stage. It then listed some the bands that will include. MMJ was not one of them, but it did say "many more". I know that's not much, I was just trying to do some digging.

Sassbox · Dec 21, 2011, 11:18 AM

Makes sense to me that the Eagles and Foos would get the top spots on Saturday and Sunday. I suppose there's a chance MMJ could play Friday, though. Still doesn't bode well for aftershows and such if they're committed to Beale Street. Wilco closed out the Gentilly Stage (2nd largest stage) two years ago. This year, they headlined the Acura Stage (largest) on Thursday, so it would make sense that MMJ follows suit (as they closed Gentilly in 2010).

As an aside, if you'd like my personal opinion, the special JF packages aren't worth the money. The viewing stands aren't that close to the stage, unless you get the one that gets you pit access. Even then, I find them pricey for what you get. You can get relatively close with just a bit of effort.

Jon T. · Dec 21, 2011, 11:29 AM

Quote from: Sassbox on Dec 21, 2011, 11:18 AM
Makes sense to me that the Eagles and Foos would get the top spots on Saturday and Sunday. I suppose there's a chance MMJ could play Friday, though. Still doesn't bode well for aftershows and such if they're committed to Beale Street. Wilco closed out the Gentilly Stage (2nd largest stage) two years ago. This year, they headlined the Acura Stage (largest) on Thursday, so it would make sense that MMJ follows suit (as they closed Gentilly in 2010).

As an aside, if you'd like my personal opinion, the special JF packages aren't worth the money. The viewing stands aren't that close to the stage, unless you get the one that gets you pit access. Even then, I find them pricey for what you get. You can get relatively close with just a bit of effort.

Yeah, but you still get a cool lanyard that says, "look at me, i'm VIP, mofos", right? ;D I was just doing some sleuthing, but I appreciate your opinion, nonetheless.

Your theory makes sense. I just had not even accounted for Thursday to be a possibility. I wasn't planning on going until Friday. How far out do they typically announce times?

Sassbox · Dec 21, 2011, 12:29 PM

I think we usually see the grids in February or March. Don't hold me to that...I usually go every year, both weekends, so I rarely pay attention to the schedule until a few days beforehand ;D

If I were a bettin' woman, I think we're going to see them on Thursday. Don't forget, they closed Gentilly AND did the legendary PH show that same night, so don't discount the aftershow possibility!

NoVa_NoLa · Dec 21, 2011, 12:49 PM

Quote from: Sassbox on Dec 20, 2011, 03:05 PM
Quote from: NoVa_NoLa on Dec 19, 2011, 02:28 PM
Tickets for night time shows -- if Pres. Hall does the Midnight Preserves series again and includes MMJ again, tix will be tough to get.

If this does happen again, I WILL get you a ticket this time. So regret that. :'(

Looks like Al Green has been announced as second weekend TBA. Verrrrrrrrry nice.

Thanks and no worries...it all worked out! I saw another show and got to hang out with you after and got to meet Patrick! Was a solid night! Plus, when I saw the movie...it was like watching a Lila-palooza!!

NoVa_NoLa · Dec 21, 2011, 12:51 PM

Quote from: Jon T. on Dec 21, 2011, 11:29 AM
Quote from: Sassbox on Dec 21, 2011, 11:18 AM
Makes sense to me that the Eagles and Foos would get the top spots on Saturday and Sunday. I suppose there's a chance MMJ could play Friday, though. Still doesn't bode well for aftershows and such if they're committed to Beale Street. Wilco closed out the Gentilly Stage (2nd largest stage) two years ago. This year, they headlined the Acura Stage (largest) on Thursday, so it would make sense that MMJ follows suit (as they closed Gentilly in 2010).

As an aside, if you'd like my personal opinion, the special JF packages aren't worth the money. The viewing stands aren't that close to the stage, unless you get the one that gets you pit access. Even then, I find them pricey for what you get. You can get relatively close with just a bit of effort.

Yeah, but you still get a cool lanyard that says, "look at me, i'm VIP, mofos", right? ;D I was just doing some sleuthing, but I appreciate your opinion, nonetheless.

Your theory makes sense. I just had not even accounted for Thursday to be a possibility. I wasn't planning on going until Friday. How far out do they typically announce times?

LOL...I agree with Sass here. The VIP passes are not worth the money IMO, but if you get to Acura early and squeeze into the pit, you will be up front. The viewing stands are way off to the side...no one would see your cool lanyard. ;)

EasyRyder · Dec 21, 2011, 05:00 PM

The Times Picayune hinted that Foo Fighters are either going to play on Gentilly Saturday or close out Sunday, but the Eagles are confirmed to play May 5th. I really hope Zac Brown Band plays Thursday and MMJ closes out Friday either way.

I'm wondering how the Neville Brothers fall into this. Could they close out the festival?? I'd personally like that a whole lot more than FF finishing off a jazz festival.

Sassbox · Dec 21, 2011, 06:09 PM

I would be SHOCKED if they put Foo Fighters on the Gentilly Stage. Shocked. I think Nevilles will close out Acura as always, but maybe The Eagles will get a longer set a la Neil Young a few years back (I think he got two hours pre-Nevilles).

Jackets N Pones · Dec 21, 2011, 10:08 PM

They should include all-you-can-eat crawfish bread with the VIP pass...

Jane · Dec 22, 2011, 10:35 AM

i booked my flight for friday so i pray to God if they do play on friday its late late. i thought they would play on sat or sunday.

Sassbox · Dec 22, 2011, 11:50 AM

If they close out either stage on Friday, it'll probably be a 5:30 - 7:00 slot (Jazz Fest ends at 7 pm).

Crawfish Strudel > Crawfish Bread :D

Shug · Dec 22, 2011, 04:18 PM

Thanks everyone for the great info, especially those who live in New Orleans. I booked a hotel for Thur - Sun so I've got a place to stay but I can cancel before the end of April without penalty. I'm still not totally sure I'll make it. I think I'll only go if I can be sure to see MMJ at a second show in addition to the festival.

I love New Orleans (have visited twice) but I've never been to Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. I worry a bit that the crowds will be overwhelming. I know having a lot of people celebrating at one time brings a lot of energy and that sounds like it could be a lot of fun if the logistics of being a visitor when its so crowded don't get in the way too much. I usually don't go to music festivals, because I almost always prefer to see the band I came for and then head somewhere more comfortable when its over. Jazz Fest is a little different for me because there are so many bands I'd love to hear and then there is all the local music that I consider a national treasure. The times I've been there not many of these well-known bands were playing or I didn't know where to go to see the really good lesser known bands. It seems visiting during Jazz Fest guarantees that I could hear all the New Orleans music I want. I know this post makes me seem a little stuffy, but I really do love to party, I just like being comfortable while I'm doing it. I can deal with a big crowd for a full day, but probably doing it for several days in a row would be more than I'd want.

If I go, my basic plan is to attend the festival on just the day MMJ plays, and then the other nights see shows in the clubs after the festival is over. From what I've gathered, one can still gorge themselves on music just going to the after-shows. Mostly what I'd like to see is local New Orleans music like Irma Thomas, Funky Meters, Kermit Ruffins, Dirty Dozen, some zydeco, etc. Wouldn't mind seeing stuff like Sharon Jones, Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm, Grace Potter, etc, too.

How crazy-crowded will it be for MMJ's festival set? Would there be a spot with a little bit of space that isn't super far away from the stage?

How realistic is it to expect to see a bunch of the festival acts at the after-shows? Are most of those last minute deals, or is there a schedule announced ahead of time and can you get tickets ahead of time. I know people have kinda answered some of these questions already about hoped-for MMJ after-show, but I'm still wondering about how it works for other after-shows.

Any attempts at trying to answer these questions by folks who know would be really appreciated. Thanks!

EasyRyder · Dec 22, 2011, 05:57 PM

Sounds like a good plan, Shug! There is MUCH more than enough music to feast on after the festival ends each night. I wouldn't worry about that at all.

I was at both of MMJ's shows last year, and at the festival you should be able to find a decent spot relatively close to the stage w/ room to spare. That is if a proportionally sized crowd shows up to the bigger stage this year. The only thing to think about is sound usually bleeds over from other stages if you sit too far away.

Last year I walked up to the Gentilly Stage for the show before MMJ's set and then nudged up to front row for MMJ no problem. I would expect a similar situation this year depending on who will be playing the other stage at the same time.

With regard to the after-shows, a lot of them are announced ahead of time, but there are always impromptu occurrences that materialize out of musicians meeting one another/knowing each other at the fest. Typically you can find tickets to after shows pretty easily (with the exception of Pres. Hall b/c it's so small). I have a feeling this year might be special due to the PHJB Jam that's going to happen during Weekend II. Hopefully in the coming months we'll hear more

Oh and don't worry about the crowds. Jazz Fest is one of the most laid-back and spacious festivals I've been to. Plenty room to sit/lay down/eat/dance/people watch. This year will be a big one, but it really is a comfortable environment. Hope to cross paths, and hope this helped

Shug · Dec 23, 2011, 01:01 PM

Thanks, easyryder for the encouragement! I'd really like my wife to experience New Orleans, and I feel I gotta go to Jazz Fest at least once. What better time than when MMJ is playing. And who knows how long all of this goodness will last? Gotta do the good stuff while its still good. Thanks for helping me decide I'm going to Jazz Fest this year!

And thanks in advance to Penny Lane, NoVa NoLa, Sassbox, etc for PMing those on this thread about MMJ after-party info as it arises. Thank you, good people! :dankk2: :)